Alfa Junior to take first steps

The wait is nearly over! Alfa Romeo will unveil its eagerly anticipated Junior at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and it’s set to arrive in dealers before the end of next year.

It will share underpinnings with the Fiat Grande Punto, but gets stunning bodywork inspired by Alfa’s 8C supercar, as confirmed by sketches we revealed earlier this year.

The traditional shield-shape grille will dominate the nose, flanked by sleek, projector-style lights. Flagship models get a panoramic glass roof, while performance versions feature a sporty air scoop on the bonnet.

Engine options will include a 1.4-litre petrol turbo and a frugal 1.6-litre Multijet diesel, while there will also be a hot GTA model. The latter will target the Audi S3, with power from a 230bhp unit. It could even benefit from the Q4 all-wheel-drive set-up, with lesser models getting the Q2 limited slip differential to improve traction. The Junior will herald a flurry of fresh Alfas, with replacements for the 147 and 166, plus a new crossover, arriving by 2010. Prices for the Junior have yet to be confirmed, but are set to start at around £13,000.