Alfa Romeo’s Junior electric crossover is now on sale in hot Veloce guise, delivering up to 280hp of power.

The Junior Veloce is the most powerful version of the brand’s first electric car

The most powerful version of the brand’s first electric car joins the £33,895 Elettrica entry level model and the £35,695 Speciale launch edition that arrived this summer, both with 156hp, and is priced from £42,295.

Previously named Milano but rebranded to avoid political confrontation, Alfa Romeo’s Junior EV sits on Stellantis’ e-CMP platform used for other group models such as the Jeep Avenger and Peugeot e-2008.

The Junior Veloce version has been developed to “bring the Alfa Romeo DNA” to the brand’s first electric car and, powered by a 280hp electric motor delivering 345Nm of torque, is said to represent the “epitome of Italian sportiness”.

It also benefits from a limited-slip differential, 25mm lower suspension and upgraded brakes to give it claimed best-in-class handling, road feel and overall driving dynamics.

The Junior Veloce is provisionally rated for a range of up to 215 miles, subject to final homologation, and can charge from 20-80% in under 30 minutes using a 100kW rapid charger.

Specification builds on the standard Junior Elettrica with 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, bi-colour black roof, dark-tinted rear windows, red painted brake calipers and sports styling kit with a diamond black version of the ‘Scudetto’ grille. Inside, there’s a vinyl and fabric six-way electrically operated driver’s seat with massage function, leather steering wheel, sports pedals and kick plates as standard.

Two option packs are also available: Technology and Sport. Features in the Technology pack include Level 2 autonomous driving, hands-free electric tailgate, LED matrix lights and connected navigation with virtual assistant. Sport pack comes with Sabelt seats, Alcantara upholstery and sporty exterior features.

Alfa Romeo has also confirmed the Junior Ibrida will go on sale in the UK, featuring the same mild hybrid powertrain as other Stellantis models such as the Peugeot 3008 and 5008. This teams up a 136hp petrol engine with a 48V lithium-ion battery and a six-speed dual-clutch electrified gearbox that features an integrated 29hp electric motor to enhance efficiency. It’s capable of all-electric driving when parking, at low speeds and when the engine is under light load.