Meet Alfa's First EV: The Most Controversial Car Of The Year

Jack takes a look around the first ever electric Alfa Romeo: a car which, in its first few days on this planet, succeeded in irritating the Italian government so much that it was forced to change its name. Controversy aside, could this be one of the most exciting and desirable new EVs of the year?
00:00 intro
00:58 Many siblings!
2:05 Walkaround
5:40 The big controversy
6:52 Performance, handling, specs
9:12 Interior
11:30 Back seats
12:10 Excited!
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#alfaromeo #milano #junior #stellantis #jeep #vauxhall #fiat #electriccar #ev #electricvehicles #battery #cleanenergy

[@JamesScholesUK]

It's fun to play "spot the Milano" as the video goes from B-roll to A-roll and back

[@JackScarlett1]

When I say they changed the plates midway through the day I mean it very literally 😂

[@thereverendsam413]

After you said that, I couldn't stop noticing it

[@Harrythehun]

Alfa Warszawa is the new name!

[@przemysawhojowski6776]

Well said! In fact the factory is in the Polish city of Tychy. So in Poland we say that the new name for this car should be Tychiano. Just like Alfa MiTo (Milano+Torino).

[@gaycha6589]

Ferrari Daytona, Ferrari Roma, Lancia Monte Carlo all just left the chat. 🎉🎉🎉

[@matteocristini6221]

"Road holding" is probably just a direct translation of the italian "tenuta di strada", yes we literally say that good cars hold the road well over here.

[@635574]

Sticking to the road seems a bit long of a phrase to them?

[@asmoth360]

We french have the exact same expression : "tenue de route" :)

[@peakproofuk]

“Road holding” is used in the U.K. a lot too! Pretty common phrase.

[@lureup9973]

In the city of Blanchester we say “she grabs the black like a spade on a Jack!”

[@aldobonaso3481]

yeah I don't know why he picked on that phrase, it's a pretty common phrase in English. Probably does come from Italian or French though, as a lot of English phrases do. I do approve of his "perfetto" though 😅

[@richardjohnson5529]

Jack all cars look small with you standing next to it.

[@thereverendsam413]

I bloody love this about Jack. I'm 6'3, so I know that if he fits comfortably in a car, so will I.

[@anomuumit]

The styling is nice, but it would look even better as a proper hatchback instead of an small SUV.

[@wescoleman6390]

Behind every decent "performance crossover", there is an even better hot hatch. Or at least there should be. It is a crime against motoring that the Macan doesn't have a non-lifted, non-soccermom version.

[@jamespaul2587]

It is a proper hatchback rather than a bloated crossover

[@metricstormtrooper]

Yeah but WHY another crossover instead of a Hatchback

[@jamespaul2587]

@metricstormtrooper it's not a crossover. It is a hatchback

[@Paul-bm1so]

I’m sure there’ll be a hatchback down the track, they’ve said as much.

[@Kookanoodles]

The platform is shared with the Peugeot E-2008, not E-3008.

[@Robert-cu9bm]

Only just started and I thought Mazda mx30.

[@willielarsson9651]

Stellantis cars are like the same person wearing five different coats... but basically they are they same person underneath

[@duncannicol]

Loved my Alfa 156 back in the day and so this new electric Alfa promises to renew my interest. Can’t wait for the road review. Bring it on!

[@weeblewonder]

Physical buttons?? Hallelujah! But it's so sad to me when interiors take up so much space in the center console under the arm rest, with low frequency controls rather than convenience like cup holders and storage.

[@universeisundernoobligatio3283]

Physical buttons for those who like lots of lights buttons and switches.

[@25Wineman]

Jack used to work at Top Gear. As Richard Hammond has said "You have to love an Alfa it's the law".😂

[@moonkeis]

Owned a Giulia for a few years, it's true. I really enjoyed my time with the car, was so drive centric.

[@vp1xel687]

this car is the only hate exception

[@alexis1959]

My favourite variant of the Stellantis platform. As for the model name, it brings back so many memories growing up in an Alfa family in Cyprus with mum owning a Giulia, stepfather owning an Alfetta and older brother a Junior GTA in the mid 70s with the Giugiaro designed "Junior GTA" a favourite.

[@jamespaul2587]

It looks more like a hot hatch than a Crossover, which is rare these days and a very good thing

[@tomsdaddy]

I've only ever had one Alfa, a very old 33, which was only ever slightly quicker than walking, but could still beat my brother's MG Maestro, which was all that mattered, - and I can't wait to have a go in this electric one, - love it ! 😎

[@JohnBatty]

Interesting. I too had a 33. Maybe because it was the green cloverleaf model, but it smoked my friends' GTI and Uno turbo if the roads had any corners. So basically everywhere except the M1.

[@Fireflylanterns]

Jack Scarlett has to be one of the best car reviewers of present times. Knowledgable , interesting but above all not full of stupid macho nonsense. Into cars but not silly and childish about pointless facts and figures that won’t matter. Glad fully charges have been able to retain him and hope it continues.

[@gordonnicol9542]

Absolutely agree with you Firefly. Jack is one of the most listenable presenters. He's got charm, wit, bags of common sense and has this general ikeability : ) As always grrreat job Jack !

[@EugeneLambert]

Agreed. Great turn of phrase too, witty and intelligent reviewing.

[@t1n4444]

😂😂😂😂 I take it you're Jack's cheerleaders, then. Jack's a perfectly satisfactory professional presenter which is just as well seeing it's his job. He'll be just as capable when he is extolling the virtues of hydrogen powered vehicles or ammonia powered vehicles, whether they be fuel cells or modified head ICE vehicles. Ditto Imogen, who appears to have got herself stuck on heat exchanger stuff as we type. She must be bored witless by now. You should understand both Imogen and Jack are presenters/interviewers first and foremost. They present "whatever" or produce videos to earn their crust.

[@Fireflylanterns]

@@t1n4444 I didn’t ask or need a lesson on what presenters do. Thanks though.

[@t1n4444]

​@@Fireflylanterns We'll be the best judge of that, and no mistake.

[@Hacker4748]

40000 € for the standard version, 50000 € for the Veloce, and a 50 kWh battery. The design is beautiful, but that pricing is unreasonable.

[@t1n4444]

Wait a year plus the introduction of the BMW hydrogen fuel cell cars then you won't be able to give them away or get more than a fiver part ex. Just a case of waiting.

[@Hacker4748]

@@t1n4444 I'll bite. Huh?

[@alfonsotatto8365]

@@t1n4444 there already are hydrogen cars on the market and they are by far less efficient than ICEs and BEVs

[@VampirusX]

"The most controversial car of the year" Cybertruck: Hold my beer Or: Cybertruck: "Am I a joke to you?" YES YES YES

[@MrFlyingguy]

always a pleasure listening to this raconteur

[@marktoby8113]

Love it love it love it! If this undercuts the Avenger this is going to be incredible. I want one. Hopefully this will be Alfa number 7 for me!

[@PauloSilva-ui8gp]

Alfa should make a press release and send it to all car "journalists" teaching them that the snake is not eating a man, but the man is exiting of the snake...

[@warburgaby]

oh yes Paulo ☺👍

[@hishamg]

That means he’s already eating the man then vomited him back up! 😄

[@igorloncar8154]

@@hishamg hahahaha!

[@Weekender83]

@@hishamg 😅😅

[@jvoric]

Those rear lights remind me of the Kia EV6 ones.

[@pauldempsey4981]

Reminds you of a KIA, but not the rear spoiler on the rear end of the Alfasud TI?

[@alexa.6316]

I would say they look more like the MG4 rear lights

[@pauldempsey4981]

@@alexa.6316 I'm guessing you didn't google an image of the rear view of an Alfasud TI.

[@adamcole4808]

Good to see you back Jack!

[@paolopetrozzi2213]

An interesting description of the car. Thanks. BTW, that GTA at 8:30 is wonderful!

[@hazbear01]

Let's list all of its siblings. Citroën e-C4, DS 3 e-tense, Peugeot e-208, Peugeot e-2008, Vauxhall Corsa e, Vauxhall Mokka e, Jeep Avenger, Fiat 600e. Any more?

[@t1n4444]

No. Sadly they'll all be in the EU scrapyards soon what with the German BMW led hydrogen fuel cell cars arriving by this Christmas coming. RIP batteries.

[@bencebekefi7032]

Lancia Ypsilon and C4X

[@mlsasd6494]

@@t1n4444 on the list of hydrogen uses, personal vehicles really arent high. So far noone was able to illustrate how hydrogen supply should be managed imo.

[@Tobi-ln9xr]

Vauxhall is Opel. Opel are just sold under a different name in the UK.

[@hazbear01]

@@t1n4444 Haha! Oh, you're serious? No. Hydrogen isn't going anywhere. You've been fooled by the big oil shills trying to sell hydrogen as an alternative because hydrogen is mostly made from fossil fuels.

[@rendaddy_]

love how some of the B-roll still has Milano badging ha

[@TerryHickey-xt4mf]

obviously, Jack said that literally a few minutes before they ripped off that name and replaced with a junior.

[@rendaddy_]

@@TerryHickey-xt4mf yes, I have watched the video, I am simply pointing out a funny thing

[@winfriedtheis5767]

I thought Jack would just lend Nicola from Electrifying to demonstrate the room on back bench behind him…

[@josephmiller5429]

Stellantis has a platform with all these models already shipping in Europe but not a single model in North America, all we get is the Fiat 500e that most people here really don't want. This is the platform we need here.

[@ugolattanzio9152]

Not even here people want the 500e, none of these shitty ass cars are desired

[@chriswallace5068]

Can see some really nice nods to the classic Alfa’s of yesteryear. Looking forward to a full review, and to seeing it in the metal!

[@itaholic902]

Beautiful car, both from the outside (but with the mesh grille) and from the inside (especially with the bucket Sabelt seats). It really stands out from the rest of its class (VW T-cross, Audi Q2, Jeep Avenger, Fiat 600, Lexus LBX, ...). It would definitely be my choice if I needed a small crossover.

[@philipsykes4413]

Such dedication to making these videos stylish with red and black shirt matching the car 😅

[@drelli441]

Great looking car, even though the backseat is small. Hope it’ll be available in the US. 🤞🏼

[@ThoughtfulAl]

EVs are starting to become more interesting to me. I really like the design of this one. Wish my brother could have seen it, he had 4 different Alfas over the years

[@lytatroan]

I don't hate the Junior. It's kinda growing on me but if they marketed it as an electric hot-hatch and made the grill less "tiny" and made it in Italy I'd like it more

[@justinstephenson9360]

If it comes in at £32,000 for decent trim level then it deserves to sell subject to one big caveat - range. At that price it is competing with the MG4 and BYD Dolphin and it has to match or beat them in more than just looks

[@pascalejacquelinepetit5131]

Love the commentary of my favourite marquee, and I love the statement " we could all do with a bit more excitement". EVs are boring to look at, so great to see comments on its aesthetics. Still love the humourous discussion.

[@enisra_bowman]

i wonder how the Logo Grill would look if it's in chrome or body colour otherwise it feels as if the part was glued on or "somebody forgot to smooth it out", as if it wasn't part of the original design

[@eddyeffendy_]

i really love the grill design!

[@Eric-qi9us]

Good that they got the most important thing right: The wheels.

[@t1n4444]

Crikey yes! Do NOT forget to put on wheels, preferably at the corners.

[@robertpawley5715]

You even pronounced perfetto, perfettamente. Good review Jack!

[@MorrisTart]

Proper steering wheel, physical buttons, non-intrusive screen are good. The seats are daft and assume so much about who will be sitting in them.

[@origin178]

Does this Veloce model come with a spare wheel for when those flimsy alloys hit a UK-spec pothole?

[@majesticjavelin9393]

Interesting video! Thank you for show casing the Alfa 😊 First time watching your channel. A few points that have peaked my curiosity. 1) Are you really tall or is the Alfa rather small? 😄 Abit of both I reckon. 2) It would be nice if manufacturers started including adjustable rear seats. I’m not talking about massive adjustment but just enough to help taller people. Will also help with installing child seats. 3) Alfas generally have minimal amount of options (Extras) compared to their German cousins. With Alfa using more of parts from their group, hopefully they can include a healthy amount of options.

[@skierpage]

11:53 "I'm very tall." If all car reviewers aren't going to be the identical 180 cm height, we need a standard size-representing object to communicate how big cars are, like CDs used to be for tabletop goods. "A bit," a lot, a little, a tad are all two words.

[@toyotaprius79]

1:15 you completely forgot about the Citroën ëC4!

[@mthraves]

.... and the DS3 Crossback

[@Stephenb033]

And the Mokka

[@nittimardjan2975]

Really nice car. Hope you are right about the price level! Excellent video, solid content, thanks.

[@mercator79]

Love the design but dubious of Stellantis quality

[@Fabulousprofound168]

The words “Stellantis” and “quality” in the same sentence could not be any more contradictory 🙅‍♂️

[@markbennett6658]

It looks better including the grille without that dark moody lighting that was used for Alfa’s own press release footage. Probably the most interesting and appealing of its siblings. We have a Peugeot e-2008 and I’m also a fan of the Jeep but this one has got my attention. Clarkson once said (or maybe May) you’ve got to own at least one Alfa Romeo before you die so I’m definitely keeping my eye on this, particularly the Veloce version!

[@MathsYknow]

I assume the Top Gear guys were referring to Alfas made before platform sharing and drivetrain sharing, before emissions and safety regulations constraining the designers etc. All EVs are basically the same. Bah humbug. ;)

[@markbennett6658]

@@MathsYknow well there’s been plenty of platform sharing for a long time and all those constraints with ICE cars too. As well as having a Peugeot e-2008 I’ve also test driven a Vauxhall Mokka e. The two cars actually have quite different driving dynamics and steering feel. So it may be possible for Alfa to sprinkle a little magic on their iteration? We’ll have to see when the Milano/Junior is out in the wild? I have a feeling May might be a little more sympathetic than Clarkson!

[@jorgeg162]

It's a bad example, I'm sure JC wasn't referring to a peugeot rebranded as Alfa...

[@nickthegun]

I know they are all the same platform but if I take my glasses off, this really does look exactly like my Mokka-E. And if its anything like the Mokka, you won't want the more powerful one if you want anything like useful range.

[@konliner9286]

Anyone knows the brand of his polo shirt ?

[@fpeverini]

Really well presented. This car is growing on me. I like it.

[@handsofdoubt31]

The front "grille" looks like most of it has been stolen.

[@aye3678]

It is hideous, isn't it, lol

[@dreese4277]

🤣 Indeed

[@TerryHickey-xt4mf]

a shame, should have just stuck to a normal looking one.

[@maikydb]

As usual the Jack test told me enough hehehe.

[@AdamCimarosti]

"Road holding" is a literal translation of "tenuta di strada" which is how we tend to refer to grip in Italian.

[@Renzsu]

Looks alright, better than the first impressions I got from the press photos. The front is too messy though, and I bet none of that grille is actually a grille. The wheels are cool, but the tiny brake disks look a bit comical. It looks a lot more sporty than it probably is.

[@josh.h4196]

If it comes in under 1400kg, 240 brake will be more than fast enough, that's GTI Clubsport territory with a lot more torque...

[@Ian_Woods]

Another JackAd

[@paulbiemmi7784]

I find it interesting that no one has noticed, mentioned or criticised the platform sharing VW...Audi..Skoda..SEAT...Etc. Once again we are seeing an attempt to rubbish Alfa at the introduction of a new model...remember the Giulia not safe saga? The term Junior is a connection to the past. Can't wait to see it in the flesh. I wish the rear door handles were better integrated like the Giuletta and 156. (Looks a little Toyota) Thanks for the review.

[@rellohz2755]

Those wheels on a Giulia would be satisfying imo 🔥

[@pietrodania8064]

7:49 "Road Holding" is the english for "Tenuta di Strada", at least by the translation skills of the average italian! 🤣🤣🤣

[@allenmontrasio8962]

Do we *need* 20" wheels on what in practice is a city car? Bad ride, 1.200 € tyre changes and inevitabile damage to the rims when you kerb them.

[@danielmadar9938]

Thanks

[@shaurus68]

Ah Alfa that renowned marque for reliable Italian electrics

[@garage6346]

It's french electrics Here. OK, doesn't make it better 😂

[@richardbryant8367]

I came looking for this comment... I was not disappointed 😂

[@andrewtorrens947]

It's polish actually!!!

[@malthuswasright]

Good point. I've owned 3 Italian cars - 2 Fiat, one Alfa, and electrics haven't been a strong point of any of them. On my Alfa (and the Fiat Strada I had) the fan "breathes" in sync with the indicators. The idea of an Italian EV is suddenly more problematic.

[@John.0z]

@@andrewtorrens947 Well actually it's french; made in Poland - with an Italian name? And sharing all but the body shape with a vast range of very similar cars, yet it is still supposed to be a real Alfa? Talk about a terminal case of identity confusion.

[@Yanquetino]

Loved the look of my 1994 Alfa Romeo Spider. Too bad it was always breaking down. Hopefully, those problems will remain in the past by transitioning to an EV drivetrain. Unfortunately… we'll never see it on this side of the pond.

[@mortensidel]

Whoa, Alfas don't break down, they stop to be admired ;)

[@oexplorador6840]

That's a renault with the alfa badge, is it just me?

[@garage6346]

No, it's a Peugeot with the Alfa bdge

[@mauriziolagaxio4954]

True is a WC Made by Peugeot in Poland

[@Paul-bm1so]

That’s right and why I didn’t understand the negative reaction about using the name Junior- it’s literally their baby hatch

[@nz_sailor]

That's gorgeous. Well done.

[@Nikoo033]

03:00 extend those arrows on both sides, this is not 4.17 m 😂

[@JeroenHuijsinga]

That shirt fits the car and the show well.

[@Mikael2650]

The looks are amazing 🤩

[@EugeneLambert]

Slobber, that's a lovely looking car. Always liked Alfas and owned two, both of which I loved. Tempted.

[@taxsi]

In every back seats' leg room evaluation of Jack's reviews; it must be written on the screens that he is 2 metres tall. and than a 1.75 person should sit on the back seats when the driver's seat is adjusted for this "normal" person.

[@16jocko]

Did a good job of the review, Jack. Keep them up!

[@dreese4277]

An electric Alfa Spider 124 and/or 4C would be nice, though I guess that would be a ways in the future because current battery packs are too big for a suitable range.

[@gordonross7638]

Looks really nice

[@Trashed20659]

Be a great "bit of kit" to check out if they would just ship a few across the pond!

[@johnnyonline]

During your whole spiel I couldn't help but hear the ghost of Jeremy Clarkson in your quips and delivery. For a while now I've thought of Fully Charged as the spiritual successor to Top Gear in the electric age so it was nice to hear you name-check them at the 12 minute mark. And yes I am aware both Clarkson and TG still exist in some form but they are no longer plugged into the zeitgeist, whereas Jack and Fully Charged certainly are.

[@fezabaydur2821]

Beautiful car

[@nonyanks2510]

I like it, nice look, really like the interior, overall nice!

[@patrickt3632]

This new Alpha reminds me of a VinFast car, looking forward to see the price though. Hopefully, with this Alpha will churn up a new little 2 seater EV sport car in the future.

[@markiliff]

±7:50 It were allus called roadholding when I were a lad, young'un

[@bullibeez7675]

Great work you should host Top Gear I was not interested in this Alfa at all. Now I want purchase 2 of them.

[@reginald7214]

Is Elliot going to review the xiaomi su7? Is he attending the beijing car show coming up?

[@JackScarlett1]

He is indeed

[@reginald7214]

@@JackScarlett1 thanks!

[@geirmyrvagnes8718]

Can you imagine the moaning if a certain American brand unveiled a vehicle with panels lining up like at 7:57? Since we are not speaking of them, they will be unveiling the actually most controversial car of the year in August. This, except in the eyes of some Italian bureaucrats, is a nice enough.

[@Roko-jb5hl]

99% of Tesla hate is from lefties who hailed Musk as a savior until he took away one of their favorite propaganda machines and didn’t bow to the trans depopulation agenda. I want an electric car due to low maintenance. But for a large swath of people, it’s a political topic.

[@MrAdopado]

it's just the look of the clam shell bonnet/hood ... Fiesta was the same ... and all similar designs ... not wild about them myself

[@geirmyrvagnes8718]

@@MrAdopado Now that you mention it, think about what it covers. A small box for your charging cables and a washer fluid filler cap. That is it under normal operations. Sure, if bad things have happened, you (or a qualified mechanic) dig deeper down under there, but in everyday life that is just... car parts bolted together... and not especially pretty ones.

[@MrAdopado]

@@geirmyrvagnes8718 Teslas have lots of space in the front for more than a cable and they don't use a clam shell design ... it's just a design choice. I do like the hatchback design of the Alfa over all.

[@geirmyrvagnes8718]

@@MrAdopado I don't hate the looks of it, as such. You just got me thinking about what is actually under that whole thing. 😄

[@rodmitchell831]

Looks Awesome

[@richardgrumbine4867]

Can't say I love the look... but I love the idea...

[@nature-4-all]

Just a small request the next time FCS reviews a micro electric car. Could you please test whether the micro car can drive up steep inclines? Like, say, a 23% slope? That's how steep my driveway is. None of the reviews of micro electric cars I've seen so far has tested their climbing abilities. Thanks in advance.

[@navithefairy]

And it still has an ENGINE START button LOL

[@cannavaras]

Engine - Noun: a machine with moving parts that converts power into motion.

[@JohnR31415]

@@cannavarasmotor only needs one moving part ;)

[@aleksandrsirenko9887]

There is also hybrid version… But where is DNA switch ? They just took Stellantis driving mode selector…

[@paulratnage2663]

Really like the design of the junior(Milano) totally different to most. Was hoping that Alfa would being out a new Mito but if the junior is on the corsa/208 platform do not think that a new Mito would be in the pipeline. Will look at one when released but will wait for secondhand as will let someone else lose the huge depreciation values at present market rates. Hats of to Alfa for the new junior, looking forward to your driving review. Keep up the great work.

[@tommasosquarzoni8614]

Looking Stunning

[@florianalexander9183]

Wished for rear wheel drive

[@thegerman3480]

Work of Art!

[@sevnpicoferro5352]

The car was interesting to me, to replace my e-up. But in the moment you showed the insufficient rear seat space, the deal was broken.

[@martythemartian99]

Not sure about Jr. as a name. We have a vibrant Italian community here in Australia, so why not call it the Adelaide (Adeladio, Adeladia?) 😵‍💫

[@VicMorrowsGhost]

Every car on the road since the 70's has had a kamm tail. Odd thing to put in the advertising. It's just the little kick they put on the trailing edge of the car, like a spoiler, to help separate the airflow from the car.

[@alainespourteille6101]

I think it's a great addition to the Alfa Stable of cars.

[@paolopetrozzi2213]

"Ingress". I find that "posh word" much nicer and more elegant than "door hole".

[@PaulHo]

If Jack's not in it, I don't want it!

[@charlieverity5405]

This guy is a great reviewer, but if the camera guy / crew could generally not film him from a low catwalk-show angle I would be great, as it makes the car look like a toy. 😆 One realises he's tall - that's the point being made. That camera style is also not good for showing the size of a car even with somebody under 6 foot, but this issue is further exacerbated with this presenter. Anyway, good stuff as usual. Had a few Alfas, looking forward to seeing one of these in the metal.

[@bentp4891]

I don't hate it. I don't hate it at all. Hope it comes in under £30,000

[@nico9teen]

This looks just amazing ❤

[@DjVendetta]

Those wheels are gorgeous!!! The rest of it is ok.

[@kaydesign]

Very fine designed Alfa. Bella! 🇮🇹⚡️

[@bobsingeton2719]

On looks alone... ♥♥♥

[@Madigman]

after first hating the leaked pictures I now have to say, that I absolutely love this car