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Alfa Romeo Junior (2009)

By Ben Pulman

Spy shots

11 March 2008 12:59

Do Punto underpinnings mean Punto power for the Alfa Junior?

Oh yes. Expect the range to start with a 95bhp 1.4-litre petrol and a 130bhp 1.9-litre diesel. We’re not expecting the smaller 1.3-litre diesel to appear: this is a supermini, and an Alfa one at that.

The rest of the range will be powered by a turbocharged version of the 1.4-litre petrol. Fiat currently offers that engine in 120, 135, 155 and 178bhp forms, across the 500 and Punto ranges. There’s no word yet on which variations will appear in the Alfa, but expect the 178bhp engine to top the range.

Whether that car will be badge GTA is another matter. Rumours have been coming out of Turin that a 230bhp car could take on the Mini JCW. But whether the 1.4-litre could take the power remains to be seen: the Grande Punto Abarth SS upgrade to 178bhp only comes with a 20,000km warranty.

Will Alfa really call this car Junior?

Maybe. An internet vote was held to find a name, but the winner – Furiosa – doesn’t seem to have found much favour in Turin. We’ll find out for certain come the autumn of 2008.

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john156 says

Where do i sign!

Thats great news that they are official images..... I would love a 159Ti but being a 2 car family and with my wife haveing a big car and me doing very few miles this is a very attractive option, please, please ,let me be able to get the child seats in the back!

14 March 2008 10:01

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courtster says

Official Images

Those images, although photoshops, are official. Fiat have been doing the same for a while now - when the announced the Abarth Grande Punto the official images were photoshops too. Here's the press release: http://www.alfaromeopress.com/index.php?l=2&group=3&method=news&action=zoom&id=20080313162854f92fddb064744e0b4ca4bf7fb3bfeddb

14 March 2008 09:31

john156 says

Old news and stereoptypes

First off I have to say I have a lot of respect for the journalism on Car and the scoop storys we occasionally get, but in this case you seem to be a bit behind the times.... images like these have been circulating for quite a while and today I have looked on the following link http://www.progetto955.it/index.php/alfa-romeo-mito-le-foto-ufficiali/ (italian site devoted to new MiTo)to see what they are claiming as official first pictures.They still look a bit too photoshop for me though. I suppose we will have to wait until Tuesday for the reall thing! Please please please can we drop the stereotypes! I agree with the others its getting ridiculous now, a certain Mr Clarkson doesnt help either although he does temper that with the fact he also likes them! My 156 has now done 158k miles and doesnt rattle, smoke or have less bits atttatched to it when i get to my destination (and is still a joy to drive).

14 March 2008 08:35

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japes says

Stereotypes

Must say I agree with you Courtster - there are some very boring steroetypes that are always rolled out. One being 'German' reliability and build quality...but VW nad Merc seem to consistently perform very badly, and come below Citroen most of the time, in the surveys. Lets have a fresh approach - don't be the pub bore with all the opinions but nothing new to say.

12 March 2008 12:54

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wittgenfrog says

Yes, kill the stereotypes...

I have to agree with Alesi that Italian cars are no-longer the rusty, cramped, unreliable creatures of yore. Let's not forget that MOST cars produced in the 1970's shared these characteristics. No Italian car that I've driven over the last 20-odd years has the "classic" 'long arms short legs' driving position (I'm 6' 2"). I must admit an interest in that I've driven mainly Fiats during the last 20 years and none has ever broken down or suffered any kind of problem cuasing me inconvenience at all. I have always paid top-dollar to have them dealer-serviced and that service has been excellent (family dealership in West Wales), so good dealers can be found.... My current Panda 1.3 TD does 26,000 miles a year (3 years old nearly) and has never missed a beat, is solidly built and returns 55mpg. I see no reason why a Fiat-derived Alfa should be worse......

12 March 2008 12:43

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