Is an all-wheel-drive gadget coming for the Alfa Romeo Junior?

Alfa Romeo introduces its all-wheel-drive technology Q4 to the compact SUV Junior Ibrida, a choice of questionable usefulness.

A few weeks after its debut at the Brussels Motor Show 2025, the Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4 arrives on the French market. This all-wheel-drive version expands the lineup by offering an automated management of the rear axle thanks to the in-house technology “Power Looping.” While the promise of increased safety in slippery conditions may be appealing, the positioning of the Junior, a city-oriented SUV, raises questions about the relevance of this feature.

All-wheel drive offers a real advantage for sporty or off-road models, where it enhances traction and stability in demanding contexts. The Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida is frankly neither, and this addition seems more to serve performance in acceleration rather than genuine traction optimization. Alfa Romeo emphasizes safety and control, but in reality, it’s hard to see what this will achieve beyond providing increased grip for quick starts.

The system, although sophisticated, is mainly aimed at urban users who are unlikely to encounter extreme conditions where all-wheel drive excels. The “Q4” mode automatically engages both axles at low speeds or in case of reduced grip, but its usefulness remains marginal for daily city driving.

An unjustifiable added cost

Priced from €37,000, representing an additional €2,500 compared to the two-wheel-drive version, the Junior Ibrida Q4 includes extra features such as 18-inch wheels and driving aids. While these elements can enrich the experience, they struggle to compensate for the limited benefit of all-wheel drive in this segment.

By introducing this Q4 variant, Alfa Romeo seems to aim at broadening the appeal of its Junior lineup without truly meeting the expectations of its target audience. Instead of being an essential tool, all-wheel drive becomes a marketing argument here, offering a marginal improvement in driving dynamics at a significant price. For an SUV primarily designed for urban use, the Q4 appears more as a technological demonstration than a necessary evolution.

Ultimately, the Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4, although technically sophisticated, embodies a more ambitious approach than a relevant one. If you’re looking for an off-road or sporty vehicle, the electric version will happily meet your expectations.

READ ALSO: The Alfa Romeo Junior Speciale electric €250/month