The new entry-level Alfa Romeo, positioned below the Tonale and offering both EV and PHEV options, is set to launch next year
December 7, 2023 at 07:27
Update: Alfa Romeo has confirmed the upcoming sub-compact SUV’s name through a cheeky post on X, formerly Twitter. The 15-second-long animation scrolls through four different GPS map coordinates, including Alfa Romeo’s Museo Storico (museum), their Balocco Proving Grounds, the Stelvio Pass, before stopping at the Brenner Pass or Brennero Pass, effectively revealing the new model’s name. (12/7)
Alfa Romeo is poised to enter the world of electric vehicles with the introduction of a new sub-compact SUV, slated for release in 2024. Named the Brennero, it will occupy a position below the Tonale in Alfa Romeo’s lineup, serving as the new entry-level model in the range. It effectively steps into the role of a successor – albeit indirectly- to the long-discontinued B-segment MiTo supermini, offering additional practicality through a taller five-door body style/
As the launch date approaches, we have gathered all the available information about the upcoming entry-level model that will share its foundations with other Stellantis B-SUVs, including the Jeep Avenger and the Fiat 600.
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Illustrations Carscoops / Jean Francois Hubert SB-Medien
To provide a glimpse of its appearance, our artists have crafted a speculative illustration, drawing inspiration from material that surfaced a few months ago. These photos were said to have been unintentionally published by a UX designer involved in the development of digital instrument cluster graphics, inadvertently unveiling the model’s exterior design.
As showcased in our renderings, the sub-compact Italian SUV will feature a distinctive angular design for the iconic Scudetto grille, with the Alfa Romeo emblem positioned on the hood, reminiscent of the 33 Stradale supercar. Additionally, the grille’s relatively smaller size allows for the placement of a centrally-mounted license plate beneath the Giulia-style intakes.
The LED headlights are expected to stand out from the rest of Alfa’s lineup, with illuminated bars inside dark clusters. While some elements, such as the sculpted bonnet and black pillars, may draw parallels with the similarly-sized Nissan Juke, distinctive Alfa Romeo details like the phone-dial wheels will infuse the design with a sporty Italian character. Moving to the rear, we anticipate a coupe-style rear glass, complemented by a prominent wing and a secondary spoiler positioned above a pair of slim LED taillights.
In general, it appears that the Brennero model will maintain distinct exterior components, with minimal shared elements from the Jeep Avenger or the Fiat 600. Possible exceptions could include the mirror caps, windshield, and door handles. Notably, the rear door handles are integrated into the plastic pillar, a design reminiscent of the now-discontinued Giulietta. Turning to the interior, you can anticipate the typical Stellantis hardware, complete with customized graphics for the digital cockpit and dark-themed trim choices for the upholstery.
Shared underpinnings, multiple powertrain options
The Alfa Romeo Brennero will make use of the CMP/eCMP architecture, placing it in line with other sub-compact SUVs and hatchbacks in the B-segment in Europe, shared among various Stellantis brands. This platform, which will eventually evolve into the STLA Small, has demonstrated its compatibility with gasoline, mild-hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.
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Alfa Romeo has officially confirmed the B-SUV as its initial step into full electrification. However, the leaked photos suggest that it will also offer an internal combustion engine (ICE) version. The ICE-powered variant is likely to incorporate some form of electrification to enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and boost power. A suitable option could be the turbocharged 1.2-liter mild-hybrid unit utilized in the Fiat 600 Hybrid and the Jeep Avenger Hybrid. Alternatively, Alfa Romeo may opt for the higher-output version available in sibling models from Peugeot and Opel, providing a performance advantage.
It’s essential to note that regardless of the specific powertrain choice, the combustion-engine variant(s) will be phased out by 2027 when Alfa Romeo transitions to becoming an exclusively electric vehicle brand.
And that leads us to the fully electric version which will be the highlight of the lineup. Sources suggest that the Brennero could be offered in both single-motor, front-wheel-drive (FWD), and dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. One of the leaked graphics indicates an electric range of 384 km (239 miles) with a fully charged battery, a figure similar to the WLTP rating of the Jeep Avenger.
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The Jeep Avenger EV and the Fiat 600e feature a front-mounted electric motor generating 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque, along with a 54 kWh battery pack, consistent with the majority of EV offerings from Stellantis. A dual electric motor powertrain would certainly be more powerful than that, resulting in much improved performance figures. This setup was previewed by the 2022 Jeep Avenger 4×4 Concept, and could be used in the flagship trim of the Alfa Brennero.
Apart from the powertrains, Alfa Romeo’s engineers are reportedly determined to inject a sporty DNA into their upcoming junior model. They aim to achieve this by implementing a brand-specific suspension and steering setup, which promises to set the Brennero apart from the mechanically related models and emphasize its sportier character.
Launch date
Alfa Romeo’s third and smallest crossover following the Stelvio and the Tonale, is poised to enter Europe’s highly competitive B-SUV segment sometime in the first half of 2024. While a small electric SUV may seem like the polar opposite of the exotic Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, it holds far more significance in terms of sales volume for the Italian brand’s survival. The automaker recently dropped a cryptic teaser hinting at the beginning of a “new era,” leading us to believe that the presentation of its first electric vehicle could be just around the corner.
Note: The independent renderings are off-the-record and unrelated to Alfa Romeo.