Alfa unveils Junior Q4 as world premiere at Brussels Motor Show

Alfa Romeo is bringing a world premiere to the Brussels Motor Show next January. The Italian brand will unveil the four-wheel driven version of its small SUV Junior, based on the hybrid driveline. It seems Stellantis is keen on making a grand entrance in the capital of Europe.

With the demise of motor shows worldwide, the Brussels Motor Show is gaining traction and receives several pats on the back in the form of world premieres – never a focal point for automotive groups in the past. In the wake of the previously announced international debuts of the Toyota Urban Cruiser and the DS N°8, Stellantis is adding a second important unveiling to the list: the Alfa Romeo Junior Q4.

As Q4 and Veloce

Granted, the Q4 is a version and not an entirely new model, but as an instigator for lifting the appeal of the Belgian motor show it is more than welcome. At the booth of Alfa Romeo, it will be flanked by the Junior 280 Veloce. This 280-hp strong version of the all-electric Junior, which spearheads the range, counts as a European premiere.

The all-wheel-drive version Q4 is based on the 1.2 gasoline mild hybrid format from Stellantis. As the auto group builds ten models on the EMP1 platform underpinning the Junior, it comes as no surprise that the technical details will be shared with its twin at Jeep, the Avenger Hybrid 4xe—though Alfa Romeo has yet to release full specifications.

Securing continuous operation

What to expect? At the heart of the Q4 sits a sophisticated mild hybrid powertrain, where the turbocharged gasoline engine (capable of 136 horsepower) works in tandem with two 21 kW electric motors — one mounted on each axle — and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

There’s no axle connecting the front with the back; electronics govern the operation of the second electric motor. To prevent the system from draining due to a depleted battery, Alfa counts on so-called Power Looping Technology to secure the activation of the four-wheel drive system at all times.

In the sister model Avenger, the system works as follows: during driving at low speeds (0-30 km/h), the Q4 system operates with full-time all-wheel drive, maintaining a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear axles to provide optimal grip.

When speeds increase to 30-90 km/hour, the rear axle drive is activated on demand. Even when the rear e-motor isn’t generating torque, it remains connected to the system to deliver instant power if needed.

At higher speeds (above 90 km/h), the system switches to front-wheel drive to reduce fuel consumption, with the rear e-motor completely disengaged. This intelligent configuration allows mating capability and efficiency. However, it is not unlikely that Alfa Romeo has tweaked the driveline for rear-end bias to comply with its dynamic claims rooted in its past and image.

With a little help from Torsen

This culminates undoubtedly in the Junior 280 Veloce, which dumps all its power on the front wheels. To ensure traction despite the surge of power, Alfa has installed a Torsen differential for better force distribution.

Lastly, Alfa talks of one more world premiere. The Intensa Special Series is headlining the display, a unique edition available across the entire Alfa Romeo lineup. Designed to “pay tribute to the brand’s identity through exclusive features and details,” the Intensa series introduces a fresh take on Alfa’s signature style and craftsmanship. It’s about colors, finishes, materials, and living up to that Italian namesake.