Spy photographers have captured Alfa Romeo ’s new entry-level hatchback undergoing cold weather testing in Europe. The car is expected to rival BMW ’s Mini Cooper and Volkswagen ’s Scirocco for a piece of the hip hatchback market. Currently, it is known as either Junior or Furiosa, though the final name might be something different.
The introduction of such a mainstream model will bring global sales to 300,000 units, the Italian automaker hopes.
It will use the Fiat Grande Punto platform and will slot below the 148 (the replacement to the 147). Alfa currently only sells 125,00 units annually, meaning it hopes the Junior will more than double its overall volume. It’s not clear if the new compact car will be among Alfa’s U.S. offerings when the brand returns to America in 2009.
