Alfa Romeo Junior vs Cupra Formentor
What's the difference?

Alfa Romeo Junior

$45,900 - $58,990

2026 price

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Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2026 Alfa Romeo Junior

2026 Cupra Formentor

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.2L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

4.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Keen driving dynamics
Surprisingly quiet
Can be very frugal

Well-equipped
Massive range boost for PHEV
Fun and engaging to drive

Dislikes

Double the price of Chinese rivals
Lots of plain black finishes
No standard spare wheel

Small boot in PHEV
Formentor S runs out of puff
Lots of tyre roar

2026 Alfa Romeo Junior Summary

Alfa Romeo’s new entry-level model has finally arrived in Australia.

Pitched as a spiritual successor to the MiTo and Giulietta hatchbacks, the Junior is a tiny SUV with plenty of hatchback design cues.

It was originally set to be called the Milano, however members of the Italian government complained, claiming it’s illegal to sell products with an Italian place name that aren’t actually made there.

The Junior is actually built in Tychy, Poland alongside the related Jeep Avenger at a Stellantis production plant.

We’ve driven the Junior a few times now overseas, but now it’s time to see how it holds up on local soil.

First up is the Ibrida, or hybrid. The fully electric version is also on sale but will have to wait for a future review.

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2026 Cupra Formentor Summary

We’ve waited more than two years and it’s finally here.

Cupra has introduced the updated version of its most popular car in Australia, the Formentor.

A spicy small SUV rival to the likes of the Mini Countryman, BMW X2 and Audi Q3, among others, this design-led small SUV is now offered in more flavours than ever before.

It’s our first time testing out this updated Formentor on local soil, so read on to see how it stacks up.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Alfa Romeo Junior 2026 Cupra Formentor

Verdict

The Alfa Romeo Junior is a cute car that’s charming and smile-inducing. It deserves to sell well but ultimately this will come down to whether the Australian public is receptive.

There is plenty of competition out there and if you're wanting something design-led, it's hard to look past this without spending much more money.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

It’s clear that Cupra has listened to feedback as this updated Formentor addresses many key criticisms of the pre-update car. Overall it makes it easier to live with and to recommend than before.

Although the VZe's updated PHEV powertrain offers double the amount of electric range, the V forms as a sweet spot of the line-up as it offers all the power and equipment you'd ever need. It's hard to look past the top-spec VZx though as power is a drug.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Alfa Romeo Junior vs Cupra Formentor What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Alfa Romeo Junior vs Cupra Formentor
What's the difference?