Alfa Romeo Junior vs KGM Torres

What's the difference?

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.

Sales figures show Australian buyers are moving away from pure internal combustion engine power for their family cars. Instead they’re looking for hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric models.

While a number of brands - mostly newer manufacturers from China - are going down the plug-in hybrid route, others are focusing on regular or 'plugless' hybrids. Think models like the GWM Haval H6, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, MG HS and Toyota RAV4.

KGM (formerly SsangYong) is also headed down this path and the first hybrid model from the Korean carmaker is the Torres.

The Torres is a mid-sized five-seat SUV with unusual, rugged looks, but it hasn’t had an impact on the sales charts as yet. This hybrid version could change that. It’s affordable, spacious and offers a serious point of difference from its compatriots, as well as rivals from China and Japan.

But is it as good as those popular rivals?