Alfa Romeo Junior vs Mahindra Scorpio-N
What's the difference?

Alfa Romeo Junior

$45,900 - $58,990

2026 price

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Mahindra Scorpio-N

$48,990 - $48,990

2026 price

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Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2026 Alfa Romeo Junior

2026 Mahindra Scorpio-N

By Jack Quick

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.2L

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

4.1L/100km (combined)

7.2L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Keen driving dynamics
Surprisingly quiet
Can be very frugal

Capable 4WD
Reasonable on-road
Now it has more safety gear

Dislikes

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

No mechanical changes
It costs more
No ANCAP safety rating

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 Mahindra Scorpio-N Summary

The Mahindra Scorpio is back – but now it has upgraded safety tech (including AEB) and it’s only available in one variant: the Z8L+.

This is a 4WD wagon with a fair bit of appeal: seven seats, a stack of standard features, a low-range transfer case, an automatic rear diff lock and its price-tag – at just under $50 grand – won’t kick you in the space near the pocket where you keep your wallet.

It hasn’t undergone any mechanical changes so is the Scorpio any good off-road?

Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Alfa Romeo Junior 2026 Mahindra Scorpio-N

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 may seem like I've been harsh on this Mahindra but I reckon the Scorpio Z8L+ is a positive product for the company.

It’s nice enough to drive on-road – reasonably refined and comfortable – and it’s also a capable 4WD, with some trade-offs.

But this seven-seat wagon remains a good value-for-money prospect with the addition of more driver-assist tech onboard boosting its safety and adding to its overall appeal.

Alfa Romeo Junior vs Mahindra Scorpio-N What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Alfa Romeo Junior vs Mahindra Scorpio-N
What's the difference?