Alfa Romeo Junior vs Mazda CX-30

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.

If you’re in the market for a city- and family-friendly compact SUV, you’re in luck.

The small SUV segment is one of the most heavily populated and hotly contested in the Aussie new-car market and the Mazda CX-30 G25 GT SP FWD is pitched against a seething pack of at least 10 similarly sized, generously specified and highly-credentialed competitors. 

So, stay with us on a mission to determine whether this high-end version of one of Mazda’s best sellers is worthy of a spot on your new-car short list.