Alfa Romeo Junior vs Volkswagen Tayron
What's the difference?

Alfa Romeo Junior

$45,900 - $58,990

2026 price

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Volkswagen Tayron

$48,950 - $76,550

2026 price

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Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2026 Alfa Romeo Junior

2026 Volkswagen Tayron

By Jack Quick

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.2L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

4.1L/100km (combined)

8.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Keen driving dynamics
Surprisingly quiet
Can be very frugal

Thoughtful family features
Comfortable daily driver
Great boot space

Dislikes

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

Lacks the finesse and power of Touareg
Third row is still a 'sometimes seat'
Expensive ownership

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 Volkswagen Tayron Summary

Volkswagen has a new large SUV in the Tayron (pronounced TIE-ron), and it arrives with a fair bit riding on it. Replacing the Tiguan Allspace and taking on some of the duties left by the departing Touareg, it’s now the brand’s key seven-seat family offering.

We’re testing the flagship 195TSI R-Line with established petrol rivals like the Kia Sorento GT-Line, Skoda Kodiaq RS and Toyota Kluger Grande in mind. After a few weeks of school-holiday mayhem, complete with feral kids, does it sink or swim?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Alfa Romeo Junior 2026 Volkswagen Tayron

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

So, does the new Volkswagen Tayron 195TSI R-Line sink or swim? It's definitely swimming as it delivers a solid blend of features and comforts for families seeking a 'sometime' seven-seater. It's not yet on the podium as it doesn’t hit every mark. Purchase price and servicing costs may put some buyers off but it packs in a number of thoughtful, family-oriented features. Whether it will go on to become Volkswagen’s standout seven-seat offering remains to be seen, but it’s a capable, well-rounded option in the segment.

Alfa Romeo Junior vs Volkswagen Tayron What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Alfa Romeo Junior vs Volkswagen Tayron
What's the difference?