In addition to revealing the car’s name, Alfa Romeo has provided further details about the vehicle’s launch plan. The official unveiling is scheduled to occur in the same city in April of 2024. Following that, the fully-electric version will hit the European market in September, with a mild-hybrid gasoline variant joining the lineup before the end of the year. Alfa Romeo is poised to enter the world of electric vehicles with the introduction of a new sub-compact SUV, slated for release in 2024. Named the Milano, it will occupy a position below the Tonale in Alfa Romeo’s lineup, serving as the new entry-level model in the range. It effectively steps into the role of a successor – albeit indirectly- to the long-discontinued B-segment MiTo supermini, offering additional practicality through a taller five-door body style.
As the launch date approaches, we have
gathered all the available information about the upcoming entry-level model
that will share its foundations with other Stellantis B-SUVs, including the
Jeep Avenger and the Fiat 600. The sub-compact Italian SUV will feature a
distinctive angular design for the iconic Scudetto grille, with the Alfa Romeo
emblem positioned on the hood, reminiscent of the 33 Stradale supercar.
Additionally, the grille’s relatively smaller size allows for the placement of
a centrally-mounted license plate beneath the Giulia-style intakes.
The LED headlights are expected to stand
out from the rest of Alfa’s lineup, with illuminated bars inside dark clusters.
While some elements, such as the sculpted bonnet and black pillars, may draw
parallels with the similarly-sized Nissan Juke, distinctive Alfa Romeo details
like the phone-dial wheels will infuse the design with a sporty Italian
character. Moving to the rear, we anticipate a coupe-style rear glass, complemented
by a prominent wing and a secondary spoiler positioned above a pair of slim LED
taillights. In general, it appears that the Milano will maintain distinct
exterior components, with minimal shared elements from the Jeep Avenger or the
Fiat 600. Possible exceptions could include the mirror caps, windshield, and
door handles. Notably, the rear door handles are integrated into the plastic
pillar, a design reminiscent of the now-discontinued Giulietta. Turning to the
interior, you can anticipate the typical Stellantis hardware, complete with
customized graphics for the digital cockpit and dark-themed trim choices for
the upholstery.
The Alfa Romeo Milano will make use of the
CMP/eCMP architecture, placing it in line with other sub-compact SUVs and
hatchbacks in the B-segment in Europe, shared among various Stellantis brands.
This platform, which will eventually evolve into the STLA Small, has
demonstrated its compatibility with gasoline, mild-hybrid, and fully electric
powertrains.
Alfa Romeo has officially confirmed the
B-SUV as its initial step into full electrification. However, the leaked photos
suggest that it will also offer an internal combustion engine (ICE) version.
The ICE-powered variant is likely to incorporate some form of electrification
to enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and boost power. A suitable option
could be the turbocharged 1.2-liter mild-hybrid unit utilized in the Fiat 600
Hybrid and the Jeep Avenger Hybrid. Alternatively, Alfa Romeo may opt for the
higher-output version available in sibling models from Peugeot and Opel,
providing a performance advantage.
It’s essential to note that regardless of
the specific powertrain choice, the combustion-engine variant(s) will be phased
out by 2027 when Alfa Romeo transitions to becoming an exclusively electric
vehicle brand. And that leads us to the fully electric version which will be
the highlight of the lineup. Sources suggest that the Milano could be offered
in both single-motor, front-wheel-drive (FWD), and dual-motor, all-wheel-drive
(AWD) configurations. One of the leaked graphics indicates an electric range of
384 km with a fully charged battery, a figure similar to the WLTP
rating of the Jeep Avenger.
