After the death of the 4C Spider, many were under the impression that luxury brand
Alfa Romeo was on its last legs. While discontinued cars usually have cheaper insurance
rates, we'd be sad to see such a historic brand die out. Fortunately, we still have the Tonale to look forward to, and the Stelvio SUV is back for 2022. Alfa Romeo
also announced the debut of the Stelvio GT Junior. Are there any notable differences between this new edition and the regular Stelvio? What we know about the Alfa Romeo Stelvio GT Junior
The latest member of the Stelvio family is actually a tribute to the 1966 GT 1300 Junior, according to Autoblog
. It had a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, capable of 89 horsepower, and a lithe body built for racing. The GT 1300 was also cheaper than other Alfa Romeo cars at the time, which only contributed to its popularity.
As for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio GT Junior's powertrain, you get a turbodiesel that makes 210 horsepower. If you require an extra boost, there's a turbo-four that makes 280 horsepower. Both come with standard AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
As far as we know, it won't have any exclusive performance enhancements. However, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio GT Junior will be painted in Lipari Ochre, a golden tint shared by the GT 1300 Junior.
These models will also have all the interior features included in the Stelvio Veloce trim. There are some new interior accents, plus GT Junior emblems on the headrests. On the dashboard, you can also see the GT 1300's profile outlined in yellow.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio GT Junior vs. the Stelvio
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio
also makes 280 horsepower and comes with an eight-speed automatic. AWD is only available for certain trims. It also boasts a top speed of 144 mph, which is satisfying for a compact SUV. Aluminum paddle shifters have been added to the steering wheel, and you get a limited-slip differential.
More carbon fiber exterior elements were added for 2022, both for aesthetic and performance reasons.
The interior can have either a carbon fiber dashboard or one with a wood inlay. Shiny aluminum accents already make the interior upscale, and you're surrounded by buttery-soft leather throughout.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio can comfortably seat up to five people, though the cargo area is small.
The infotainment center screen is surprisingly small for the luxury segment, but at least it has smartphone integration. The Stelvio also boasts a generous amount of your typical advanced safety features.
MORE: Who Owns Alfa Romeo and What's Going on With the Brand?
What about the Stelvio GTA?
While a Stelvio GTA doesn't exist yet, fans are still hopeful that it will have a high-powered version similar to the Giulia GTA. This model comes with 540 horsepower on tap and loses 220 pounds thanks to all its extra carbon fiber.
Since the Stelvio is also sporting some new carbon fiber this year, a new engine might not be that far behind. For now, we'll have to keep dreaming of a Stelvio GTA and admire the Alfa Romeo Stelvio GT Junior from afar.
Estimated Alfa Romeo Stelvio GT Junior insurance costs
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio GT Junior will be a U.K. exclusive, but Americans can still enjoy the Stelvio. These unique luxury vehicles predictably demand high insurance premiums, nearly $3,000 a year
. Certain factors can lower your insurance rates, like having a clean driving record and more years of driving experience. No matter what kind of driver you are, anyone can save money when they buy car insurance with Jerry
. With this app, the average Stelvio driver can find quotes for $1,083 less than their current premiums!
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