Alfa Romeo Confirms Plans for ‘Sporty Urban Vehicle’

Alfa Romeo confirms its plans for a new entry-level model with the start of a social media campaign asking followers to guess the name of “a game-changing Sporty Urban Vehicle.”

Official information is yet to be made public, though Wards can confirm Alfa Romeo is gearing up to launch a compact CUV based heavily on Stellantis-owned sister company Jeep’s recently unveiled Avenger.

Developed under the working title “Brennero” – the Italian name of the famed Brenner Pass that links Italy and Austria – the new Alfa Romeo model will be the Italian automaker’s first production BEV. 

It is also rumored to be the smallest Alfa Romeo model since the Mito, which ceased production in 2018.

Alfa Romeo insiders contacted by Wards say the Brennero will be priced and positioned below the Tonale small luxury CUV.

The basis for the new entry-level Alfa Romeo is the eCMP2 platform, the same structure that underpins the front-wheel-drive Jeep Avenger. Also known under the name STLA Small, it supports both traditional ICE and all-electric drivetrains.

Other models based on eCMP2 include the Opel Mokka-e, Opel Corsa-e, Citroen e-C4, Peugeot e-208 and Peugeot e-2008.

The ICE version of the new Alfa Romeo is planned to receive a turbocharged 1.2L gasoline 3-cyl. developing 100 hp and 151 lb.-ft. (205 Nm) of torque.

The electric variant of the Brennero is expected to feature an electric motor with 154 hp and 192 lb.-ft. (260 Nm) together with a 54-kWh lithium-ion battery.

Jeep already offers both drivetrains with the Avenger.

At 160.8 ins. (4,084 mm) long, 69.9 ins. (1,776 mm) wide and 60.6 ins. (1,539 mm) tall, the Avenger is a significant 17.5 ins. (445 mm) shorter, 2.6 ins. (66 mm) narrower and 2.4 ins. (61 mm) lower than the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Similar dimensions are expected for the production version of the Brennero, which goes on sale in Europe next year prior to its arrival in other global markets later in 2024.

The new Alfa Romeo will be produced at a Stellantis factory located in Tychy, Poland – the same plant responsible for the production of the Jeep Avenger together with Stellantis-owned Fiat’s 500, 500C, Abarth 595, 595C, 695 and Lancia Ypsilon.

Alfa Romeo Twitter screen grab