Alfa Romeo Milano: firm's smallest model gets hot 237bhp EV

Alfa Romeo has revealed the Milano as its third SUV and its first series-production electric car. Named for the brand's hometown, the urban-focused crossover is positioned as the spiritual successor to the Giulietta and Mito hatchbacks, majoring on accessibility but offering both premium appeal and driver engagement in a bid to "attract a new generation of Alfisti". Measuring 4170mm long by 1780mm wide and 1500mm tall, the Milano adopts several bold new design cues but nods back to Alfas of old with features like the swollen wheel arches, a 'coda tronca' bluff rear end and SZ-inspired headlights. Related articles As with the Citroën C4, Fiat 600, Jeep Avenger and Peugeot 2008 with which it shares a platform (and its basic dimensions), the Milano is available with the choice of electric or mild-hybrid petrol power. The Milano Ibrida combines a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V starter-generator and a 28bhp electric motor in the six-speed automatic gearbox for 134bhp and the possibility of short-distance EV running. It's front-wheel-drive as standard, but a four-wheel-drive version will arrive later - "a first in the premium segment", Alfa says. The Milano Elettrica uses a familiar set-up featuring a 54kWh battery – good for 255 miles and capable of charging at 100kW – and a front-mounted 154bhp motor, but with a "specific calibration" aimed at providing "excellent performance and an engaging and very sporty drive, like every Alfa Romeo". Claiming "the lowest weight in the segment and optimal mass distribution", Alfa talks up the "best-in-class" driving dynamics of its new small crossover, noting that the chassis was tuned by the same team responsible for the hardcore Giulia GTA super-saloon. The top-rung Veloce variant of the EV is positioned as the most driver-focused Milano, with the same 237bhp front-mounted motor and limited-slip differential as the upcoming Abarth 600e.