The same electric underpinning used by Peugeot, Citroen and Opel cars here now has a Milanese flavour.

ALFA Romeo’s long-awaited Milano compact crossover has at least unveiled, with confirmation it will be the make’s first full electric, also offering in hybrid.

The brand’s national distributor, Ateco, has yet to share thought about prospects for this market.

The drivetrain ingredients are already familiar to New Zealanders, being those incorporated in Stellantis Group products already here; Jeep Avenger, Peugeot 2008 and Opel Mokka included,

The Milano ‘Elettrica' uses the familiar 54kWh pack that with a cited WLTP combined driving range of 410 kilometres; up to 590 kilometres in the urban cycle. A 100kW peak DC-charging rate means the Milano can charge from 10-80 percent in as little as 30 minutes.

Powering the Milano Elettrica is a 116kW electric motor that drives the front wheels. A more powerful 179kW version will also be available, designed to provide a more engaging and sporty drive.

Sitting alongside the electric version is the Milano 'Ibrida' hybrid model that uses a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a variable-geometry turbocharger and 48-volt mild-hybrid tech.

This engine is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox tuned for efficiency. Alfa claims that it can spend as much as half of its driving time in electric mode when in the city and can switch into electric mode at up to 150kmh on the motorway. A Q4 all-wheel-drive variant will also be launched at a later date.

Milano is the third SUV-styled model in the Alfa range, slotting in beneath the Tonale and Stelvio.

Despite the compact dimensions - 4.17 metres long, 1.78 metres wide and 1.5 metres tall - the car aims to serve up a practical interior with a boot capacity of 400 litres. A smaller storage compartment under the bonnet includes a 'cable organiser'.

The Alfa Romeo Milano has a striking design that emphasises the company's signature grille, with different treatments for the Leggenda and Progresso variants. The car’s 'truncated tail' is inspired by the Giulia TZ.

Sports seats by Sabelt, high-quality materials and a 10.25-inch digital instrument display set within Alfa's historical 'telescope' design are standard.

A second 10.25-inch touchscreen is angled towards the driver and features the latest in-car technology and infotainment. Other design details include air conditioning vents that are in the shape of a quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover).

Driver assistance features include 360-degree parking sensors, a 180-degree reversing camera and level 2 autonomous driving that manages lane keeping.