Through a dedicated website (alfanaming.it) the public has been able to vote for the name it would most like to see bestowed on this eagerly awaited sports hatchback. Developed with the aim of competing head on with fashionable cars such as BMW’s MINI and Audi’s future A1, the ‘Junior’ (above, sketch by Quattroruote) is based around the Grande Punto’s “Small” architecture.

Alfa Romeo have announced the final shortlist of twelve entries from a public vote to decided the name of its forthcoming entry-level sports car, Project 955, generally referred to as the ‘Junior’. Through a dedicated website (alfanaming.it) the public has been able to vote for the name it would most like to see bestowed on this eagerly awaited sports hatchback which is set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next spring.

The second round of the vote contest got underway yesterday (1st November), and the public has another 13 days in which to vote for the name of their choice. The final 12 names to be chosen between are Agea, Enos, Everso, Fira, Furisa, Milo, Mod, Nevo, Solea, Sparvo, Velvetta and Ventura.

Developed with the aim of competing head on with fashionable cars such as BMW’s MINI and Audi’s future A1, the ‘Junior’ is based around the Grande Punto’s “Small” architecture and will be just under 4 metres in length. With Italian prices expected to start at around 16,000 euros it will set class-leading standards for active and passive safety. Highlights include a ‘Manettino’ switch for making adjustments to its innovative active suspension, while the engine range will start with a 105 bhp 1.4-litre Multiair unit and run through a portfolio of new turbocharged units to the range-topping 230 bhp 1.8 JTB engine. Powerful turbodiesels will also feature, as will 6-speed manual transmissions or a Selespeed option.

The naming contest is being organised by Alfa Romeo in conjunction with leading Italian motoring magazine, Quattroruote. Also involved in the project are Auto Motor Sport, TopGear, L’Automobile, CG (Car Graphic) and Autopista. At the conclusion of the contest the voting public will have the chance to win an Alfa Spider.