Welcome to the Alfa Romeo Mito. This is Alfa’s new baby, with a name inspired by the cities where the car was designed (Milan) and will be built (Turin). Only the Italians could get away with something like that.
Alfa Romeo is claiming the Mito draws styling inspiration from its stunning 8C Competizione supercar. Namely the frameless doors, distinctive nose, and LED taillights. You’ll never know that underneath the Mito shares parts with the Fiat Grande Punto. Compared to its sister car the Mito is longer and wider, and a little lower, to emphasise the sportiness.
To make the Mito even more sporting, all cars will come as standard with Alfa’s new DNA chassis system. Three settings – Dynamic, Normal and All-Weather – adjust the engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox to suit the conditions.
As well as having sporting pretensions Alfa Romeo is also making sure the Mito is highly customisable. Having watch Mini’s success, and learnt lessons from Fiat’s launch of the 500, the Mito will come with a large options list. Even the headlamp and taillight surrounds will be switchable so, Alfa says, you’ll be able to give your car ‘eye-liner’.
Click ‘Next’ below to find out about the Alfa Mito’s power and prices
There are no pictures of the Mito’s interior yet, but Alfa claims it will feature a ‘highly ‘personal’ dashboard and seats ensure that the interior represents the ultimate expression of Italian style’. Expect recessed dials and lots of aluminium and chrome trim.
Engines will range from 90 to 155bhp, and all will be turbocharged four cylinders. Expect the range to start with a 1.3-litre diesel, while a 1.4-litre petrol will provide the headline figures. The same engine will also power the higher performance versions Alfa is promising.
Prices should start at around £12,000 when the car goes on sale in the UK early in 2009. We’ll drive the Alfa Romeo Mito this summer though, and find out if it is a credible challenger to the mighty Mini.