| All-new model | Alfa Romeo Mi.To |
Alfa Romeo looks set to take on MINI at its own game with the first official pictures of its new Mi.To super-mini. Taking design inspiration from the 8C Competizione, the striking new three-door Alfa is aimed at the highly competitive supermini class.
Measuring 4.06m long and 1.72m wide, the Mi.To, despite being larger than its closest rivals, still manages to appear pleasingly compact thanks to its low, swooping roofline. The Mi.To features similarly designed front headlamps and rear tail lights to the 8C with both accented in silver, whilst frameless side windows and the front grille design are also replicated on the new hatch. On the inside, Alfa Romeo is promising a wealth of "top quality materials".
Despite the Mi.To sharing the same underpinnings as the
Fiat Grande Punto, Alfa is keen to stress the elementary differences in driving experiences between the two cars. Key to Alfa's claim is its 'DNA' system. With it, drivers can choose between three settings: Dynamic, Normal and All-weather, which tweaks everything from the engine, brakes and steering, to the suspension and gearbox, to suit the driver's needs.
As well as driver appeal, the new Alfa is aiming to beat rivals on the engine front, with motors ranging from an ultra-frugal 1.3-litre JTD, 90bhp diesel unit, to a range-topping 155bhp version related to the
Fiat Punto Abarth's powerplant. A faster, more powerful GTA version is also rumoured, to take on the likes of
Vauxhall's Corsa VXR and
Renault's Clio 197 Renaultsport.
Starting at £12,000, the baby Alfa will hit UK showrooms in 2009, but we'll get our first close-up look at the Mi.To in June this year, with an official unveiling at the
Paris Motor Show in September.
Kyle Molyneux - 26 Mar 2008
