The Alfa Romeo MiTo has gone on sale in the UK. It features a variety of driver aids and safety equipment on all models. Prices start at just over £10,000, undercutting the cheapest MINI.

All models feature Alfa's latest driver aids including the three-position D.N.A. switch, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Dynamic Steering Torque (DST) system. Standing for "Dynamic, Normal and All-weather", the D.N.A. switch governs the behaviour of the accelerator, steering, suspension and the traction and stability control systems. All-weather is designed for low-grip conditions with the traction control at its most sensitive to intervene and prevent any loss of control. Switching to Dynamic backs off the traction control, reduces the steering assistance, stiffens the suspension and sharpens the accelerator response. On the 118bhp diesel and 153bhp petrol MiTo models it also enables an over-boost function.

VDC comprises all the functions of traction and stability control. As well as modulating the power delivery to minimise wheel spin under acceleration - and using the brakes to emulate the behaviour of a limited-slip differential - it also cuts in to prevent the wheels locking under engine braking. By modulating the behaviour of the brakes at each corner the braking force can be applied in such a way that braking hard in a corner has the minimum impact on stability. The system also acts to control under- and oversteer.

Another means of correcting oversteer is DST. This is designed to apply steering assistance in a way that is supposed to suggest the steering corrections that the driver should make.

Other standard features include emergency braking assistance and a hill-hold function that holds the brakes on for a few seconds after the brake pedal is released to simplify hill starts. The MiTo also features a variety of airbags and sophisticated sensors to control their activation.

The range comprises three variants; Turismo, Lusso and Veloce. As well as the full range of driver aids the Turismo features 16-inch steel wheels, electrically adjustable heated mirrors, follow-me-home headlamps and LED tail lamps. Lusso models can be identified by 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps and chrome on the headlamp surrounds, window frames and exhaust pipes. Veloce models feature 17-inch alloys styled like those fitted to the Alfa 8C, a rear spoiler and unique rear bumper.

Five engine variants are offered from an 89bhp 1.3-litre JTDM turbodiesel to a 153bhp 1.4-litre TB turbocharged petrol motor. The other units include a 94bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine and two 118bhp engines: one turbocharged petrol and one turbodiesel. The 118bhp petrol engine is paired to a five-speed gearbox while all others come with six-speed manual transmission as standard. The most powerful petrol and diesel engines are only offered in Lusso and Veloce trim but all other engines are available in all three trim levels.

Prices start at £10,745 on-the-road for the 1.4-litre Turismo. The cheapest diesel model costs £11,918 and the top of the range 153bhp Veloce model costs £14,745.

The MiTo is on sale now. A more powerful GTA variant is expected to be announced at the Geneva Motor Show this spring. Other variants have been rumoured including a small coupé and a convertible.

John Lambert - 26 Jan 2009