The Alfa Romeo MiTo for Maserati is not quite the result of cynical badge engineering. Though it did arrive at the same time as the announcement that Alfa is now under the same management as Maserati and Abarth in the Fiat empire... It isn't even a car you can buy from your local Alfa Romeo dealer; if you want to drive one you will have to buy a Maserati first.

One hundred MiTos have been given special paint and trim in order to serve as courtesy cars for the European Maserati dealer network. Based on the 168bhp MultiAir model, the cars can be identified by Maserati 'Blu Oceano' paint and 18-inch alloy wheels.

To provide a more Maserati-like interior there is 'Pelle Frau' leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation and Blue&Me communication and entertainment system. There is also a special plaque on the centre console and the aluminium tread plates on the door sills read 'Alfa Romeo for Maserati'.

There are no plans to sell any of the 100 cars.

John Lambert - 1 Feb 2010