OFFICIAL: Alfa Romeo Mi.To First Images Released
If “Everybody Hates Chris”, as the TV series own name states, Mini would suffer from the same problem if it was a character, but in different terms: “Every Compact Car Hates Mini”. All competitors aim to beat it somehow and Alfa Romeo is no exception. Its little contender has been called many (good) names, such as Junior, Furiosa (furious) and, lately, MiTo, an acronym for Milano (Milan), Alfa’s headquarter and the place where the little car has been designed, and Torino (Turin), Fiat’s headquarters, where the car will be built. And this is the name chosen for the new car, only with a dot in the middle (Mi.To), with the meaning we have already told you. It could also stand for “Mini Torturer”, but Alfa would elegantly not admit it (only wish for it). It will rather say Mi.To could also be understood as Myth (Mito, in Italian). And this is also something Alfa wishes the new car to become.
With its official presentation for the international press members scheduled for June, and sales little after it, in July, the Mi.To is based on the Fiat Grande Punto’s platform (hence Turin as its manufacturing site) and is 4.06 m long, 1.72 m wide and 1.44 m high. Wheelbase has not been informed, but it will quite likely be the same one that its Fiat counterpart holds: 2.52 m.
Engines offers will be initially limited to four options and will range from 90 cv to up to 155 cv. As in Lancia Delta, all of the, petrol and diesel, will use turbo. Alfa Romeo has not said how many are oil burners, but we would bet on a fair division of two petrol options and two other diesel ones.
Besides this, Alfa also marks that Mi.To is the first car released since the 8C Competizione. Considering this supercar is the new pattern the company intends to follow, it is natural that the cheapest Alfa also gets some styling cues from its bigger brother, such as the unframed side windows, the front bumper, the shape of the headlights and the LED taillights. It will also be natural to expect this car to be sold in the USA. Too small? Check on the new Fiesta and think again.
In order to assure great handling, Alfa has given Mi.To the DNA system, a holistic equipment that guides “engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox”, very likely the dual-clutch gearbox that Fiat names DDC, for faster changes and more sportive feel. There are three modes to be used, Dynamic, for high performance, Normal, for city driving, and All Weather, for difficult weather conditions.
Looks great but no thanks, maybe if it had a renault engine or BMW.
Renault engine? Since when did they have a good reputation? The 197 engine in the Clio is, other than its weight, its Achilles heel. Alfa engines have always had a great reputation.
Err...to the dude below...197 engine is absolutely fine by the way. There are plenty reviews on the web that are contrary to that belief. You need to know how to use the power rather than just say, well it need 300 hp. at 1500 revs. Since when they have a good reputation? well since this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUS3xmhz04c
Back to the Alfa I like it pity about the silver pseudo retro light fittings it just a completely unnecessary detailing.
Even if that was true about alfa's having great engines it doesn't matter as this will be powered by Fiat. As long as i can remember Alfa's have never been known or bought for their reliability or performance, they have been bought for styling. This car looks great, but if the Bocanegra comes out it will be an easy choice between the two. Or lets say the Scirocco very easy choices.
you must be joking?? real alfa's have always been excellent performers, even with small engines (4 cyl), featuring twin camshafts, fine tuned chassis plus exhilarating exhaust note, even if its genetic heritage has been quite diluted down eversince they became systematically fwd/part 4wd under fiat rule
It's every bit as stunning as I was expecting, the name is a little odd but it is beautiful. if the next Ibiza looks like the bocanegro? concept and with the new Fiesta and Mazda 2 we are going to be in a golden era of supermini design.
Very beautiful! Wish I can afford one of those when my Lancia Y passes away in a few years, hopefully not too early ;-) Nice Italian design :)
Great looks, thankfully it doesn't share A pillars with the Punto as the Corsa (too blatantly) does. If they manage the complex equation "contained weight/rigid structure" (british and italians find so hard to find) then it must be a hit. And how about a GTA version with 180hp like the Punto Abarth SS?
mi.to should refer to me too! since this is Alfa's first attempt in the small car market. It seems this new Alfa will adopt quite good engined from the Fiat line-up. It will be like an Audi A3 as compared to Golf. Similar engines to Punto but in a much better cloth... good luck Alfa!
in my opinion FIAT as a family has some of the best looking cars in several categories at the moment- the prettiest city car- the 500, supermini- this, mid size coupe- the Brera, Executive saloon- Quattroporte, GT sports car- Gran Turismo, Supercar- 8C Competizione
Sorry, but Mi.To looks too much like Pun.To to me. More like a Punto facelift, than an Alfa. If Gruppo Fiat are trying to degrade the Alfa brand, they are succeeding magnificently. I have no doubt Mini/BMW are having a great laugh about this.
I fancy a black or a white one with those wheels.
Over-topz