Cars that are smaller and more efficient can also be more desirable. Alfa Romeo hopes proof can come in the form of their MiTo, one of the new breed of small yet desirable sporty premium compact models. Aimed at the MINI but offering greater practicality, value and high street wow factor, this Italian alternative is attracting a loyal following. To understand why, we've been taking a look at the efficient Multijet II diesel variant.
It took a long time for the market to see a product that properly competed with BMW\'s MINI. That car proved that European drivers were prepared to pay quite a premium for something three-door and compact, provided it was stylish, sporty and had the right brand cachet. Step forward Alfa Romeo\'s MiTo. Thirty years ago, enthusiasts on real world budgets dreamed of an Italian car packing all of Alfa\'s heritage and spirit into a four-metre length - and realised it with the iconic Alfasud. Today, the MiTo should satisfy their kids in exactly the same way.
We should start by explaining the name, 
combining as it does the first two letters of Milan (where Alfa Romeo was conceived) and Turin - or in Italian \'Torino\' - (where the cars are currently made). It\'s also the Italian for ‘myth', or legend, a nod to the ambitious future the brand has in mind that will see this model leading an ambitious charge to double its volume to 300,000 cars a year. Yes, this is a lot cheaper than the larger Alfa Romeos we\'re used to, but it's also still pretty profitable given that the money to develop its underpinnings and engines was already spent a few years ago on this model's close cousin, Fiat\'s Grande Punto. Fortunately for potential buyers, the two cars have a very different feel thanks to the MiTo-specific steering, seating, suspension and brakes. Its engines are tuned differently too and of course, there are these unique looks. So far so good.
So, to what an Alfa should be about - the driving experience. Even in this modestly-powered 95bhp diesel version, first impressions are good. You sit lower than you would in the Fiat Grande Punto that shares this car's basic structural and oily bits. But shouldn't an Alfa have its own unique engine? Sadly, in the modern world, that idea makes no sense at this price point but the Milanese engineers have done a good job in tweaking the powerplants that are available to give them some high-revving, sweet-sounding Alfa-like character. Or at least they have in the Multiair petrol models. There's only so much you can do with a diesel but this 1.3 JTDm-2 unit is certainly impressive, meeting the latest Euro 5 emissions legislation, yet offering a 0-62mph acceleration time of 11.6s.
The new car takes its name from the abbreviations of two Italian cities: Milan, the city with a car style underway, and Turin, which will be responsible for its industrial production.The first new Alfa Romeo to be built since the 8C Competizione, Mi.To borrows some features of its larger “halo” brothers and sisters: the shape of the frame side windows, treatment distinctive front, the shape of the headlights and LED taillights. The contemporary design is a long 4060mm, 1440mm to 1720mm high and wide.
Inside, a very personal “dashboard and seats are said to ensure the” ultimate expression of Italian style “for the interior. It is required to embrace a sport, with quality materials and attention to detail, all packaged in a compact size and dynamic form.
The new car should be available on European markets from July this year.
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