One of the most interesting developments in the forthcoming Alfa Mi.To is the so-called DNA system which is an advanced, switchable form of dynamic control system with three selectable modes and adapts all aspects of the car.

One of the most interesting developments in the forthcoming Alfa Mi.To is the so-called DNA system. This is an advanced, switchable form of dynamic control system with three selectable modes. The 'Normal' mode is intended for relaxed, urban driving; 'Dynamic' is optimised for sports driving, and 'All Weather' ensures full control of the car in low-grip conditions.

When a mode is selected, the Alfa DNA System adapts all aspects of the car and indicates the choice that’s been made with three different-coloured LEDs and a signal on the control panel. The DNA system acts on the steering wheel, on the VDC/braking system and on the engine management system. It changes their response, sensitivity and performance, signalling each change on the instrument panel.

The Normal mode is ideal for getting around the city and for relaxed, everyday driving. In this set up the individual components in the Alfa DNA System are configured normally.

The Dynamic mode is optimised for sportier driving, and offers a very different driving experience due to the fact that the DNA makes the VDC and the ASR less intrusive, partially freeing up the MiTo from electronic control of the vehicle dynamics. At the same time it activates the Electronic Q2, the electronic LSD software ar the front. This mode also acts on the steering and the engine, the steering becomes less power-assisted to give a sportier feeling while the throttle becomes more responsive and the 155bhp petrol and 120bhp JTDM diesel engines can also draw on over-boost.

When All Weather is chosen on the DNA selector, the car is set up so that it guarantees the driver the maximum control over the vehicle, even in low-grip conditions, such as on the wet or snow. When this is activated, the Alfa DNA System makes the car more easily controlled even on low-grip surfaces by acting on the vehicle’s dynamic control and lowering the VDC intervention threshold.

In terms of safety, the Mi.To has been designed to be one of the safest cars in Europe, and its safety features have also been 'future proofed'. At the end of 2008 the current Euro NCAP crash test ratings – which certify car safety - are changing, and the Mi.To has been designed to score as highly as possible under the new system.

The Alfa Mi.To comes with seven airbags as standard, a double pre-tensioner on the front seatbelts, an anti-whiplash device on the seats, a collapsible steering wheel in case of head-on collisions, and SBR (Seat Belt Reminder) technology.

This last feature comprises five sensors on a small screen on the windscreen which detect whether all the passenger belts - both front and rear - are fastened. The system is extremely rigorous and sends out an acoustic signal should any of the passengers not have fastened their belt.

The Alfa Mi.To promises maximum safety both for passengers and for pedestrians. This result has been achieved by designing the bumpers so they can pass rigorous tests and also by optimizing the exterior components in order to avoid any possible injury to pedestrians’ legs.