Alfa Romeo’s sporty new compact, the Alfa MiTo, has gone on sale in the UK this weekend. Inspired by the Alfa 8C Competizione, the Alfa MiTo is the first sporty compact from the famous Italian marque since the 1970s. 

Designed to appeal to a young, image-conscious audience, Alfa Romeo’s collaboration between the Milano (MI) styling centre, (Alfa Romeo Centro Stile), and the Torino (TO) factory, (Mirafiori), is well priced, well built and well specified. 

From launch, three high specification models – Turismo, Lusso and Veloce – will comprise the range, with a choice of five engines – three punchy petrol units and two diesels. Prices start at £10,745 for the entry level 1.4 16V Alfa MiTo Turismo, and rise to £14,745 for the top of the range 1.4 TB 155bhp Veloce. 

Introducing new levels of style and driving satisfaction to the sector, the Alfa MiTo delivers head-turning good looks. Styling cues taken from the Alfa 8C Competizione supercar make the Alfa MiTo appear like the perfect offspring.   

At the front, the shield-shaped grille is imposingly sited at the end of a sculpted V-shaped bonnet, flanked by clear lens and teardrop headlamps. In profile, the high waistline, flared wheel arches, disguised B-pillar and minimal rear overhang combine to communicate power, performance and agility. The hatchback rear of the vehicle features a segment first: LED (light-emitting diode) lights.  Brighter, faster responding and thus safer, these lights can be ordered with a choice of coloured surrounds. 

Inside the cabin, the high quality interior feels like a car from a class above, with its unique carbon fibre-look dashboard.  The sporty dials are hooded and the central console comes with a satin finish. Careful soundproofing helps create a quiet and refined environment that optimises the inclusion of a Bose® sound system and integrated Blue & Me™ with satellite navigation on certain models. 

Regardless of engine size, the Alfa MiTo delivers an engaging and rewarding driver experience.  Alfa Romeo’s innovative DNA system is another first for the class. A three-position switch, situated beside the gearlever, alters the throttle response and steering set-up for different driving environments – Dynamic, Normal and All Weather. In Dynamic mode, the throttle response is quicker, the steering is sharper and the handling is more direct.  For icy and loose surface environments the All Weather mode provides a more gentle response. 

Alfa Romeo’s Electronic Q2 limited slip differential heads a list of dynamic driver aids, including a long list of safety systems. Together, these all help deliver impressive driving dynamics and handling, along with sure-footed road holding capabilities. 

Four of the five available engines are mated to a six speed gearbox. The entry level 95bhp 1.4 16V Turismo will sprint from 0-62mph in a respectable 11.2 seconds and deliver a top speed of 112mph. The turbocharged 155bhp 1.4 Lusso model delivers the type of power normally associated with a significantly larger engine as it accelerates from 0-62mph in 8 seconds, and continues to a top speed of 134mph. 

In line with entertaining levels of performance and handling, the Alfa MiTo also boasts high levels of safety. Designed and developed to achieve the highest possible scores in passive and active safety tests, the Alfa MiTo is one of the safest cars on the road, providing driver and passengers with a high level of protection. In recognition of its safety credentials, the Alfa MiTo has already collected a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. 

Driver and occupant safety is paramount, and the specification of seven airbags including front airbags, window bags, sidebags and driver’s kneebag work with Alfa Romeo’s Self Aligning Head Restraint – a system that moves the head restraints closer to the neck of the front seat occupants to lessen the effect of whiplash in the event of an impact – is evidence of Alfa Romeo’s commitment to the highest possible safety standards. During any emergency braking, the Alfa MiTo automatically operates its hazard lights to alert other road users. 

The Alfa MiTo is being launched into a segment dominated by the Mini.  The Italian sporting car company is planning to challenge leading rivals with the MiTo’s persuasive combination of stylish looks, high specification and value for money proposition, driving credentials, and genuine four person comfort and luggage space. 

Managing Director of Alfa Romeo UK, Christopher Nicoll, says: “The moment is right to introduce a new sporty compact to the sector. Cool, young drivers will relish the choice and excitement that this new model – a real driver’s car – brings. Keen pricing, Alfa’s evocative heritage and the MiTo’s good looks mark it out as a genuine contender within this competitive sector.”