Just days after going on sale in Australia and New Zealand the Alfa MiTo is now available in the showrooms in another country that is far distant from the production lines in Turin where it is built, South Africa. One version of the MiTo, that fitted with the 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine, is now available for ordering in South Africa.

The MiTo is so much more than just a new model from one of the world’s oldest marques. It might be one of the most compact cars ever produced by Alfa Romeo, yet it has a huge responsibility resting on its shoulders.

Here you have a car that has to somehow magically encapsulate 99 years of Alfa Romeo sporting heritage, whilst appealing to the fickle palate of the techno-savvy now generation. A car that has to be the flag-bearer for the next generation of Alfa Romeos, but one that can never forget its illustrious roots.

Well, the all-new MiTo is that and more. Its very name reflects the incontrovertible link between the past and future of the brand: between Milano (‘Mi’), the Style Capital of the World that gave birth to the stylish form and Torino (‘To’), the industrial heart that lovingly brings the vehicular blueprint to life. Alfa Romeo proudly offers a new generation of ‘Alfisti’ the sportiest supermini yet and a tantalising foregleam of what’s to come from this historic marque.

Oscar Rivoli, Alfa Romeo South Africa’s Managing Director, is only too aware of the importance of the newcomer: “Every now and then a car comes along that is so much greater than the sum of its parts. The MiTo is such a car. An instant classic, it appeals on every level – style, handling, performance, features and that indefinable something that can only be attributed to its lineage. I feel privileged to be associated with a product this talented. I have no doubt that the buying public will be just as enchanted with it as we are.”

The new Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 Turbo petrol will sell in South Africa for the recommended launch price of R228,500 (including VAT). Enhancing the ownership prospect, the new MiTo has 30,000 km service intervals (or every 24 months) and enjoys full after-sales support in South Africa thanks to a comprehensive parts inventory (housed and distributed in an all-new, state-of-the-art facility) and the back-up of trained technicians at Alfa Romeo dealerships countrywide.

A three-year 100 000 km Warranty (three years on paintwork and five years on rust anti-perforation) as well as a six-year 90 000 km service plan are standard. The new models are covered by the AA Fleetcare roadside assistance for 12 months. The service is active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is available by calling the dedicated toll-free number 0800 223 727.