Alfa Romeo MiTo

Infobox Automobile


name = Alfa Romeo MiTo
manufacturer = Alfa Romeo
parent_company = Fiat Group
assembly = Mirafiori plant in Turin, ItalyCite web|url=http://www.fiatgroupautomobilespress.com/index.php?l=2&group=3&method=news&action=zoom&id=20080313162854f92fddb064744e0b4ca4bf7fb3bfeddb|title=Alfa Mi.To: World Premiere|accessdate=2008-03-14|year=14/03/2008|work=fiatgroupautomobilespress.com]
production = 2008–
layout = FF layout
class=Supermini
body_style = 3-door hatchback
engine = straight-4
fuel_capacity =
transmission = 6-speed manual gearbox
platform = Fiat/GM SCSS platform
wheelbase = convert|2511|mm|in|1|abbr=onCite web|url=http://www.fiatautopress.com/download/GRUPPO01%7E08_SCHEDE_TECNICHE_AR/080619_AR_MiTo_ST_GBR.pdf|title=Technical data sheets|accessdate=2008-06-19|work=fiatautopress.com]
length = convert|4063|mm|in|1|abbr=on
width = convert|1721|mm|in|1|abbr=on
height = convert|1446|mm|in|1|abbr=on
weight = convert|1080|kg|lb|abbr=on-convert|1205|kg|lb|abbr=on
predecessor =
successor =
related = Fiat Grande Punto
Fiat Linea
Opel Corsa D
designer = Centro Stile Alfa Romeo
fuel_capacity = Convert|45|L|usgal impgal|0|abbr=on

The Alfa Romeo MiTo (known internally as the type 955) is a 3-door sporty supermini officially introduced on 19 June 2008 in Castello Sforzesco in Milan, the international introduction was at British Motor Show in 2008. The car will be available in all major markets in stages from July.Cite web|url=http://www.alfaromeopress.com/index.php?method=cartelle&action=article&id=2008061711531481298114a5da34ea3c63a2844900f3ea&group=3|title=The model in brief|accessdate=2008-06-20|work=alfaromeopress.com] The three-door hatchback will feature front-wheel drive and will be sold from approximately US$ 21,000 to compete with the MINI and the upcoming Audi A1. Designed by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, the design is believed to be inspired by the 8C Competizione.

The MiTo is built on Fiat/GM SCSS platform used on Fiat Grande Punto, also employed by the Opel Corsa.

Naming

The "Junior" name was provisional. A European competition was launched where the public had the chance to name the car. The winner from each country could win an Alfa Romeo Spider or an Alfa Romeo mountain bike. The overall winner has their chosen name put to this car. The winner name is "Furiosa", which has scored well in Italy, France, UK and Germany, but not in Spain (12th out of 12)

On March 14 Alfa Romeo announced officially that the name would be MiTo, an abbreviation of Milano (Milan) and Torino (Turin), because it was designed in the first and is going to be built in the second; the name is also a play on Italian «mito», meaning «myth» or «legend».

Features

The car has new "Alfa DNA" system which allows driver to choose between three different driving settings; Dynamic, Normal and All-Weather, this setting controls the behaviour of engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox. The MiTo has also LED tail lights and convert|250|L|cuft|sing=on boot space.Cite web|url=http://www.alfamitoblog.it/content/view/26/lang,english/|title=17.03.08 The Alfa Mi.To in numbers|accessdate=2008-03-17|work=alfamitoblog.it] The Mi.To also features a Q2 electronic differential on the front wheels, which allows for faster and tighter cornering without loss of traction. The agressiveness of the differential is linked to the DNA switch.

= Engines =

At launch The MiTo will feature low-displacement turbocharged petrol and diesel engine. Also a power limited normally aspirated engine variant is produced to meet the new Italian legislation for young people. A GTA version will follow, equipped with about convert|230|PS|kW|0|abbr=on.

Petrol

Diesel

Pricing

The MiTo is to be marketed as a premium supermini, putting itself up against cars such as the New Mini, the Fiat Nuova 500, and the forthcoming Audi A1. In the UK the range will kick off with a 95 PS 1.4 petrol engine, priced from £10,795. The range will be topped off at launch by the convert|155|PS|kW|0|abbr=on 1.4 Turbojet, priced from around £14,000. In Italy prices will start from around €15,000 for the convert|78|PS|kW|0|abbr=on 'Junior'. It is unclear of present whether other European countries will receive the convert|78|PS|kW|0|abbr=on unit. The MiTo is more expensive than the 500, though cheaper than the Mini. It is also likely to undercut the Audi A1. Equipment lists are expected to be generous, while Alfa Romeo will offer a wide range of customization options, including spoilers, Alfa Romeo themed stickers (such as cloverleaf, racing stripes, the serpent etc) and decals. A full length sunroof is under development and will be made available in 2009.

References

* [http://www.italiaspeed.com/2007/cars/alfa_romeo/06/morgan_stanley_investor_presentation/2806.html Italiaspeed/Morgan Stanley Conference in a presentation by brand CEO Antonio Baravalle]
* [http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/229014/ Autocar - Alfa Junior scooped]
* [http://www.motorauthority.com/news/hatchbacks/2008-alfa-romeo-junior/ Motor Authority 29 January 2007]
* [http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/21/alfa-to-target-mini-with-new-compact/ Left Lane News]
* [http://www.alfanaming.co.uk :: Alfa Naming ::]

External links

* [http://www.alfamitoblog.it/default.php?lang=english Official MiTo blog]
* [http://www.alfaromeo.com/Mito Official website Mito]
* [http://www.alfamitoclip.com/ alfamitoclip.com]