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Alfa Romeo unveils the Mi.To
By Yoann Besnard on 17 March 2008 | 
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Ahead of the schedule, Alfa Romeo has released the first official pictures of the long-awaited baby Alfa called Mi.To.
With this new model, Alfa Romeo wants to increase its global sales by adding around more than 100,000 Mi.To per year to the current production. If the Mi.To doesn’t meet success, the company’s future might be shadowed as Sergio Marchionne wants the brand to come back to profit by 2010.
Intended to take on the established Mini, the Mi.To plans to rely on its appealing design to conquer potential customers. The Mi.To takes its styling cues from the 8C Competizione: the shape of the unframed side windows, the three-lobed motif that distinguishes the front bumper, the shape of the headlights and the LED tail lights. Without a doubt, the new small Alfa brings the Italian touch to the masses.
At 4.06 metres long, 1.44 metres high and 1.72 metres wide, the Mi.To is longer and wider, but lower than the Grande Punto on which it is based. With the Fiat model, the new Alfa will also share its engine range, turbocharged petrol and diesel engines spanning 90-155bhp. Alfa romeo confirms that higher powered versions will be launched later.
The Mi.To will feature the company’s DNA system. This driver-operated system acts directly on the engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox, allowing three different vehicle behaviour modes based on the driving style best suited to the situation or the customer’s wishes: sporting (Dynamic), town driving (Normal), maximum safety even in difficult grip conditions (All-Weather).
The baby Alfa will go on sale in Italy this summer, but will arrive on our shores only early next year.