2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo

The Alfa Romeo MiTo, brand new for 2011 from the Italian luxurious automobile manufacturer, makes a real attempt at being an accessible and affordable Italian sports car. While calling it a “sports car” is a little bit of a stretch, the Alfa MiTo should supply spirited driving and respectable power in a sport compact car package. Designed to be a sporty yet affordable alternative to the 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C, the MiTo sport compact car weighs lower than a Honda Civic and should be a pleasure to throw through the esses, and easy to drive in traffic as well.

The 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo will also feature Alfa’s DNA electronics mapping control. It allows the driver to tailor responses of the powertrain, brakes, steering, and suspension through Dynamic, Normal and All-Climate modes. One other upscale touch is Alfa’s Q2 Electronic system that apportions torque between the front wheels like a mechanical limited-slip differential.

The Alfa Romeo MiTo is essentially the most powerful and sporty model of the range right now. The MiTo is offered in Europe with three 4-cylinder engines: A 78 horsepower 1.4-liter, apparently intended for novice drivers; a turbocharged model with 155 horsepower; and a 1.6-liter 120-horsepower turbocharged diesel. We can’t see the low-suds mill coming here, and the turbo diesel seems equally iffy, so the gas-turbo 1.4 should be mandatory for our 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo. The same goes for a 6-speed manual transmission. There’s no automatic option right now, but Alfa says an automated dual-clutch manual is on the way.

Alfa Romeo MiTo is one of the most secure cars on the road, offering driver and passengers with a excessive level of protection. In recognition of its safety credentials, the Alfa Romeo MiTo 2009 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 reduce the effect of whiplash in the event of an impact.

Here’s what the press has to say about the 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo:

Consumer Guide – Comparing the MiTo to the Honda Fit, Consumer Guide says, “the 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo is about the same dimension as that Consumer Guide Greatest Purchase Honda, however is trimmed and equipped to compete with upscale small cars just like the BMW Mini. Styling takes cues from Alfa’s exotic V8-powered 8C Competizione two-seaters, but engineering is pretty straightforward. The suspension, for instance, comprises four coil springs, front struts and a rear twist-beam axle, while the steering is conventional rack-and-pinion, albeit with gas-saving electro hydraulic assist.

Top Gear- Alfa serves up a pleasant little car that drives well. Appears to be like a bit odd, but has character.

Carspace – Could you think about a world where Chrysler’s looked like Alfas rather than the Sebring? Their dealers might only hope.

Alfa Romeo has not released cars for the US market in a number of years, but both the 8C and the MiTo are coming back to the United States. Look for the Alfa Romeo in Europe as a 2009 model and in North America for 2010. The European MiTo comes with several engines, including a four-cylinder engine that makes 78 horsepower and a turbocharged four that makes 155 horsepower.

The new Alfa MiTo is one of the best small car, with an incredible engine and handling capabilities. Packed with driving assistant systems and great interior it offers you the joy you need, in the city or outside.

View 2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo Photo Gallery