Alfa Romeo has announced that its all-new MiTo model will arrive in Australia and New Zealand in July providing the car market with a unique compact performance car that sets new standards for style, performance and technology.

“The MiTo is enormously important to Alfa Romeo as it takes us into a whole new market sector,” explains Lawrie Malatios, General Manager for Alfa Romeo in New Zealand. “Although Alfa Romeo has had small cars, starting with the legendary Alfasud through to its modern successor, the Alfa Romeo 147, the Alfa MiTo is not just in the sector below the 147, it is focused totally on being a performance and style driven mini-Coupe, not compromised by things like having to have a five door version. This has enabled Alfa Romeo’s acclaimed stylists to produce a car that has a purity of shape that has not been seen before. This means that MiTo is as much a pure Alfa Romeo as the Spider or Brera – something that has never been seen before in the class in which it will compete.”

Further enhancing its performance credentials, Alfa Romeo has confirmed that when the MiTo arrives in New Zealand in July, it will only be available in the top turbocharged version, with a 114 kW engine matched to a six speed gearbox. The unique chassis enables the driver to change how car responds on the road with the Alfa Romeo DNA system, while Q2 Electronic Differential effectively provides the MiTo with a limited slip differential. This means that not only can MiTo blast to 100 km/h in just 8.0 seconds; it can also corner with unrivalled aplomb. Equipment and trim will come in one level - overtly sporty. But despite the combination of style, performance, exclusivity and features, Alfa Romeo believes that people will be surprised at its prices when they are announced.

“We cannot release the prices and specifications yet,” says Lawrie Malatios. “But Alfa Romeo has a real value for money reputation across its range, so not only do I think people will pleasantly surprised when we announce prices and specifications in July, I think anyone looking for a car that offers the blend of style, performance and luxury that sets all Italian cars apart from the rivals should wait until to July for MiTo."