Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA at Geneva Motor Show 2009

Geneva Motor Show 2009

In brief - Alfa Romeo MiTo

  • Leightweight design
    Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA (Image © Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA)

    It is expected to use lightweight bits, such as an aluminium bonnet. Those heavily flared front wings could also be made from lightweight composites. This would give the model specialist kudos. Alfa fans also expect it to be badged as a 1750, not 1.8, evoking past performance models.

  • Pricing
    Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA (Image © Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA)

    Alfa intentionally pitches its models cheaper than the MINI. We'd expect the MiTo GTA to come in at around £18,000, then - which would be something of a bargain for the fastest small hot hatch around. We've seen some dealers already taking orders for the model, arriving here in the summer...

  • Power
    Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA (Image © Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA)

    It will be powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This will send its 230bhp through the front wheels, driving the three-door hatch on to 150mph. 0-60mph will reportedly take less than six seconds - this is one fast hatch indeed! Between 50-75mph, an Alfa chief said acceleration matches the 8C supercar...

  • Handling
    Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA (Image © Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA)

    Normally, sending all that power through the front wheels is a recipe for disaster. Not here. The model will use Alfa's Q2 traction-maximising differential. This cuts wheelspin and ensures the front tyres can get as much bite on the road as possible.

Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA

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Geneva Motor Show 2009