A significantly revised MiTo range will shortly become available through Alfa Romeo’s 52-strong UK dealer network.
The Italian sporting car manufacturer, which is enjoying a strong and sustained sales surge in 2011, has just released details of the new range – all of which are designed to make owning an Alfa easier and more attractive than ever, with lower entry prices combined with higher standard specifications, and a new congestion-busting sub-100g/km CO2 version.
The MiTo sports compact range has been streamlined from 17 versions to nine, with both Turismo and Lusso trim levels being replaced with the Sprint; entry level versions are now known as Progression, and Distinctive and Quadrifoglio Verde versions replace Veloce and Cloverleaf.
Prices have been reduced across the range, and now start at £12,250 OTR for the entry level 1.4 8v Progression, rising to £17,955 OTR for the 1.4 TB MultiAir 170bhp Quadrifoglio Verde.
In terms of enhanced specification, Distinctive (formerly Veloce) and Quadrifoglio Verde (Cloverleaf) are both enriched with additional equipment, including Cruise Control, Sports pedals and rear parking sensors.
The inspiration behind the art derives from Alfa Romeo’s new congestion charge free Alfa MiTo, which has only 95g/km of CO2 emissions, and is interpreted in the subject through a vibrant floral backdrop and mix of bold colours. The painting also incorporates elements of the iconic Alfa Romeo logo, and legendary Cloverleaf symbol which is synonymous with the brand.
Louise said: “I really wanted to capture Alfa Romeo's heritage and elegance within my creation, while bringing out the stylish and fashionable aspects of the Alfa MiTo."
“The Alfa MiTo is targeted at a young, stylish audience who have a positive attitude to life, and are focussed on being successful, and within my painting I have tried to bring this across using a combination of designs that convey powerful imagery mixed with elegance and beauty.”
Typical of Marchionne, he offered no cash from Fiat’s pocket, even though Chrysler needed money in the worst way. His aim was simply a “strategic alliance” as a path to solid profitability for both companies though shared technology, talent, production facilities and other resources. It’s the same idea behind the Franco-Japanese pairing of Renault and Nissan--and very different from the failed “merger of equals” called DaimlerChrysler.
Like Renault-Nissan, this alliance theoretically gives each partner access to the other’s manufacturing bases, distribution channels, and intellectual property. The Italian company will doubtless use Chrysler’s resources for a U.S. relaunch of the Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands, which have been absent here for decades (though Alfa’s return has been rumored for years). Chrysler, in turn, can piggyback on Fiat’s strong presence in Europe, China, and many other markets to grow overseas sales of vehicles like the Dodge Dakota pickup, Dodge Journey SUV, and various Jeeps. More important, Chrysler would get to use several next-generation Fiat platforms to develop replacements for existing flops like the Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass.
