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While in Italy for the Ferrari California launch we spotted our first Alfa Romeo Mito, a Mini competitor with Italian sporting appeal.
Alfa says the name has nothing to do with Valentino Rossi's first national Sports Production title on a Cagiva Mito Racing 125 back in 1994, and everything to do with linking stylish Milan with industrial Turin.
Alfa is aiming the car at under-25s, the texting generation expected to warm to the Mito name.
And there's plenty to recommend the car.
According to our sighting its compact dimensions haven't compromised its swooping, sporting lines, enhanced by strategic details such as chrome-rimmed rear lights.
While some will buy for looks when it arrives here in the middle of next year, others will be impressed by the Mito's performance.
Alongside the 1.4-litre petrol turbo, the 1.6 turbo diesel puts out 320Nm of torque at less than 2000rpm, which should make for serious sports performance.
