After a long wait, Alfa Romeo vehicles will be again available for U.S. buyers later this year with the launch of the 4C sports car. However, the Fiat-owned carmaker plans to bring more models to the United States, with the next-generation MiTo sub-compact hatch being a very strong candidate.
Alfa has two scenarios for the second-generation MiTo – one involving an evolution of the model in the form of a three-door hatchback and the other turning it into a compact crossover like the Mini Paceman. The latter would give the MiTo greater chances of going global, but it remains to be seen if Alfa Romeo can handle such a massive expansion of its smaller models.
What is certain is that the next MiTo will be based on the Fiat 500L’s modular platform, which would allow Alfa to build both a MiTo hatch and a MiTo crossover.
As far as engines are concerned, the next-generation MiTo will have a base model powered by an evolution of the current two-cylinder TwinAir gasoline turbo engine that will develop 100 horsepower and will run on biofuel and natural gas too. The top-of-the-range model will have a turbocharged four-cylinder MultiAir engine under the hood rated at 200 horsepower. There’s also a possibility of a plug-in hybrid variant.
Although Fiat’s CEO Sergio Marchionne said he wants the new MiTo in the U.S., a final decision has not been made, as the small Alfa would require a considerable investment for importation and homologation. Given that the car is expected to cost Mini-money, it will not sell big volumes – so the effort to bring it to the U.S. may not be worth the investment.
By Dan Mihalascu
Story References: Car&Driver
PHOTO GALLERY
