In the first of a new series, we profile the seven shortlisted contenders for the European Car of the Year title. This week, the Alfa Romeo MiTois under the spotlight
Why is it a contender?
The MiTo harks back to the much-loved era of the Alfa Sud and offers a rival to the Mini, with Italian flair and some peppy engines. Europe loves the Alfa brand and, while they haven't always produced the best cars, they will never be short of supporters. They've a particularly strong and loyal home following.
Who is it aimed at?
The MiTo has Mini very much in its crosshairs, but Alfa will also be gunning for any premium small buyers and there will be more competition with the arrival of the Audi A1 next year.
Alfa is hoping to attract the young, trendy buyer with the MiTo but they will face a tough task in pulling Mini buyers out from behind the steering wheels of their beloved cars.
What's under the bonnet?
The MiTo will arrive in Ireland in right-hand-drive guise in January 2009, with three petrol and two diesel engines.
The petrols are a normally aspirated 1.4-litre engine with 95bhp and two turbo-charged versions with 120bhp and 155bhp. There will also be diesel offerings, in the forms of a 90bhp 1.3-litre and a 120bhp 1.6-litre JTD Multijet.
What's it like to drive?
The drive is not as enjoyable as it should be. It has a willing little chassis and feels quite nimble but is let down by vague steering.
The engines are good though, and these will score highly for the car.
Why it might win
Everyone, even motoring journalists, tends to get taken in by the romance and heritage that surrounds Alfa Romeo.
There is an acknowledgement that there is a need for small cars such as this and the MiTo, which is fun and frugal with the right engine, might just find itself in the right place at the right time.
Why it might not
Because there is some serious competition this year - and, while Italy claimed the title last year with something of a novelty car, this year there are some real heavyweights vying for the top spot. Overall, that means the MiTo might just fall by the wayside.
Unlike some of its competition, there are some obvious flaws in the car and it is also unlikely to appeal to a very wide audience.
How much?
We haven't been told for sure just yet, but we expect the MiTo will start at under €20,000 - and that isn't bad for a car with a premium badge and a high level of standard equipment.
That equipment list is likely to include air-conditioning, alloy wheels and a host of safety features including seven airbags, stability control and traction control.
Is it worth it?
At the expected price it certainly will be, but competition is fierce.
It will remain to be seen if Irish buyers who have been avoiding Alfa Romeo for years will return en masse with the arrival of the MiTo.
It is sure to be priced aggressively which will make it a decent buy, but on the downside Alfa residuals have been falling faster than house prices.
What is it up against and does it match up?
The most obvious rival is the Mini, with the Audi A1, which we have only seen in concept form, not too far behind.
The MiTo is not as good to drive as the Mini just yet, but it comes with some great engines and it will also undercut the Mini significantly in terms of price.
It's unlikely that it will worry Mini too much but the MiTo will make an interesting alternative - if buyers are willing to put their faith into buying an Alfa Romeo.