SpaceTM's Joe encounters the new Alfa Romeo Mito [001]

Thanks to global warming and oil shortages the 21st century has all been about the rise of the small car. SpaceTM's Joe went to have a look at Alfa Romeo's new Mini competitor, the Alfa Mito and was plesantly surprised.

BMW's Mini has ruled the roost for some time when it comes to the high-end of small cars, but last year it received some stiff competition from the new Fiat 500 (which won Car Of The Year 2008). But they could both soon be quaking in their spark plugs with the launch of Alfa Romeo's Mito.

The rounded front is based on the gorgeous Alfa 8C Competizione. Seeing as only 500 of the latter have been made maybe Alfa didn't want to put such a good design to waste?

Italian cars have a reputation for good design, but also unreliability (maybe unfairly). The Mito will only be going out to its new UK owners in January, so its difficult to make as assesment on the latter. However, I think the design is spot on. I'm going to enjoy seeing it on the roads.

(Europe has already got its hands on the Mito and there are plenty of amusing Youtube videos of Italian and French owners cooing over their new purchase - like this one...)