01 Dec 08
New Year brings a series of important and exciting new-model launches: here are 10 newcomers making their debut early in 2009.
1. Alfa Romeo Mito
Move over Mini: here's the most desirable supermini of 2009 and the sexiest small Alfa since the 'Sud. The Mito (Milan-Torino, indicating where it was designed and where it is built) looks like a cuter, scaled-down version of the 8C Competizione super-coupe; it's every inch a hot hatch, even with one of the more humble engines.
The petrol engine on offer is a 1.4 16v (95bhp), with turbocharged versions of the same engine developing 120bhp and 155bhp. The diesels are the ultra-economical 1.3 Multijet and new 1.6 JTD (120bhp) units. A 230bhp, 1750cc Mito GTA follows later in the year, along with options including a double-clutch sequential-shift gearbox.
UK prices start from £10,975, with specification levels badged Turismo, Lusso and Veloce.
Fiat Fiorino Qubo
2. Fiat Fiorino Qubo
Not quite as stylish a small Italian as the Mito, but it looks useful and practical. The Fiorino Qubo is essentially a passenger-carrying version of the Fiorino mini-van, but both models have (like the 500) been developed on the excellent Fiat Panda underpinnings, so it won't be too utilitarian an experience.
It seats up to five, with a 330-litre boot, and with the rear seats removed, there's up to 2,500 litres of load space. Engines on offer are the 1.3 Multijet diesel (75bhp) or 1.4 petrol (73bhp); the diesel will return 62.8mpg and in some models, emit less than 120g/km of carbon dioxide, qualifying it for tax band B. The petrol will do a still-good 40.4mpg.
UK pricing hasn't yet been announced, but expect the Fiorino Qubo to be both affordable and good value. It'll have to be: Citroen's to sell its Nemo Multispace for less than £10,000, and Renault's three-door Kangoo Be Bop will be launched later in the year.
