Alfa Romeo's recently revealed Mi.To hatch is believed to be the replacement to the entry-level portion of the 147 line, with the new 149 to be five-doors only and targeted more up-market. Today at the Bologna Motor Show, Alfa Romeo CEO Luca de Meo confirmed that the car is in fact in the works, and will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2009.
The new Alfa will come despite a planned halt in production to bring stock in line with demand, reports Automotive News. Most reports indicate the new car will be riding on a completely new platform rather than sharing one with the Fiat Bravo as had been previously planned. As the preview image indicates, the car will share much of the current design language of the Mi.To and 8C.
By splitting the existing 147 line into the Mi.To and 149, it allows the company to retain existing customers of the range while targeting new ones at both ends of the spectrum. The smaller and more efficient Mi.To can play toward the younger and more urban crowds, while the 149 should scale well with the more affluent and suburban lifestyles. Adding to the 149's more upscale direction is the inclusion of four-wheel drive in the new platform, though front-wheel drive will remain standard.
Engines for the two lines are expected to be split along similar bases as the cars themselves, with the three-door only Mi.To getting a series of small and efficient turbocharged diesel and petrol mills rated from 95hp (70kW) to 165hp (123KW), plus a 1.75L range-topper rated near 230hp (170kW) for the performance GTA model. The up-scale 149, on the other hand, is expected to receive a range of engines starting at a smallish 120hp (90kW) four-cylinder up to a 3.2L V6 good for 265hp (198kW).
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