| |
Alfa Romeo is reportedly working on a new supermini to take on the Mini in 2008.
According to industry paper Automotive News Europe, the move will be the first time the Italian manufacturer has been represented in the small car sector since its disastrous foray with the Alfasud.
The new model is believed to be based on the Fiat Grande Punto and will be named the Junior, a name resurrected from Alfa Romeo's smallest engined range of coupes in the 1960s and 1970s.
Alfa's latest model is expected to be powered by modified versions of the 1.4, 1.8 and 1.9 engines from the Grande Punto,as well as a 1.8 turbo petrol engine producing over 200 bhp, with four-wheel drive.
This would see the Junior enjoy a performance advantage over less powerful superminis such as the 173bhp Mini Cooper S and the 180bhp Seat Ibiza Cupra.
The new engine options will also allow it to compete with small family cars with more than 200bhp, such as the Vauxhall Astra VXR, Ford Focus ST and the Volkswagen Golf R32.
Meanwhile, Fiat also has a new version of the Grande Punto up its sleeve, with the launch of the 240bhp Abarth version expected next summer.
View our new and used Alfa Romeo deals
Our Locations:
New and used Alfa Romeo deals at Amersham Alfa Romeo
|
|
