The Alfa Romeo MiTo will take on the Mini when it goes on sale next year – and it’s making its entrance at the British Motor Show.

One of the prettiest small cars for years, the Alfa Romeo MiTo, is a scaled-down design of the Alfa Romeo 8C supercar.

View more pictures of the Alfa Romeo MiTo

The Alfa Romeo MiTo features the same (albeit smaller) ‘telephone-dial’ shaped alloy wheels, round headlights and round taillights with chrome surround as its 190mph big brother.

It’s even available in the company’s trademark blood-red paintwork.

Under the MiTo’s stunning body is the chassis from sister-firm Fiat’s Grande Punto.

All its components have been tweaked or changed and Alfa Romeo claims the MiTo will be ‘sporty’.

Power will come from three 1.4-litre petrol engines with 95bhp, 120bhp and 155bhp and two diesel engines: a 1.3-litre with 90bhp and a 1.6-litre with 120bhp.

The MiTo will also get ‘DNA’, a new system expected on future Alfa’s, which adjusts the car to suit your driving style and environment.

View our slide show of the Alfa Romeo 8C supercar

There are three ‘DNA’ settings: dynamic, normal and all-weather, which alter the steering, engine response, brakes, suspension and gearbox to make the car firmer and faster reacting (in dynamic) or softer and more comfortable (normal).

Italy’s hottest new hatchback will be debuting at the British International Motor Show on July 23 and we’ll be there to bring you all the latest news.

When it goes on sale in the UK early next year prices will start at £10,975 for the entry level 1.4-litre Turismo with 95bhp and rise to £14,975 for the 1.4-litre 155bhp Veloce.

Check out this official video of the Alfa Romeo MiTo in action: