Alfa Romeo is developing an all-new entry-level model which could take the shape of a small crossover.

Hot on the heels of the Tonale concept breaking cover at the Geneva Motor Show, Alfa Romeo Europe boss Roberta Zerbi revealed to Auto Express that a new entry-level model is in the works to fill the void left by the MiTo supermini.

“I think we need an entry-level. This is something we are working on. I’m not sure it is going to be a MiTo, but it will be an entry-level car for the brand,” she said.

Zerbi went on to tell Autocar that the car manufacturer needs a new entry-level model if it’s to reach its sales targets.

“If we want to hit our sales target of 400,000 cars a year we need an entry-level model. For sure I am not talking about another Mito, but what it is we will see,” she said.

Alfa Romeo’s new entry-level model will have five doors

According to Zerbi, the MiTo proved especially popular among women but a crossover at a similar scale could be even more popular.

“I would like more women [to drive Alfa Romeos]. Alfa is always seen as the car for the petrolhead. But why? They are such beautiful pieces of design. The MiTo did well with women, but only to a certain extent. It was a three-door car, and women have to fit their children behind; a five-door is more appropriate.”

If Alfa Romeo does reinvent the MiTo supermini as a tiny SUV, it would slot below the Tonale and Stelvio in the company’s SUV family and be cheaper and more accessible than its bigger siblings.

Considering the ongoing demand for crossovers and SUVs, building such a vehicle makes more sense than replacing the MiTo with another supermini.