Used Alfa Romeo MiTo 2009 Petrol for Sale

The Punto-based MiTo apes the look of the 8C Competizione, although the narrower, taller shape of the MiTo doesn't fuse well with the round headlamps and Alfa grille. The rear view is stunning, it looks well in profile but the front is a challenge and it's wheel and colour sensitive too.

Both the 1.4 and 1.3 diesels need 11-point-something to reach 100km/h and feel pretty lethargic on the move. The 1.4 turbo engines are quick off the line and have plenty of on-the-go torque as well. The smooth and torquey 1.6 diesel suits the MiTo best, though.

The MiTo's chassis is safe and predictable and the ride quality is surprisingly good for a supermini. The handling is dire, though. The steering is utterly lifeless and the chassis lacks sharpness - the Mini simply runs rings around it. Sloppy gearboxes and an awkward driving position don't help.

The MiTo's cabin is pretty straighforward in its layout but the more options you add the less intuitive it is. Screen-less sat-nav is a nightmare to use, for example. The seats don't support well enough and the driving position is a bit high, while the gearbox is disappointingly vague.

The MiTo boasts a super ride quality and it's quiet, too, but in terms of quality it's a disappointment. Whereas the 159 feels somewhat 'premium' the MiTo is made of hard, cheap plastics and lacks the class and solidity of even the likes of the Honda Jazz or Ford Fiesta.

For a supposed premium product, the lack of ESC on all models is disappointing. Only the most powerful versions get it. Being Punto-based (5 NCAP Stars) means it will hold up well in a smash but it's not the safety trend-setter it should be.

Compared to the Mini, the MiTo is rather large but by supermini standards it's only average and the fact that it's a three-door only with tight access to the rear doesn't help.

If the MiTo was a cracking product - great to drive, high quality - I'd say it was a bargain. But because it's so obviously Punto-based it's doesn't seem like good value, particularly when you factor in depreciation.

Although final specifications have yet to be decided all models will, it seems, have alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel and the usual electrics. Air conditioning isn't standard on base models, we understand, while ESC is only for high-power models.

The non-turbo 1.4-litre petrol engine panders to an Italian law which restricts the power output for new drivers - avoid it. The 1.4 turbo engines are willing and sound great but aren't as fast as they should be. The 1.3 diesel is smooth but slow - the 1.6 diesel is the pick here.