The Alfa Romeo MiTo is a perfect rival for the likes of the Citroen DS3, MINI and even the Audi A1. Its design, which is inspired by the 8C Competizione, is stunning and it undercuts some of its rivals in terms of price. The MiTo was updated in 2014 and benefitted from a range of new and improved engines.
The Alfa Romeo MiTo comes with a good range of engines. For those of you who prefer driving petrol vehicles the option available to you is a 1.4 litre MultiAir engine that gives 140 bhp and a claimed 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds. If this is too much for you the other option is a smaller 875cc engine offering 0-100km/h in 11.4 seconds.
There are two diesel options available, the most attractive on paper is a 1.6 litre engine offering 120 bhp. The other choice is a 1.3 litre engine offering 85 bhp and maximum torque of 200Nm at 1,500rpm.
Three driving choices are available that alter steering, traction control, throttle and more. However, things can be a bit unresponsive while driving in “normal” mode. We’d recommend choosing “dynamic” as your main setting if you’re looking for more responsiveness.
Where the MiTo does best is in how it grips the road. Where it lags is in its steering – there just doesn’t seem to be a happy medium between driving modes. While driving the MiTo could be described as fun, the ride quality is not what one would call excellent. It doesn’t deal brilliantly with inconsistent road surfaces and there are times when it feels overly firm.
The general consensus is that the MultiAir petrol engines are refined enough. The diesel engines have a tendency to be loud when turning over and in higher speed environments - like on the motorway.
Inside you should find USB ports as well as Bluetooth connectivity as standard. The seats are comfortable, but the space to the rear is sparse – some rivals manage their space better. Options available include rear-parking sensors, cruise control and other extras.
The dash and plastics are not overly impressive to the touch, but as is typical of Alfa Romeo they manage to make it look very presentable.
The MiTo comes with 7 airbags throughout the vehicle. Other safety features include Vehicle Dynamic Control, ABS with EBD and Anti Slip Regulation, which assists the driver if the car feels that is about to lose control.
As standard you will find Hill Assist, Seat Belt Reminders, Anti-Whiplash technology in the seats, Dual Pretensioners on the front seat belts and for added visibility you will also get LED taillights. If you opt for the higher “Distinctive” trim you will also find rear parking sensors and cruise control.
This is a small machine, and therefore it won’t be the most practical if you are driving with five inside. The back space is not a place for people over six-feet on a long journey. Visibility out of the rear window is not excellent either.
The boot offers 270 litres, which is less than the Ford Fiesta, a little bit more than the MINI 3-door, and the same as the Audi A1.
Arrange a