Alfa Romeo MiTo - Test Drive
Italian Car Maker Launches Cool Supermini To Rival BMW Mini
Feb 3, 2009
Cool has always been a buzz-word that is associated with the Alfa Romeo brand and the MiTo supermini certainly carries that idea forward as it has produced a model that Mini should be scared of.
MiTo comes from Alfa Romeo’s collaboration between the Milano (MI) styling centre, (Alfa Romeo Centro Stile), and the Torino (TO) factory, (Mirafiori).
Pricing starts at £10,745 for the entry level 1.4 16V Alfa MiTo Turismo, and rise to £14,745 for the top of the range 1.4 TB 155bhp Veloce and from launch there will be a total of five engines available.
Inspired By The Alfa 8C Competizione
The inspiration behind the MiTo stylish looks was the Alfa 8C Competizione. The front of the car has an impressive shield-shaped grille, while the onnet is scuplted into a stlyish V shape. This gives the car a powerful presence while the front lights have what Alfa call a teardrop look to them. As with all Alfa cars of late, the number plate is offset to make sure that the air ducts are kept clear of obstructions.
From the side of the MiTo, one notices that the supermini has a high waistline, it also has flared wheel arches which adds to its sporty character.
Interior Of The MiTo
Inside, the new Alfa Romeo MiTo has a well finished cabin while the plastics look to be made of high quality materials. The dash has a carbon fibre-esque look, in-keeping with the sporty exterior while the dials are hooded while the central console comes with a satin finish.
Even if one plumps for the entry model there's a high level of standard kit. As standard, the car gets aircon and alloys and on the top-of-the-range Veloce model which was tested had climate control, a multi-function steering wheel and Alfa’s Blue&Me interface, which provides Bluetooth mobile phone connection.
Practicality
According to Alfa Romeo, the MiTo will only be produced in a three-door variant. The sporty nature of the car continues with a great driving position while the rear of the vehicle is comfortable as two adults of average height and build can be seated with ease.
Boot space is average for a car of this size as the MiTo has a luggage space of 270-litres, however the single-piece folding rear seat compromises practicality.
MiTo On Test
On road the MiTo is a good cruising car when driving in normal mode. The 1.6JTD 120bhp engine lacks a bit of power until you rev it out. But switch the DNA button to Dynamic or All Weather and the whole characteristics of the car changes.
The 120bhp oil burner was mated to a smooth shifting six-speed gearbox.
Alfa Romeo MiTo DNA
The DNA is a switch with three positions situated close to the gearlever. but what does it do?
As commented on, the 'Normal' mode is fine when driving around the urban jungle but if one wants to 'drive on' in an enthusiastic way then the driver should change the settings to Dynamic. Instantly the car feels sharper, the throttle response is better, power steering is reduced making the steering feel better and the suspension becomes stiffer allowing for better handling.
The All-Weather mode is especially useful when driving in poor or conditions that offer low grip such as loose surfaces, wet or snowy situations. When selected, the traction control works harder to give the driver more grip in such conditions.
According to Alfa Romeo, until now, no other compact car has benefited from advanced DNA driving technology derived from racing and supercars.
The MiTo with the 1.6-litre JTD engine with 120bhp can get from zero to 62mph in 9.9 seconds and it has a top speed of 123mph. Alfa Romeo claims this test car will return 58.9mpg on the combined cycle.
With the entry level MiTo loaded with standard equipment Mini will be watching its back as the baby Alfa homes in on it.
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