ROAD TEST
Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4-litre 155bhp– Test Drive
We at IMN have already driven the Alfa Romeo MiTo in 1.6-litre /120BHP guise and now we get to drive its more powerful sibling – the top of the range 1.4TB 155BHP in Veloce trim.
To recap, the name comes from where the car is made - Alfa Romeo's collaboration between the Milano (MI) styling centre, (Alfa Romeo Centro Stile), and the Torino (TO) factory, (Mirafiori).
LOOKS
Inspired from the Alfa 8C Competizione, the Alfa MiTo has a sporty charm. Walk to the front of the car and there's an impressive shield-shaped grille, it sits at the tip of the sculpted V-shaped bonnet, flanked by clear lens and bug-eyed headlamps. The offset registration plate is so that the air ducts are kept clear – you'll either love it or hate it. We at IMN love it, it makes the Alfa's face a little quirky. Move to the side of the car and you'll see the MiTo has a high waistline, while the wheel arches are flared and the B-pillar is disguised to look like part of the side windows. This adds to the sporty looks. Step around to the rear of the MiTo and the LED tail-lights certainly stand out and the small roof spoiler gives the car a classy finish.
INTERIOR
Jump in and you'll find that the inside of the MiTo is fitted with high quality looking materials. The dash has a carbon fibre-esque look, in-keeping with the sporty exterior. The dials are hooded while the central console comes with a satin finish. Equipped with lots of standard kit, the MiTo has the Mini in its sights. As standard you get aircon and alloys as standard but on our top-of-the-range Veloce model we also had climate control, a multi-function steering wheel and Alfa's Blue&Me interface, which provides Bluetooth mobile phone connection.
PRACTICALITY
The MiTo will only be produced in three-door format to emphasise its sporty character. The driving position is really good and you can fit two adults of average height and build in the rear. Move to the boot and you have a luggage space of 270-litres which is okay for a car of this size, however the single-piece folding rear seat compromises practicality.
ON TEST
Buying an Alfa has usually done with the heart leading the head but as you have been reading the MiTo is about to change this aspect. Not only does it make good business sense to buy a MiTo it has got all the important driving characteristics of its bigger siblings which makes the MiTo a serious rival when comparing to the Mini.
On the road the MiTo performed really well. We drove the 1.4-litre petrol 155bhp top of the range model in Veloce trim.
The figures look good too, it can get do the zero to 62mph sprint in a time of eight seconds while this version of the MiTo has a top speed of 134mph. However, if you drive enthusiastically then you'll need to read the following carefully and take heed of the MiTo's DNA characteristics.
So what is DNA?
It is a three-position switch, situated beside the gearlever and it more importantly alters the throttle response and steering set-up for different driving environments – Dynamic, Normal and All Weather.
The Normal is perfect when in and around town, the Normal setting ensures the engine is tuned for agility in the city. The steering is light and the car feels like a city car in this mode.
Select the Dynamic mode and the MiTo sharpens into a driver's car. The car feels sportier, and the driving experience is enhanced. The power steering is reduced letting the wheel weight-up, the suspension also becomes stiffer, which makes for improved handling. The MiTo handles brilliantly when you introduce the Dynamic mode.
The third setting is for all-weather driving. You should switch the settings to all-weather when you are driving in poor, low-grip weather conditions – loose surfaces, wet or snowy situations. When selected, you can feel that the traction control is working harder, this should also make the MiTo safer to drive in these conditions.
Alfa Romeo claims our test car will return 43.5mpg on the combined cycle, that’s really good for a car that is nippy, agile and lots of fun.
AT A GLANCE
| Name/Price: | Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 TB 155bhp Veloce/From £16,359 |
| Engine/power: | 1.4-litre /155BHP |
| Co2 emissions: | 153g/km |
| Official Combined fuel economy: | 43.5mpg |
IMN VERDICT
The Alfa Romeo MiTo has really taken the game to Mini. The MiTo is loaded with kit and the range starts from £10,745. With the entry level 1.3-litre JTD engine only emitting 119g/km the MiTo is sure to be a success as consumers downsize and go green at the same time. With the 1.4-litre 155bhp you will have lots of fun and show up bigger cars on the road with its superb agility.
Simon McBride