With design cues taken from the stunning Alfa 8C Competizione Supercar, the new Alfa Romeo MiTo is styled to match its description as the sportiest car on the market today. It certainly turns heads.
Front on, the instantly recognisable shield-shaped grille follows the lineage of modern day Alfas with the shape of the bonnet and headlamps paying homage to the Alfa 8C.
Follow its high waistline to the rear and here you see the 8C’s character again with its round LED lights (a first for this segment). Inside, its unique carbon fibre-look dashboard and sporty dials make it stand out from the rest while there is enough head, leg and elbow room in the back seats for two full-size adults.
Designed to appeal to the young, image-conscious audience, the 3 door Alfa MiTo’s name is derived from two of Italy’s cities renowned for style and class – Milan (Mi) and Torino (To).
For the young audience, Alfa takes care of all their in-car entertainment providing RDS radio with CD and MP3 player with two sound system levels offered.
A range of petrol and diesel engines are available from the entry level 95 bhp 1.4 16V to the turbocharged 155 bhp 1.4 litre petrol. The two diesels – 1.3 JTDm (90 bhp) and 1.6 JTDm (120 bhp) will also prove popular among the fuel and CO2 emission reduction followers.
True to its tradition the Alfa MiTo delivers a fun, entertaining, comfortable and safe driving experience (5 stars EuroNCAP rating was achieved). Situated beside the gearlever there is a three-position switch that can alter the reactions of the vehicle’s dynamics with the system working on engine, steering, suspension and gearbox. This creates three different vehicle behaviour modes based on the driving style that best suits the terrain or wishes of the driver. With a choice of Dynamic, Normal and All Weather, set-ups can be changed on the flick of a switch.
Key to its sporting ride and handling characteristics is the suspension system in that the front and rear dampers feature coilover springs fitted inside the shock absorber that reduces roll and increases chassis response. In addition MiTo’s track widths are among the broadest in the segment.
Representing class leading diesel technology, this Euro 5 1.6 JTDm 120 bhp delivers – emphasized by a massive 320 Nm of torque at just 1750 rpm. Fuel economy is equally impressive – almost 60 mpg on the combined cycle – 4.8 L/100 kms.
With a long history of developing entertaining, driver-focused small cars (remember the Alfasud?), Alfa Romeo has created a sporty compact hatch that existing ‘Alfisti’ and future fans are sure to enjoy.
Spec Check
Make/Model Alfa Romeo MiTo Veloce
Engine 1.6 litre JTDm diesel
Power 120 bhp @ 3750 rpm
Torque 320 Nm @ 1750 rpm
Transmission 6 speed manual
Price €23,695 (at time of test)
Emissions CO2 126 g/km – BIK 30%
Tax Bands VRT 16% – Motor Tax €156
jarlath sweeney
