Alfa Romeo Mito Tested January 2009

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Environment Rating Its 1.3-litre diesel comes in at 112g/km CO2 and even the petrol units start at under 130g/km CO2, which is very good. The problem is the lack of a super low-emission version with 100 g/km of CO2. Overall Rating Recommended. Style, sophistication and lots of fun; Alfa's venture into the B segment is good enough to worry Mini, but not too much.

Summary

The first time you see one of these adorable baby-Alfas on the road, it is apparent how different it looks in the metal. Pictures sadly don't do this car much justice and it's the little details around the MiTo's front end that make it look so appealing. It also has the benefit of looking so different to everything else in the segment at the moment; a strength shared by both the Mini and new Fiesta. Its underpinnings have been loosely based on Fiat's Grande Punto, but styling cues from the 8C Competizione supercar and a host of extensive alterations under the car's skin has ensured that the MiTo very much keeps its own personality.

Inside the MiTo is as equally well-finished as the exterior, with excellent use of high quality materials. It's an interesting dash with all of the central features angled slightly towards the driver to give the cockpit a driver-orientated feel. It also feels much more upmarket than many of its competitors. The MiTo also gets sports seats in every trim level which enhances the driver-focused ambience of the car.

There is a good range of engines available starting with a 1.4-litre 94bhp petrol unit priced under the £11k mark. Other units come in a range of direct injection turbocharged petrol engines including 120 and 155bhp versions of the 1.4-litre unit and two diesel engines; 1.3 and 1.6-litre four-cylinder units with the latter offering 118bhp and 236lb ft torque. The mid-powered 120bhp turbo petrol unit is expected to be the biggest seller, offering a good blend of power and efficiency, but even the higher power petrol unit will return 43.5mpg on the combined cycle. The 153bhp version feels swift but, if it's more power you're after, Alfa has said it will introduce a GTA version of the MiTo shortly, which is likely to have around 230bhp on tap.

There are three trim levels on offer; Turismo, Lusso and Veloce. Each trim offers an extensive range of equipment. All vehicles have alloy wheels - 16 inch are the smallest, and 17 inch come as standard on Veloce models - while all models benefit from a raft of driver control aids and Alfa's DNA system; a three-way switch allowing the driver to choose between Dynamic, Normal and All-weather settings which alters the MiTo's driving characteristics.

The MiTo feels agile and solid on the road. A twisty B-road is where Dynamic mode suits it best, sharpening up the throttle response as the car hunkers down on the road. It doesn't quite have the poise or control of the Mini through corners - there is more movement from the MiTo's body - but it is still a spirited and entertaining drive. The thing that lets the MiTo down though is the ride which is a little firm causing the car to bobble around on potholed UK roads. Switching to a softer DNA setting seems to make little difference, especially on Veloce models which come with large 17-inch alloys. Sadly, we're yet to try a version which has smaller wheels to see if it makes much difference. The ride thankfully does settle down on the motorway where the MiTo becomes quite an appealing long-distance cruiser.

In the end, those who are thinking about buying this car will be sold the minute they step into an Alfa showroom or see one on the road, such is the visual appeal of the MiTo. It might not be quite as focused as the Mini to drive, but it certainly has plenty of character.