Do not be deceived by the MiTo’s cute looks, though – not even by the cartoon-like graphic that greets you when you turn on the ignition or cut the engine. The baby 8C musters up the growl of a feisty cub. Although it is nothing like what its V6 siblings can do, the car can more than handle itself despite its petite size. This is sufficient enough to send across the message that when it grows up, it aspires to be like its big brother, the 8C.
The MiTo’s 155bhp engine is not about brute power, but it packs a spunky punch that makes for a vivacious drive. The 1.4-litre turbocharged engine is adequately spontaneous. It comes equipped with the Alfa D.N.A. system, something that is usually available only in bigger cars – and even then, it is often as an optional extra.
The D.N.A. system is standard in the MiTo, and its three settings – “Dynamic”, “Normal” and “All-Weather” – provide different driving behaviours by varying the characteristics of the engine and steering. A handy rocker switch in front of the shifter allows the driver to select the mode, while the digital display between the dials show which mode the car is in.
The most discernable difference is between the “Dynamic” and “Normal” modes, which makes the MiTo drive like an altogether different car.
In “D” (what I call the “Deviant” mode), throttle and steering response are infinitely sharper. And traction control intervention is delayed to add more brio to your drive. This is the mode to leave the MiTo in if you are after a more enthusiastic drive that lives up to the cuore sportivo spirit.
In “Normal”, the MiTo feels just a tad lethargic, and the light steering and soft accelerator convey a “floating” feeling. “All-Weather” is designed for slippery or wet conditions. But “A” mode or not, the lack of grip is the last thing anyone can ever accuse the MiTo of. It handles well, hardly understeers and extends a firm grip even around tight corners.
Some credit must be given to the Q2 system, which is the electronic proxy to the traditional limited slip differential.
What the system does is brake the inner wheel under hard cornering to transfer torque to the outer wheel, where there’s more traction.
Overall, the MiTo feels very compact and nimble, with a sufficiently energetic drive to match its spunky attitude, even if the steering and gear changes feel like they could do with a little catching up in terms of responsiveness and precision. Perhaps the dual-clutch transmission version, expected later this year, may offer a solution.
Nevertheless, unlike most Alfas that are all “heart” and raw passion over sensibilities, the MiTo is one that manages to appeal to both the heart and head. The only concern is that in juggling the two, the MiTo may have tipped towards cents and sensibilities. Careless youth? Not this youngster.
Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1368cc
Bore x stroke 72mm x 84mm
Compression ratio 9.8:1
Max power 155bhp at 5500rpm
Max torque 206Nm at 2000rpm
Power to weight 135.4bhp/tonne
Gearbox 6-speed manual
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8 seconds
Top speed 215km/h
Consumption 15.4km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Goodyear Excellence
Size ?195/55 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 7
Traction aids ?ABS, ASR
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4063mm
Width 1720mm
Height 1446mm
Wheelbase 2511mm
Kerb weight 1145kg
Turning circle 11.3
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE Not available
Warranty Not available
+ Dynamic mode, plenty of equipment, value for money
– Too cute for an Alfa Romeo, tacky materials, missing Alfa soul
