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Alfa Romeo MiTo wins hearts and minds

publication date: Jun 26, 2009
 | 
author/source: Robin Roberts
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Stunning supermini

Cars are always a compromise which few manufacturers really want to acknowledge, unless it's the Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 T Jet.

In fact, Alfa has made a virtue of its split personality of being designed in Milan and built in Turin, and it really is two cars in one which satisfies not one but two sectors, the supermini runabout and the super sporting hot hatch.

What is more it moves between characters in a seamless manner which is certain to delight any driver.

The MiTo range runs to 13 modelswith a single 3-door bodystyle, three trim levels, three petrol and two diesel engines and priced between £11,000 and £15,000.

At the top end the 1.4T Jet Veloce turns heads because it is rare, and often raring to go as well as rewarding to drive from the driver's viewpoint.

" This MiTo's character changes with the push of a switch beside the six-speed gearlever which allows you to pick the wobbly winter, nice normal or dramatic dynamic settings for throttle and steering responses in the car's electronic brain box. "On the button in more ways than one

For this reason the assessment of the powertrain has to be tempered with its character changes depending upon the chosen mode. I tried all of them and can verify they performed markedly differently and I spent most of my time hanging onto a big grin as the dynamic mode sharpened the responses through every gearchange and throttle movement.

The test panel figures show its capabilities but will not tell you how good it feels to drive or how easily it achieves that economy. Suffice it is very good.

What is more, the MiTo's steering is excellent with its tight turning circle, lack of vibration, and feedback at speed. You can very precisely place it when parking or pushing on through sweeping curves and you have the reassurance of a beautifully balanced braking system which slows it dramatically and effortlessly with only modest pressure.

" Secondary controls are close to hand and work well once you get use to the wipers and the usual fascia switches have a good feel to their operation as well.

Heating and ventilation is straightforward and individually set for left and right sides with good output, control and direction selection. "		Attractive to look at and drive

Oddments room is a little bit of a test for packaging with many small recesses but few large places in which to put items.

The boot is modest and reached behind a high sill while its capacity runs from 270 litres to 950 litres with the individual back seats folded.

With just three doors it's a squeeze to get into the back and the rear room is not generous for bigger people but the front seats' space is very good and adjustment range reasonably wide. A point of warning, some drivers have complained about catching trouser legs on a sharp piece of trim jutting out of the console next to the clutch.

Visibility is good to the front and sides, less so over the shoulder and through the back window, but wipers and lights are effective.

The MiTo's ride quality is firm but not really hard and there is very little roll or pitching while its handling is very surefooted and well mannered and never raised  a moment's concern.

The only real noise to notice is that of the crisp exhaust note which is a pleasant sound and the engine's fussiness is less noticeable as the revs. rise. Road rumbles and wind noises are low.

If modern sporting superminis go the way of the MiTo we will all want one - or two.

Fact file:                              
Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4T Jet Veloce £14,995
Powertrain:      
155bhp 4cyl 1.4, 6sp
Insurance group:              
10
Max speed:                        
134mph
0-62mph:                             
8sec
Consumption:                    
35mpg
Running cost:                     
45ppm
C02/ tax:                              
153gkm/ 18pc
Retained value:                
53pc
Warranty:                             
3yrs/ 60k, 3yrs paint, 8yrs anti-rust

Eye-catching from either end


          


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