Alfa Romeo MiTo Diesel delivers economy and performance with traditional Italian flair
ALFA'S latest car is the very interesting MiTo a car that sits below the 147 as the entry to the Alfa line-up. The entry model 1.4 16v Turismo costs just €18,995 and engine options range from 1.4 petrol, 1.3 JTDM diesel, 1.4 Turbo petrol and 1.6 JTDM diesel.
Road Tested by Hugh Maguire
Diesels are becoming ever more popular here. It seems we are following the example of our fellow Europeans where diesel sales account for the majority of new car sales.
In 2010 we can expect to see diesel sales continue to grow as these engines offer better fuel consumption and under the new C02 tax system in many cases they make more sense. With more and more luxury brands devoting a lot of resources to improving diesels it is not surprising to see a performance luxury brand like Alfa Romeo pursuing the diesel route.
First of all I must confess to a certain bias when writing about Alfa Romeo. For years I have loved their cars. Back in the days of the Alfasud, the rear wheel drive GTV 3.0 and the Alfa Spirit I was a devoted fan. For me Alfa symbolises a flair, spirit and dynamism that few manufacturers can emulate – even today. Therefore despite their vices over the years – and we all know they had many – I am still a fan.
First Impressions
The 3 door MiTo is a pretty funky looking machine with swooping lines and a very distinctive front end with large bug eye type headlights. It certainly generated plenty of attention during my tenure.
Behind The Wheel
The cabin is beautifully laid out and very well finished. Recognising criticisms of the past Alfa have paid great attention to build quality and the result is a car with loads of Italian flair but build and quality that is more reminiscent of a premium German brand. The chunky multifunction steering wheel, sports seats, comprehensive instrumentation and great specification immediately impress.
The MiTo comes standard with ABS, VDC with hill holder, multiple airbags including knee airbags, a vehicle dynamic control switch which boots power and responsiveness as well as giving the steering a more positive feel and a host of the usual electrics including an innovative alcohol tester kit that allows the driver to see if he or she may be over the limit for driving. The driving position is very good aided by the very supportive sports seats.
Performance
My test car was powered by the 1.3 litre JTDM diesel engine. What a revelation! This is a truly superb engine. Power output is a beefy 90 bhp yet with emissions of just 119g/km putting it in the VRT band A with an annual road tax of just €104.
This lively unit is mated to a very nice 6-speed gearbox with well chosen ratios making the best of both this engine's high torque and lively acceleration. Choosing the dynamic mode via the selector switch makes every thing truly come alive with more rapid acceleration and a sportier feel.
Road Behaviour
The suspension set-up is a perfect combination between sporting handling and comfortable ride. The MiTo is actually great fun to drive in an involving sort of way that you just don't expect from a small car. Levels of refinement are high with wind, road and engine noise all well suppressed.
Verdict
As I mentioned prices start at Alfa Romeo MiTo Diesel delivers economy and performance with traditioanl Italian flair €18,995 for the 1.4 petrol Turismo rising to €25,045 for the 1.4 TB 155bhp Veloce. The Alfa Romeo MiTo is a superb car that rewards with an involving driving experience, excellent build quality, a dynamic individual style and yet is truly economical to own and run. In short the Alfa MiTo is in my opinion one of the very best small cars on the market today.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Weather for Tullamore
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North east
