Alfa Romeo Mito - a great baby Alfa

IT has been described as Britain’s best looking supermini and I would not disagree with this view about the stylish Alfa Romeo Mito which has plenty of street cred and really cuts the mustard in this very competitive market sector writes Bryan Longworth.
Alfa Mito TwinAir Sprint.Alfa Mito TwinAir Sprint.
Alfa Mito TwinAir Sprint.

IT has been described as Britain’s best looking supermini and I would not disagree with this view about the stylish Alfa Romeo Mito which has plenty of street cred and really cuts the mustard in this very competitive market sector writes Bryan Longworth.

For it has a very classy body with that very distinctive Alfa front grille and it has just got better after the famous Italian manufacturer has refreshed the Mito which takes its name from the first two letters from Milan and Torino (Turin) where Alfa Romeo is situated as part of the Fiat empire.

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The latest Mito which is the company’s best selling car now has higher specification, revised interior, subtle styling enhancements and the addition of the new 105bhp TwinAir engine which powered my Mito test car

Externally the Mito benefits from a new chrome front grille with new surrounds to the front and rear lights with a new rear sports bumper plus interior improvements including a revised dashboard upgraded plastics and new equipment.

The two cylinder 875cc TwinAir turbo charged petrol engine now has an extra 20bhp taking the output to 105bhp which translates into the zero to 62mph sprint now 1.1 seconds faster than in the previous 85bhp version with combined fuel consumption 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions at a tax friendly 99g/km.

My test car was the Alfa Mito TwinAir Sprint which is the entry level model of a four model range and priced at £14,350 that had various options fitted including very smart 17inch alloy wheels which were nearly £1000.

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This Mito will appeal to younger owners particularly with its twin pot power unit that has a sporty sound to it although some owners will feel it is rather noisy because of the distinctive throaty tone associated with two cylinder engines.

At first I thought the sound of the engine when accelerating was rather intrusive but I gradually got used to it and it added to the sporty nature of this small Alfa and I can now see why the Sprint as well as being the lowest price Mito will also have big appeal to younger owners because of the two cylinder engine.

It will now do the zero to 62mph sprint in 11.4 seconds following the extra power being added and with its precise steering and nimble handling this Mito provides enjoyable motoring with reasonable economy although the trip computer showed the fuel consumption to be nearer 45mpg than the combined 67.2mpg figure.

Owners who like to play with high tech kit will love the DNA system whereby they can adjust traction, braking, stability, steering and throttle response although I am sure there will be others who choose their favourite setting and leave it at that.

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There were the usual irritants associated with many three door cars - seat belts hard to locate and the wide doors being good for getting into and out of the car but they can be a pain when having to park close to other vehicles when entry and egress can be rather difficult.

Otherwise I enjoyed the Mito and it easy to see why it is the best selling Alfa and why I would go for the Sprint model with the two cylinder motor because it is such a fun little car.

My Verdict: A great baby Alfa.

Fact File

Model: Alfa Mito TwinAir Sprint.

Engine: 875cc two cylinder petrol turbo.

Output: 105bhp @ 5500rpm.

Transmission: six speed manual.

Top speed: 114mph.

Acceleration: 0 to 62mph 11.4 seconds.

Fuel consumption: 67.2mpg combined.

CO2 emissions: 99g/km.

Price: £14,350.

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