Review of the new Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 TB

If the automotive industry brainboxes are to be believed, engines in our small cars are going to get smaller. It's a result of the push for greater efficiency and lower emissions but it doesn't have to mean that that the days of fun, fast hatchbacks are over. With the aid of a little turbocharging, a small capacity petrol engine can punch well above its weight, as the 1.4-litre TB unit in Alfa Romeo's MiTo aims to demonstrate.

There's no doubt that the cost of buying and running a small car with lively performance can be prohibitive, especially for the younger drivers that tend to be attracted by such models. Once the lofty asking price has been met, the fun really starts as the insurance quotes come in and the fuel bills mount up. Suddenly the sluggish entry-level engine you turned your nose up at starts to look like a more viable option. So can the Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 TB buck this trend? It seems to have the right stuff.

A good turbocharged engine can deliver performance and flexibility that belies its size and the best modern units are light on fuel to boot. The somewhat unfortunately titled 1.4 TB engine fits that description and is available in two guises when fitted to Alfa's MiTo. First up is the 120bhp option. Thanks to its turbo, it reaches peak power output at 5,000rpm which is lower in the rev range, and therefore more accessible, than you'd expect from a normally-aspirated engine with the same output. Maximum torque of 206Nm is also available low down at 1,750rpm, so you get the almost diesel-like thrust through the gears that adds to the enjoyment factor in a feisty small car. 0-60mph takes 8.8s which is respectable but not as quick as the 155bhp version which does the same in eight seconds dead. This unit hits its peak power at 5,500rpm and develops torque of 230Nm at 3,000rpm but in everyday driving doesn't feel massively quicker than the 120bhp car.

"The idea of a 1.4-litre supermini won't usually stir the souls of enthusiastic drivers but chuck in a turbo and things take on a different hue"

Alfa Romeos are supposed to be entertaining to drive and the MiTo seeks to underline its sporting intentions with its DNA system. The technology can adapt the MiTo's steering, throttle response and stability control according to the conditions and the driver's preferences. It can be set in Normal, Dynamic or All-Weather modes to help drivers get the most out of their vehicle. In Dynamic mode, the turbo gives extra boost but the Normal setting takes the edge of the throttle response for more relaxed driving. The MiTo handles competently but can't match the fun factor of BMW's MINI with a ride that's on the fidgety side and a lack of steering feel. Also offered are a hill hold function and Alfa's Q2 technology that acts like a limited slip differential to divert engine torque to the wheel that has the grip to use it.

Alfa Romeos are supposed to be pretty and the MiTo is definitely one of the more stylish small cars in today's marketplace. The car is based on the same platform as the Fiat Grande Punto and it shares that car's elegant dimensions while adding some attractive detailing of its own. The interior of the MiTo could well be best in the current Alfa Romeo range. It seems strongly built and the variety of racy trim materials employed to impressively up-market effect. The rocker switch behind the gear lever that controls the DNA system is particularly well executed.

The driving position in the MiTo is lower and more sporty than you'll encounter in the majority of superminis but there's a good degree of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel so drivers can adapt it to their own tastes. The boot is fairly modest at 270-litres and there's quite a high lip which means items have to be lowered inside. Space in the rear is reasonable compared to other three-door superminis but a pair of tall adults wouldn't be very comfortable back there on a long journey.

There are three trim levels available to buyers but while the 120bhp 1.4 TB engine is available in all of them, the 155bhp version only comes with the higher spec Lusso and Veloce versions. The entry-level Turismo trim includes features like the DNA system, the Q2 electronic differential, VDC stability control, remote central locking, a CD stereo and a full complement of airbags so it's hardly Spartan. Select a set of alloy wheels from the options list and it might be the best value package. The higher trim levels get alloy wheels as standard along with a number of features that make the MiTo look and feel a more upmarket proposition.

The MiTo is campaigning at the trendier end of the supermini market, trading on the equity in the Alfa Romeo brand. The MINI is its most obvious rival and its prices look very attractive next to those of that car. Alfa has laid on a vast array of options for buyers wanting to personalise their vehicle and it would be quite easy to get carried away and bump your MiTo up well beyond the list price.

The kind of performance that the 1.4-litre TB MiTo models serve up would normally come at a considerable running costs penalty but economy and emissions hold up very well thanks to the engine's advanced design. The 120bhp version manages over 46mpg on the combined cycle which is only 2mpg down on the 95bhp normally aspirated 1.4 that props up the MiTo range. With emissions of 145g/km and insurance in group 5, it should prove pleasantly inexpensive to run. The 155bhp engine returns 43.5mpg and 153g/km but its insurance jumps to group 10 which might deter younger buyers.

Residual values for the MiTo are predicted to be strong initially, even rivalling those of the MINI. How they hold up longer term is less clear but it looks likely that the car will be able to justify its premium pricing over mainstream superminis with a less prestigious badge.

The idea of a 1.4-litre supermini won't usually stir the souls of enthusiastic drivers but chuck in a turbo and things take on a different hue. The Alfa Romeo MiTo works a treat with its 1.4-litre TB turbocharged engines and they add a lot to the stylish, sporty package that Alfa has concocted. Sub-nine-second 0-60mph performance and 46mpg economy is extremely good going in this sector.

The MiTo might not be the last word in handling poise or road-going refinement but it's a competent steer that's practical for a three-door supermini and it looks the part. The kudos bundled up with the Alfa brand will also play a large role in convincing buyers and a big proportion of them will pick out these lively, economical 1.4-litre TB engines which seem such a good fit for the car.

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