Alternative review of Alfa Romeo MiTo

Alfa Romeo remains one of the most romantic names in the automotive world. To get a badge that holds a similar kind of emotional bond with enthusiasts, you've usually got to spend a lot more money than Alfa asks for its line-up of saloons hatchbacks, coupes and convertibles. So the image is good: the problem is that the reality has often been less so. The Italian marque hasn't performed as well as other companies with massively less public goodwill behind them. The hope is that the MiTo supermini can be the car to turn Alfa's heritage into profit. I've got to say, I love the idea of a small car from Alfa. If any brand can challenge the dominance of BMW's MINI in the market for trendy small cars, you'd bank on the effortless Italian cool of Alfa Romeo. The car will need to be good though and on first acquaintance it seems to tick the right boxes. This is a model that looks and feels special, which is half the battle in the fashion conscious corner of the market where it competes. The fact that it rides on the same underpinnings as the Vauxhall Corsa and Fiat Punto bode well for the rest of the package too.

There is a hint of Grande Punto about the MiTo when it's viewed in profile but the three-door version of that car is regularly lauded for its clean flowing lines and the Alfa inherits these while taking things further with some neat original detailing. Around at the front, Alfa fans will be reminded of a model from the opposite end of the motoring spectrum to any Fiat - the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The MiTo has a similar nose to Alfa's 450bhp supercar with its protruding grille and teardrop headlights. Apparently, from the inception of the limited run 8C, the plan was always for elements of its striking styling treatment to find their way on to Alfa's volume-selling small car. The stylists' work has not been merely for show either. With a drag coefficient of just 0.29, the MiTo is an extremely aerodynamic vehicle. The interior of the MiTo could well be best in the current Alfa Romeo range. It seems strongly built and a variety of racy trim materials are employed to impressively up-market effect. The rear seats can accommodate two adults without much drama and the rocker switch in front of the gear lever that controls the DNA system is very nicely designed though the 270-litre boot is on the small side. The DNA 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. All MiTo models come with a healthy safety provision that includes seven airbags, while a whole host of electronic driver aids are available on various models. These include ABS brakes, EBD brakeforce distribution, VDC Vehicle Dynamic Control, ASR anti-skid control, CBC Cornering Brake Control and DST Dynamic Steering Torque.

The MiTo is good fun on the road, living up to its Alfa Romeo billing. There's a definite sporty feel to the way it stops, goes and steers but that comes with a ride that's on the firm side and may be too much so for some tastes. I didn't have too much of a problem with it and was impressed with the amount of grip and the lack of body roll when the car corners quickly. You can hear what the engines are up to and this might be off-putting for some but I felt it was all part of the Alfa experience. The car has character and there aren't many you can say that about these days. So, to what an Alfa should be about - the driving experience. This car was launched with a 78bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine to offer buyers an affordable lead-in price point (and to make MINIs look expensive) but where the MiTo really takes off is where its turbocharged MultiAir petrol models start. They offer 105, 135 and 170bhp performance but combined cycle fuel returns of around 50mpg. If you're in the 135bhp version, sixty from rest occupies only 8.4s - and only slightly longer if you go for the 6-speed TCT twin-clutch semi-automatic gearbox rather than the standard 5-speed manual. Pulling power through the gearbox - a short-shifting six-speed manual in the case of this Cloverleaf - is even better, all delivered in a manner so torquey, smooth and lag-free that you'd swear a normally aspirated six cylinder engine rather than a little turbo four lay under the bonnet. In its own way, this car's diesel technology is almost as eye-catching, thanks to the use of clever Multijet II technology. The engineers have developed both 1.3 and 1.6-litre JTDm-2 units, with the lower-powered 95bhp 1.3 being especially impressive. Thanks to a meaty 200Nm of torque, it pulls like a train from lower speeds, with overtaking capability more potent than the 11.6s 0-60mph sprint time would suggest.

I like the MiTo. At the very least it's a more original choice for those seeking a trendy supermini than the ubiquitous MINI. Ultimately, it's probably less accomplished than the MINI but the gap isn't as wide as you might think and the prospect of owning a genuine Alfa Romeo has got to count for something.

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