Review of the new Alfa Romeo MiTo Range

It's a mark of the strength of the Alfa Romeo brand that it still generates warm, fuzzy emotions in people who care about cars. That the firm has been going through a rocky patch of Himalayan proportions for a number of years is common knowledge. Profits have been tough to come by while gripes concerning reliability and dealer support haven't helped the Alfa brand's perception in the UK. Despite all this, Alfa Romeo cars are still in possession of that quality which other manufacturers would commit multiple homicide for - they make you smile. The style, the flair, the passion, it's all very much intact in the best Alfa Romeos but converting that emotional involvement into big sales is the challenge. The MiTo supermini could be the car to pull it off.

The Alfa MiTo rides on the same underpinnings as the Fiat Punto and Vauxhall's Corsa. On the one hand, this could dissuade some potential buyers from paying the premium that Alfa wants for its MiTo but on the other it might serve as reassurance of the MiTo's underlying qualities. After all, modern superminis don't come much better than the Fiat and the Vauxhall so the MiTo could do a lot worse than inheriting a little of their build quality and ergonomics. This car is built on solid, if mainstream foundations but Alfa's designers have taken steps to ensure that it looks and feels anything but run-of-the-mill.

The MiTo has a wide range of engines to call upon divided into normally-aspirated petrol units, turbocharged petrols and common-rail diesels. The entry-level choice and the most affordable way to get yourself into Alfa's baby is the 1.4-litre 78 or 95bhp petrol unit. Then there's the well proven 1.4TB turbocharged engine offered in 120 or 155bhp guises. A more modern option however, is the 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol engine that made its debut in Fiat's Punto Evo and is offered in 135 or 170bhp forms. These turbocharged options may be small but they're a great solution for a small, fast car in the modern marketplace. They even make a decent stab at following Alfa Romeo's tradition of sweet sounding, high-revving petrol powerplants. The 135bhp unit in particular urges you to close in on the 6,500rpm redline. The diesels are the excellent 1.3-litre JTDm-2 unit that's found in various Fiats and Vauxhalls (offered in 95bhp guise), plus a powerful 1.6-litre that has 120bhp and a hefty 320Nm torque rating.

"The MiTo goes head to head with some of the trendiest small cars around."

Alfa Romeos are supposed to be entertaining to drive and the MiTo seeks to underline its sporting intentions with its DNA (Dynamic - Normal - All Weather) 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. 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 they're supposed to be red, very red. The MiTo is certainly available in red so a tentative tick can go in that box and you'd have to say that it's a bit of a looker as well. There is a hint of 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 the variety of racy trim materials 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 particularly well executed.

The MiTo is offered in Turismo, Lusso or Veloce trim, in that order of plushness, plus the top 1.4 MultiAir 170bhp variant is offered with racy Cloverleaf trim. 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 goes head to head with some of the trendiest small cars around in its bid to fire Alfa Romeo on the greater things. BMW's MINI stands out as its most obvious challenger and with their retro themes and sporty focus, the two cars look evenly matched. Alfa's illustrious heritage should play a key role in persuading buyers to come on board and the car's proven underpinnings should also serve as a reassurance to the motoring public.

The Mito's engines are an efficient bunch, the biggest amongst them being the 1.6-litre diesel. The star performer from an economy perspective will be the 1.3-litre diesel from which buyers can expect 65.7mpg on the combined cycle and just 112g/km of CO2.. The feisty 135bhp 1.4-litre MultiAir turbocharged petrol engine will return 50.4mpg on the combined cycle while producing emissions of 129g/km, which is a decent showing considering its performance potential.

The MiTo is a massively important car for Alfa Romeo but the manufacturer hasn't rushed into the potentially lucrative small car sector unprepared. The MiTo runs on mechanicals that are shared with two of the very best supermini products out there and with that all important touch of Alfa style added into its mix, there's every chance that the MiTo can succeed.

Striking looks based on those of an exclusive 450bhp supercar, solid build quality, advanced engines and all that Alfa Romeo heritage to yank on the heartstrings of the buying public: the Mito would appear to have the ingredients it needs to succeed. The market for trendy small cars has really taken off in recent years and the baby Alfa looks perfectly placed to capitalise.

TOP 5 ALFA ROMEO DEALS

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