MiTo brings back Alfa magic

The jury might be out for a long time when it comes to the MiTo's looks and not without reason. Other than the handsome slatted and instantly recognised front grille the MiTo attracts attention because it's unusual and new and not because it's jaw-droppingly sleek or stunning to look at.

The MiTo attracts attention because it’s unusual and new.

The rather boring front headlights (and even uglier round pop-eye lights at the rear) seem to be totally out of tune with the low-slung front end, big air intakes, twin exhaust outlets and sporty alloys.

Be cramped - but in style and quality

And because of its compact design the cabin space is cramped, particularly with four aboard, and the boot space is miniscule.

But where the MiTo (pronounced mee-taw which is a combination of Milano and Torino where it was designed and built) scores big is on the quality of the living quarters.

Sure, there are strong traces of Fiat DNA, but the cabin has a solid, upmarket feel to it, enhanced by well-sculpted sports seats, multi-function, fully adjustable leather covered steering wheel, Blaupunkt sound system, air conditioning (which, unlike in some recent Alfas, functions properly in the African heat) and electric windows and mirrors.

The round pop-eye lights at the rear seem out of character.

The dials, gauges and buttons are fairly logically positioned and a nice dash of red-blooded Italian lineage is the traditional Alfa Romeo gauge wording of benzina, giri and acqua.

But upon reflection…

But, being Italian and Alfa Romeo, it would be illogical to expect that everything would be perfect. The dashboard covering is nifty and eye-pleasing but because of the angle of the windscreen, it reflects irritatingly. At night this is even worse, particularly the reflection of the red gauge lights.

But all these quirks are quickly forgotten and easily forgiven by the exciting driving and handling characteristics of this B-segment Italian mini.

Its compact design means the cabin space is cramped.

The fun starts with a switch on the gear lever console which enables the driver to choose between ‘snow', ‘normal' and ‘dynamic'.

And dynamic is where you want to be for real fun. Just a flick of the switch and the steering sensitivity, throttle response, gear changes and stability control sharpen up instantly.

Amazingly responsive

In this mode, labelled ‘Sport' by most other car manufacturers, even a light touch of the go-fast pedal will induce rapid take-off which takes a little getting used to, but once you have the hang of it the MiTo's true character shines through.

The amazingly responsive 1.4-litre fuel-injected, turbocharged engine kicks out a healthy 114 kW and 230 Nm which makes it easy to keep the revs in the red for a top speed of about 212 km/h and a 0-100km/h sprint time of eight seconds (claimed).

The dials, gauges and buttons are fairly logically positioned.click to enlarge

The cog-swopping process is a tad vague but the changes are smooth and fast through the six-speed manual box.

As impressive as the MiTo's eagerness to run wild is the way it hugs the tarmac with the help of some high-tech suspension tweaking, limited slip differential, power-assisted steering and traction control.

It retains its composure through corners

Perhaps wisely, to prevent over-enthusiastic drivers from running out of experience, traction control (or as Alfa calls it, VDC which stands for Vehicle Dynamic Control) cannot be de-activated).

Unlike most other Alfas, the MiTo's outside front wheel doesn't dip down dramatically if you push it through the corners and even with the whip out the car remains absolutely composed.

Although not a foaming Alfa Romeo fan, I was thrilled and delighted by this new-comer to the Alfa stable.

Another view of the instrument panel and driver's position.click to enlarge

Driving the MiTo is an absolute hoot, as long as you keep it set at ‘dynamic'. In ‘normal' mode it does feel typically Fiat, although this is not always a negative, particularly if you spend a lot of time in congested city traffic.

More on the way

Another noticeable improvement is in the stop department where the EBD assisted ABS slams the MiTo to a dramatically quick halt from 100 km/h to zero in less than three seconds.

If this is the new way Alfa Romeo is going then Bravo, Bravo, Bravo for the MiTo's all-round improved quality, spunky performance and exciting handling characteristics.

The MiTo has also been chosen as one of the eight finalists competing in the 2010 South African Car Of The Year competition.

Prior to the MiTo's launch in South Africa in July, Alfa Romeo sales were barely ticking over at between 5 and 10 units a month.

Mito has boosted this to between 30 and 40 a month and Alfa is upbeat about growing sales even further with the addition of two new MiTo models badged Quadrofoglio Verde due here in about April 2010.

You’ll quickly forgive and forget any of the MiTo’s quirks once you’re behind the wheel.

Also due here in the 3rd or 4th quarter next year are two versions of the Alfa Milano and there is a good chance of the Alfa Brera and Spider with the 1750 TBi engine arriving in about February or March.

It's a pity that the MiTo's launch price of R228 500 was bumped up to R245 200 in September because although it might not yet carry the weight of a BMW, MINI or Audi badge, the new MiTo dishes out more fun, class and refinement than some others in this segment and price range.

Even with its bigger price tag it is close to the MINI Cooper in price, but closer to the MINI Cooper S in performance.

Although aimed at the young and trendy 25-35-year-old market the MiTo has recaptured enough of the Alfa magic to maybe even draw some of the older Alfisti back into the fold.