Ten Second Review

The Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 8v is a likeable and economical small hatch that fuses high style with a low price. As good as it is, it's worth springing another £1,000 and landing the much more powerful but virtually as economical 1.4 MultiAir model.

Background

Alfa Romeo is a brand on the up. After a few years spent seemingly uncertain of what it represented, the Italian company has returned to what it knows best - building sleek coupes and saloons and infectiously fun hatchbacks. The entry point into Alfa's revitalised line up is the MiTo and the first rung of the MiTo ladder is now marked by this, the 1.4-litre 8v model. Can Alfa Romeo can distil all of the brand identity into the cheapest MiTo? It's quite an ask but the MiTo range has been revised fairly extensively with new engines and a completely different trim structure. There eight-valve MiTo 1.4 campaigns on low emissions and value for money. Relevance, therefore, is not going to be an issue.

Driving Experience

If, like me, your memory of entry-level Alfas is of a fizzing and parping Alfasud, the MiTo will probably come as a bit of a surprise. Despite its cheeky looks it feels a good deal more grown-up than you might expect. The 78bhp 1.4-litre 8v model has replaced the old 95bhp sixteen-valve unit, which operated a little too close to the 105bhp MultiAir version for comfort. A retrograde step? In terms of straight line speed, quite possibly as the eight-valve car now reaches 60mph from standstill in 12.7 seconds compared to the old sixteen-valve's 10.9 second showing. 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 throttle is spikier and the steering weights up markedly but the Normal setting takes the edge off 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 less settled and steering that's not quite so communicative.

Design and Build

Alfa Romeos require a certain element of style and the MiTo is certainly one of the most distinctive models in the small car marketplace. It's based on the same platform as the Fiat Punto and it shares that car's fundamentally correct proportioning while adding some attractive detailing of its own. The interior of the MiTo could well be best in the current Alfa Romeo range. It's solidly built with plenty of soft-touch plastics, metallic finishes and nods to the marque's sporting tradition. 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.

Market and Model

Although the MiTo 1.4 8v isn't that quick, ask yourself what, for £12.5k, is that much quicker. Now that Citroen and Peugeot has exited the market for seriously aggro hatches, not a whole lot. A 1.2-litre TSI-engined Skoda Fabia would outdrag it, but these two cars aren't really competing for the same customer. A closer rival would be the MINI First which just undercuts the MiTo but feels far more the base model. The trim line up has been revised of late. Out have gone the wonderfully charismatic Turismo and Lusso trim levels being replaced another blast from the past, the Sprint; while entry level versions are now known as the Progression, which seems a bit PowerPoint of such a cool car. There's a very distinctive paint finish offered to MiTo 1.4 8v buyers. Metal Bronze, a colour entirely new to the Alfa range, can also be chosen with Sprint Bronze upholstery. You too can be bronzer than a Portofino playboy. Of the Progression and Sprint models, apart from the name, the Sprint wins my vote because it's also fitted with VDC stability control as standard.

Cost of Ownership

As well as lowering the entry-level price, the key reason that Alfa have moved to the simpler eight-valve engine is to bring down emissions and boost economy. The problem the 1.4 8v unit faces is that the 105bhp MultiAir engine makes much the same economy and emissions figures but is a whole heap quicker, for just £1,000 on top. If I was spending my money, I know where it would go. Anyway, back to the matter at hand. The 8v unit manages a combined fuel economy figure of 50.4mpg and emits 130g/km which are extremely presentable figures for a petrol engined car in this class. Demand for used MiTo models has proven strong and there's no reason to assume that it will tail off with the introduction of a budget entry-level car. This relatively beefy residual value has been a big draw for private buyers, especially when the cost of comparatively mundane rivals such as the Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta has steadily crept up to match the MiTo's asking price. Suddenly the Alfa looks corking value. Small wonder sales are trending upwards.

If you’re looking for a new Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4 8V Sprint 3Dr Petrol Hatchback for sale, you’ve come to the right place. At Bristol Street Motors we don’t just have the best Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4 8V Sprint 3Dr Petrol Hatchback deals, we also offer friendly advice and help with all your enquiries to ensure your buying experience is a happy experience.

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