Alfa Romeo Mito Twin

 

What‘s it? The Alfa Romeo Mito is around since 2008 now, with a couple of updates on the way, and it really is the foremost recently tweaked iteration. It’s received cosmetic and kit updates and much more power to the two-cylinder TwinAir model. The turbocharged 875cc engine previously put out 85bhp but now it produces 103bhp - although torque remains at 107lb ft. The extra power helps cut the 0-62mph time from 12. 5sec to some more tolerable 11. 4sec. Emissions have increased using a negligible 1g / km of CO2, however it still qualifies at no cost tax because of its overall 99g / km rating, and the typical mpg figure is unchanged at 67. 3mpg. Alfa has revised the available trim levels too ; the range now comprises Sprint, Distinctive, Sportiva and Quadrifoglio Verde.

We tested the Sportiva model which has 18-inch alloys, cruise control, parking sensors, air-con and also a five-inch touchscreen media system with Bluetooth, USB and aux-in connectivity. What‘s it like? Inside it’s effectively business as usual, barring the addition of a brand new multimedia system. The cabin is interesting enough, there’s lots of front-end room and everything works as expected. There’s only enough space inside the back for two - the Mito only has four seat-belts - and there is a capacious boot and a very good level of kit, too. What’s disappointing, and relatively unsurprisingly, is that the TwinAir’s economy and insufficient flexibility. We averaged an indicated 38mpg, a way from the claimed 67. 3mpg, indulging in relatively sensible test route. That is a figure that’d easily be returned by most significantly more powerful engines. In an effort to make swift progress you need to work the Mito hard, further crippling its economy, of which point another issue raises its head – noise. A mechanical cacophony erupts every time you pin the throttle open, towards the extent that you may overlook the undeniable fact that you’re bouncing against the engine’s soft rev limiter. Fortunately a precise and swift-shifting six-speed transmission helps you earn the foremost of what is on offer, while Alfa's DNA driving mode system offers up a limited choice of adjustments to the car's steering weight, throttle response and stability controls.

This lets you somewhat tailor the car to fit your particular mood - although most will likely place it inside the most engaging, Dynamic, which best suits the Mito's perky nature. Upon the right roads, There‘s enjoyment to had coming from the Alfa, because of its agile chassis and occasionally endearing powertrain. In isolation it’s not an entirely unlikeable car, however may quickly tire of their noise, overly film ride and occasionally uncommunicative steering. Should I buy one? You are going to need to actually need a Mito in an effort to justify buying one. Its rivals, including the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo and Suzuki Swift, offer up more modern, competent and complete packages. The reality is even Ford’s Fiesta ST, which might not seem as a sensible rival, will average circa 35mpg, prove far far better to drive and become more appealing overall. Moreover, the Fiesta ST only commands a tolerable and easily justifiable list price premium of £695 during the Alfa. If economy was your primary purchase motivator, however, perhaps a little diesel or one among Ford's characterful EcoBoost petrols will be a more sensible choice. Alfa Romeo Mito 875cc TB TwinAir 105bhpPrice £16, 300 ; 0-62mph 11. 4sec ; Top speed 114mph ; Economy 67. 2mpg ; CO2 99g / km ; Kerb weight 1130kg ; Engine 2 cyls, 875cc, turbocharged, petrol ; Power 103bhp at 5500rpm ; Torque 107lb ft at 2000rpm ; Gearbox 6-spd manual 2014 Alfa Romeo Mito Twin Air UK first drive review