Alfa Romeo Mito

 

What‘s it?
The newest iteration from the Fiat Group’s TwinAir engine installed inside a mildly refreshed Alfa Romeo Mito included in a choice of minor model-year revisions for 2014. The engine replaces the 85bhp unit previously available, and cuts 1. 1sec coming from the 0-62mph time. Headline power outputs are rated at 103bhp, which arrives at 5500rpm, and 107lb ft, delivered at 2000rpm once the standard-fit DNA product is in Dynamic mode. Engage Natural mode and power drops to 97bhp and torque to 86lb ft. Alfa says the key change is to modify the intake cam profile therefore the engine can better modulate the quantity of exhaust gas recirculated in its combustion chambers. Emissions of CO2 increase by 1g / km at 99g / km, while claimed fuel economy remains at 67. 3mpg. The engine is Euro 6 compliant.

Other changes applied over the revised Mito line-up include a brand new grille, new headlight surrounds and revised interior trims, which vary counting on specification. Our test car, in Distinctive trim, featured a two-tone red and black dashboard design. The MY2014 Mito also introduces a brand new infotainment system with navigation developed by TomTom. The Uconnect system uses a 5in colour touchscreen and supports text-to-speech and audio streaming technologies. What‘s it like? You are able to forgive the TwinAir’s noise and vibrations up to some point, since it is probably the most characterful engines around having a sound that almost begs one to drive it that little bit harder. The issue is that whenever you do, you quickly run from revs and into your soft limiter just in need of the indicated 6000rpm redline.

Changing up a gear drops the engine to around 4000rpm, which suggests there’s an operational rev choice of around 1500rpm. The engine doesn’t really get into its stride until around 3000rpm doesn’t help, either. Frequent gearchanges are needed, then, however the six-speed manual gearbox fitted to our test car refused to become hurried, particularly when selecting third. We‘re told it could have been a problem specific to our car, so we‘ll reserve judgment in the meantime. The steering suits tight, winding roads when large turns of lock are applied. Using the DNA system’s Dynamic model selected, there’s a decent level of weight and consistency once you’ve overcome an initial band of over-assistance. On straighter roads, the steering impresses less by having an artificial feel and also a no communication using the front wheels in Natural or All-weather modes. Better is that the Dynamic mode, which provides a much more consistent feel and adds much-needed weight.

 Elsewhere, the Mito is business as usual : a driver’s seat which will ratchet to some surprisingly low position (a very good thing, offered the headroom-robbing sunroof fitted to our test car ), a touch that lends a way of occasion, even if this lacks a cohesive design, and also a ride that‘s rather too firm. Should I buy one? Most likely not. Unless you’re an enthusiast (and Alfa frequently points to its fiercely loyal Alfisti ), the Mito TwinAir is really a compromise too far. For many drivers the engine is really a little too loud as well as for keen drivers, the rev band is simply too narrow. And although we’re yet to conduct conclusive fuel consumption figures for that new version from the engine, we’ve previously struggled to obtain even half Alfa’s claimed average.

Despite an on-paper increase in running costs and also a £900 price premium, the 135bhp 1. 4-litre turbocharged four is prone to represent a far better choice. Alfa Mito TB TwinAir 105hp DistinctivePrice £15, 550 ; 0-62mph 11. 4sec ; Top speed 114mph ; Economy 67. 3mpg ; CO2 99g / km ; Kerb weight 1130kg ; Engine 2cyl, in-line, 875cc, petrol ; Power 103bhp at 5500rpm ; Torque 107lb ft at 2000rpm ; Gearbox 6-spd manual 2014 Alfa Romeo Mito first drive review"