Alfa Romeo Mito Review

Whenever anyone talks about any Alfa Romeo, they always have to throw in a quick comment about the Mito being another dreary, ugly, boring eco-box (plus some other numerous negative adjectives to fill the word count on their review).

Having personally owned a 2009 Mito in the top ‘Veloce’ specification for a couple of years now, I thought I would write up an unbiased overall review on why I personally feel that everyone jumping on the negative reviews bandwagon for the Mito are wrong. The Mito was first released in 2008, so my model at the end of 2009 was still one of the early versions so bare this in mind when reading over this review. The current versions have come a long way, with much better interiors and engines. This review is purely on my 2009 model.

I purchased this car when I was 18, for £8,000 with around 17,000 miles on the clock. I wanted something different to the usual Fiesta, Corsa or Clio that litters every University, College or Sixth form car park. And yes while my budget was higher, no I couldn’t buy a sports car because here in the UK, insurance companies don’t like young drivers very much. Especially young drivers who have a pending claim from an accident (which ended up being awarded non-fault in my favour in the unlikely case anyone is wondering). For my budget, the Mito was perfect for looks, economy, insurance and practicality. I also knew I wouldn’t lose too much with depreciation as someone else had already taken the big hit of that.

I have the 1.4Litre 95bhp model which has no problems keeping up with all the hot hatches and sports car that eagerly want to try and take me on. Unfortunately that’s only in my dreams. Performance in the 95bhp model is rather disappointing to say the least. 0-60 takes 11.2 seconds, which is enough time for the tears to leave my eyes and drip onto the supporting bucket style seats Alfa Romeo included in the Veloce model. While overall performance is nothing to shout about, the engine itself is still fairly nippy, especially with the use of the ‘DNA’ switch included in all recent Alfa Romeos, including the brand new range topping Alfa 4C we all love. Obviously, I just drive in ‘Dynamic’ mode all the time, because lets face it, if I wanted to feel like I was driving something with the power of a lawnmower (normal mode), I would of just brought one of them instead. With a simple flick of the switch, steering and throttle response dramatically changes, putting 70% extra torque in the lower gears which creates a fun illusion of making you feel like you’re driving something with a little more power than you do. Fuel economy is good, with real life figures of 40-50mpg achievable. The 6 speed gearbox is exceptionally smooth, giving off a really premium feel. The brakes feel very responsive, having rear disc brakes rather than drum too.

As you’ll be able to hear in the video I will link at the bottom, the Mito actually sounds pretty good for what it is, and the standard exhaust will pop and crackle for you which is a lot of fun. Inside the vehicle the sounds continue, with a really ‘Italian’ note entering the cabin, which doesn’t even come through the speakers. I’ve had many comments from people riding in the car for the first time about how good it actually sounds. The interior is a mixture of good and bad quality. There is some nice carbon fibre effect soft touch finish everywhere, which is a nice touch from Alfa Romeo but admittedly there are traces of cheap plastic finishes that I’m not a fan off, and I must admit the ride is too firm, which at times can get quite annoying and uncomfortable. Personally I love the looks of the car, especially in the rarer ‘Tornado Blue’ which mine is. With a good wash and wax, it shines in the sun beautifully.

To conclude, having also driven hatchbacks such as the Citroen DS3 and Peugeot 208, which have the chunkiest gearboxes, awful clutches, dreadful seating positions and cheapest interiors, I would seriously recommend giving a Mito a test drive if you’re looking for something a little different. The reviews may favour the likes of the DS3, but I promise you there is a massive difference in class between the two cars. Don’t always believe what you read on the internet, and give Alfa Romeo a try.

P.s Alfa Romeo if you are reading this, could I have a discount on a Giulietta QV please.

Link to exhaust video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDNUZwI37Zw&feature=youtu.be