Alfa Romeo Mito Hatchback full 9 point review
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Performance
The range of petrol engines starts off with a 1.4, but it may not be as quick as Mito buyers really want. The two Multiair units respond more keenly and are cleaner than conventional engines, and the highest-output engine is really feisty, true to the Alfa ideal. The top diesel, the 1.6 JTDm, is lively but noisy, whereas the 1.3 is rather more leisurely.
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Ride & Handling
The Mito neither steers nor rides with the precision and composure you expect of a sporty-looking supermini; at times it's crashingly firm. You'd expect the sportiest trim (Quadrifoglio Verde) to be the worst, but with its variable damping system it's the best, if far from perfect.
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Refinement
The petrol engines are smooth and generally quiet, especially the sophisticated Multiair models. The diesels are noisier, the 1.6 intrusive at motorway speeds and clattery at start-up. Engine noise is supplemented by wind noise and road noise at higher speeds, and low-speed crashes from the suspension.
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Buying & Owning
The Mito is pricey for a supermini, but its desirable image and Alfa badge help keep resale values strong, and it’s cheaper to buy than a Mini, at least. For the best in fuel economy and emissions, stick with either the Multiair petrol engine or the 1.3 JTDm, as these all come with stop-start technology.
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Quality & Reliability
The swish cabin is solid and expensive-looking, although it’s not all good: one of our test cars had loose window trim. Alfa Romeo has a poor record for reliability and customer satisfaction, struggling in our surveys. However, initial problems with the Mito should now have been ironed out.
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Safety & Security
Not many superminis come with a roster of safety kit like the Mito's. All versions come with electronic stability control, seven airbags and active anti-whiplash head restraints. It's no surprise, then, that the Mito has achieved the maximum five-star rating in crash tests conducted by Euro NCAP. All versions also come with an immobiliser and alarm.
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Behind The Wheel
The Mito’s seats are easily adjusted, but the driving position is still high and there isn’t much back support. Rearward visibility through the small rear window is restricted, and some controls are fiddly – the DNA switch is hidden behind the gearstick (itself imprecise and sometimes awkward).
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Space & Practicality
Three-door superminis don’t have to be the last word in practicality, but others do it better. The rear seats are small and difficult to access, the cabin feels dark and cramped, and while the boot is a decent 270 litres, the huge, high load lip makes it hard to drop in heavy items.
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Equipment
Entry-level Progression cars have manual air-con, electric windows, remote central locking and a CD player. Sprint trim adds alloys, while Distinctive has sporty design touches and Bluetooth, and the flagship Quadrifoglio Verde model has more power and other sporty touches such as a rear spoiler.
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Alfa Romeo Mito Hatchback 1.4 135 Multiair Distinctive 3dr
With this engine, Alfa is clearly on to a winner, and this is our favourite Mito. However, the model has too many other shortcomings for us to recommend it over its rivals.
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