South Africa has joined other countries in Europe and elsewhere by saying “ciao” to the new Alfa Romeo MiTo compact hatch. MiTo is named after two of Italy’s foremost cities in fashion and design, that is Milan and Torino (Turin). The MiTo’s looks are inspired by the exclusive 8C Competizione, a V8 two-door Alfa that was built as a halo car for the brand. Those big beady eyes dominate the upper side of the front end while the front grille drops to the lower end. Smooth sheet metal characterises the side panels while the rear landscape shows its Fiat lineage as well with the round lights. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear foglights, rear LED taillights and follow-me-home headlights.
In pictures such as these we have here some of the finer design details of the MiTo might probably be lost. That is not to say these pictures are of bad quality; it’s simply that the car looks a whole lot better in the metal. Trust me, I know exactly what I’m talking about having spent a few hours behind the wheel and following a few on the open road.
Alfa has subtly positioned the MiTo as a rival to the MINI Cooper range, yet it is considerably longer than the Brit. Measuring a lengthy 4.06 metres (159.8 inches) and 1.72 metres (67.7 inches) in width the MiTo literally stands head and shoulders above the MINI. While I didn’t exactly measure rear end space, from the driver and passenger’s seats the space at the back looks ample and comfortable enough for four.
Fiat Auto South Africa has only made available the 1.4-litre turbo engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox as its mate. It produces a marvelous 114kW of power at 5500rpm and 230Nm of torque achieved at 3000rpm. This is quite an impressive powerplant whose power is highly accessible. The gearbox is sporty and nimble, and brings a certain joy to the left hand as you go through the gears. It is said the MiTo will take off from 0 – 100km/h in 8 seconds and reach a top velocity of 215km/h. I must admit this speed didn’t look beyond the car’s abilities at all.
Gauteng is not known as a province with the best twisty roads, the type of roads desired for testing the agility and dynamism of the suspension system. So we headed out to the North West side of things where at least some of the tarmac is of snaking nature. Here the MiTo felt confident around bends but at times showed some restraint. Understandably so too since the front piece is a McPherson strut system and the rear uses torsion beams. That gives it a handling compromise that says “comfortable enough when needed but stiff under tight conditions”. Remember that it’s a front-wheel-drive as well so torque steer is expected. Not much of that could be induced meaning the MiTo blends safe FWD with fun handling.
Drivers can choose between three driving modes; Dynamic, Normal or All-weather (DNA), all of which are engaged through a stylish knob in the centre. Each mode suits a different type of road situation and driving style.
Frankly I was not keeping a close tab on the fuel gauge but it seemed our MiTo was a bit on the thirsty side. Granted a number of times my driving partner and I exceeded the speed limit on the launch, which might explain the alcoholism. Anyway, official figures say the 45 litre tank will return an average of 6.5 litres per 100km and emit 153g/km of C02 gases.
The MiTo is safe with a EURO NCAP rating of five stars under the new rating system. It has ABS brakes with EBD as well as air bags. The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system assists the car in keeping in touch with the road by detecting slip and helping to restore grip when lost. The VDC, which is Alfa’s ESP, cannot be switched off.
One of the MiTo’s most appealing features is the personalisation basket which gives owners freedom to choose interior colour combinations that will separate their cars from others. Comfort creatures include automatic dual-zone climate control, power steering (height and reach-adjustable steering wheel), and a radio/ CD/ MP3 player. The optional Blue&Me music port allows for music to be played straight from a USB device like a memory stick. It should be quite a combination when coupled with the optional Bose sound system.
The MiTo is certainly a worthy competitor in this segment and it’s very well-priced against its main rival. Should the snobbish South African market open its eyes and ears and try something new the sales will be good as well.
Alfa Romeo MiTo Pricing
R228 500
A three-year 100 000 km warranty (three years on paintwork and five years on rust anti-perforation) as well as a 6 year/ 90 000 km service plan are standard.
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The new models are covered by the AA Fleetcare roadside assistance for 12 months. The service is active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is available by calling the dedicated toll-free number.
