12 May 2011
New car report; Alfa's Bambino
Anything but ordinary, the Alfa MiTo is a little car that stays true to Alfa’s philosophy of doing things their own unique way, with styling touches that couldn’t have come from anywhere else.
With design cues robbed from Alfa’s own 8C Competizione sports car (voted the world’s most beautiful car), the little MiTo commands a presence that no other small car manages to achieve. The frontal treatment in particular would have you think that there’s a high-powered exotic bearing down on you, while the coupe-like rear roofline and wide haunches give both a sporty and beefy look to the back half of the car.
Italy’s style capital, Milan and Alfa’s production location Torino (or Turin in the English speaking world) give their names to the MiTo.
In New Zealand we’re offered four models starting at $34,990 with the MiTo T-Jet, $39,990 for the MiTo TCT, the TCT Sport at $41,990 through to the MiTo QV at $42,990.
All four models in the range are loaded with gear.
Even the entry level T-Jet is equipped with Blue&Me Bluetooth, which is now across the entire Alfa range. Later in the year Blue&Me will incorporate a Tom Tom navigation interface. Also standard are cruise control, show-me-home headlights, on-board trip computer, heated mirrors, 17 inch alloys, seven airbags and Alfa’s DNA which allows the driver to select between three (Dynamic, Normal, All-Weather control) driving conditions, changing throttle response, steering, suspension and gear shift patterns.
The TCT (Twin Clutch Transmission) models, as the name suggests, have a Dual Clutch automated transmission, similar to that which many manufacturers are using today. Gear shifts are smooth and seamless, offering the driver a quick shift automatic change as well as aiding fuel consumption. The T-Jet and QV models have six speed manual gearboxes.
Alfa MiToTCT and QV models incorporate a new technology known as MultiAir. This does away with an inlet camshaft, opening the valves electro-hydraulically.
Alfa claims that MultiAir allows a more flexible and accurate control of air intake, improving fuel consumption and producing increased power and torque. It would appear to be a good technology and seems simple enough, so we wonder why we haven’t seen it before now.
All models except the T-Jet feature Stop & Start technology. A good fuel saving feature but this isn’t the most responsive Stop & Start system we’ve experienced. After cutting the engine when the vehicle is stationary, Alfa’s system seems to take an age to re-start the engine once the brake pedal is released, so if you don’t want to be holding up a line of traffic getting away from the lights, thankfully you can disarm the system with the push of a button, although, it defaults to Stop & Start every time you start a new trip.
Interior design matches the styling flair of the exterior, with quality finishes, a stylish dash layout, supportive seats trimmed in quality materials and a certain styling X - factor so typical of Alfa Romeo.
Limited practicality and a bit pricey but big on style, handling and performance.
Only available in three door configuration, the MiTo is ideally suited to trendy urban types, and it’s more of an exercise in design than it is practical transportation. It will only tow a maximum of a 500kg braked trailer and the rear hatch isn’t all that large, but the luggage space is as usable as anything in this size segment.
Handling is sharp, particularly in Dynamic mode and performance is brisk enough with 0 - 100km/h times ranging from 7.5 to 8.2 seconds and fuel consumption claimed to be between 5.6L/100km and 6.5L/100km, depending on model.
Many small hatchbacks including some Europeans such as VW’s Polo, Peugeot’s 207 and Ford’s Fiesta can be had at around ten grand less than the MiTo, but those cars are “ordinary” in comparison.
Priced between mid-thirties and early forties, it’s up there with the likes of the Audi A1 and the MINI Cooper, but for sheer head-turning wow factor, driving enjoyment and the satisfaction of getting around in something a bit different, there aren't many small cars that can compete.
Alfa MiToShrinking violets and those wanting to travel incognito should steer clear, but if you have a passion for Italian style, don’t mind being stared at and are prepared to put up with some of the little quirks, it’s brilliant.
It won’t be for everyone, and it’s a safe bet that’s just the way Alfa would like it.