• Five stars for the Mito
• But that was under old testing regime
• No driver assistance tech available

The Mito scored a five-star rating for adult occupant protection in official Euro NCAP crash tests – the maximum rating available at the time of its launch – and comes with electronic stability control as standard as well as seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag.

However, that was under pre-2009 conditions that were less stringent than they are now. For example, the Mito isn’t available with any advanced driver assistance tech such as autonomous emergency braking like many of its much more modern rivals.

There are two Isofix points located in the rear, but families might struggle with fitting child seats as the Mito is only available as a three-door. 

• Three-door body isn’t the most practical
• But there’s more space than in a MINI Hatch
• Decent-sized boot, but hard to load heavy items

The Mito is only available as a three-door, so those looking at one won’t have practicality high on their list of priorities.

Despite this, interior space is actually quite good compared with its rivals – especially the MINI – but it’s still no people carrier.

As standard, it’s a four-seater, with lots of room in the front and enough space for average-height adults in the back. It feels more cramped than it really is due to dark headlining in some models and small rear windows, but it’s still hardly spacious.

A fifth seat can be specified at extra cost, but you wouldn’t want to be in that seat for very long. Even if you’re a child.

The Mito is a small car, so you won’t struggle with fitting it into tight spaces in town or down small roads. However, the small amount of glass means visibility is a little restricted – especially out the back – but large door mirrors will help with manoeuvring and parking sensors are standard on all but the entry-level models.

At 270 litres, the Mito’s boot is a good size that’s also square and deep. However, the loading lip is very high which isn’t particularly helpful if you’re loading heavy or awkward items. It’ll expand by folding the seats down, but the Mito is by no means a car to be doing regular car boot sales in.