Alfa Romeo Mito (09 on) - Review

The Mito has a range of feisty petrol and diesel engines, but there is a 'tame' engine kicking off the range. The Mito Junior comes with a 78bhp 1.4-litre engine which perhaps doesn't fit in so well with the car's racy looks. Step up from this entry-level version and there is a 95bhp 1.4-litre petrol or a 90bhp 1.3-litre diesel. Both manage to reach 62mph from rest in 11.8 seconds. The 135bhp MultiAir turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine that replaced the previous 120bhp version, offers lively performance with good low down pulling power. It will sprint from 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds and offers a great balance of performance and economy. The 1.6-litre JTDM diesel can accelerate from 0-62mph in less than 10 seconds and thanks to strong in-gear pace, feels safe when overtaking, plus it's very quiet when cruising and returns 59mpg. The 170bhp Cloverleaf replaces the outgoing 155bhp unit and it will propel you from a standstill to 62mph in 7.5 seconds and then on to a top speed of 136mph. It's rapid enough but if outright pace is your thing, you'll opt for faster alternatives.

The Mito feels agile on the road, but it is aided by an electronic system that changes the car's behaviour. Called DNA (which stands for dynamic, normal and all-weather), drivers can select different levels of responsiveness. The DNA switch is ahead of the gear lever and when the car starts, normal mode is pre-selected. Holding the switch forward for a second selects dynamic, which delays the intervention of the traction and stability control systems, reduces the level of power assistance in the steering and results in a firmer suspension set-up. It's a little more engaging for the driver but less comfortable than normal mode. Pulling the switch back selects all-weather, which results in earlier intervention from the stability control system, for better control of the vehicle in difficult conditions. Overall the Mito is a fun car to take on twisty roads, but is also comfortable enough to use as an everyday car. An entry level model in the range, the Mito Junior does without the DNA system and behaves in the same way as the 'normal' setting.