Alfa Romeo Mito (2009 - 2018) 1.4 TB (155ps) Veloce 3d Owner Review

A super-stylish little runaround, very pleasing on the eye and outclasses some much more expensive cars. The body styling really suits me; it's daring but tasteful. The 155bhp engine is awesome fun, it has been totally reliable and loves a trip to the redline once or twice a year. The Dynamic mode is brutal and changes the character of the car dramatically, making it stiffly ferocious when all the "Italian crazy" comes out to play! The interior is quite comfortable despite some reports about the seats being like torture devices. I found it fits me well and materials are decent quality. I've not found and creaking plastic or any bits of factory anti-rattle foam. Visibility is okay, but it's no goldfish bowl. The Windows Media sound system is a waste of time, the voice commands especially. Although it sounds good, there are no impressive features to speak of, although it does play MP3s from CD perfectly well. You'll soon ditch it in favour of your own choice of headunit. The doors are long, heavy and stupid, although the windows are frameless which can be quite cool and give it a real "summer tourer" feel. Boot space is a joke - if you're going to Lidl, take someone else's car. I did have to get the notorious gearbox refurbished after I'd had it a year, but luckily managed to get it collected, refurbed and delivered for £515 plus fitting. The Mito's had a few other minor problems which I consider forgivable and can handle myself - things like the boot lid wiring earth splitting with 10 years of flexing, the electric windows squealing, failing mirror heaters, and brake squeal. I added cheapo reversing sensors which have been surprisingly useful. Changing headlight bulbs is unusually easy. Overall I've rather enjoyed owning it, and I'm in a quandry about what to buy next. I certainly don't need anything quicker as I'm quite speed-limit conscious, but I do worry that I'll miss the character and soul of the Mito.