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Alfa Romeo Mito: Test drive
Date: 27 June 2008 | Author: Sam Hardy
Alfa Mito
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Alfa Romeo. traditionally one of the most lovable sporty car brands, but hardly the most fleet friendly. That could all be about to change, though, with this - the Mito.
The first-ever supermini from the Italian maker, it's the spiritual successor to the Alfasud and goes on sale early next year.
Gunning for the Mini, it brings a blend of style, driver appeal and affordability to the growing prestige-badged small car sector, kicking off at just £10,975.
Designed in Milan, built in Turin (or Turino - hence the name), it's based on Fiat's Grande Punto but has had every mechanical component swapped for something just a bit more sporty.
It also gets a good-looking body that distils the 8C Competitzione supercar into a four-metre package with a shield-shaped grille and squat rear featuring gorgeous circular LED tail-lights.
Inside there are deep-set dials and a low driving position. Some plastics don't have the quality feel of a German car, but the kit list compensates with even the base Turismo trim level getting seven airbags, aircon, 16-inch alloys and an MP3-compatible stereo.
As for space, it's tight in the rear seats and the 270-litre boot is deep but narrow - but Alfas are about driving, not practicality, and this one scores.
Like the Mini it has a low centre of gravity and wide set wheels. It also has clever suspension to minimise body roll, the Mito darts into corners. Once there, it...
