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Alfa Romeo Mito 1.6 JTD: Test Drive (continued)
Date: 10 February 2009 | Author: Tristan Young
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The Mito has good body control on twisty roads, too, and is not as jarring as the Mini. However, a Ford Fiesta would run rings around both for overall ride comfort coupled to a fun driving experience. The only reason the Ford isn't listed as a rival here is that for the moment the company doesn't offer a higher powered diesel to compete with the Mito's 120PS 1.6 diesel, which offers a good combination of performance (0-62mph in 9.9seconds) and economy, and has to be the young user-chooser's pick of the range.
Alfas have always been a little bit eccentric and in this instance that eccentricity counts against it.
All Mitos come with a system dubbed 'DNA'. This is a three-way switch that alters the suspension, throttle response, ESP anti-skid control settings and power steering. Essentially there's a sport, normal and snow setting. However, you can't engage sport above 60mph but you can disengage it. No-one at Alfa could really answer the question why that was, but for the record the switch should be left in sport in all driving, the alternative being a dull throttle response.
A further annoyance is that, like all Alfas, the Mito bleeps when you lock it or unlock it.
Traditionally a brand that appealed to older driver, Alfa Romeo is using its new style-led sporty hatchback to try to get 25-35 year olds interested, while according to the company half of sales will be to business buyers. However, in today's tough market it's hard to make a business case for the Mito, other than as a staff retention tool, although that may be enough because Minis are getting just a tad common.
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VerdictPoor costs and a couple of flaws let down a good-looking car |
6/10 |
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