Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 8v 78 bhp Sprint 3dr Car Review - January 2012

The MiTO 1.4 8v 78 bhp Sprint is a small family hatchback car with a 5-speed manual gear transmission. It is powered by 4-valve, 8-cylinder engine that hits a top speed of 103 mph. With an acceleration speed of 0-62mph achieved in 13 seconds flat, this car is fast enough for town driving and short trips on smooth country roads.

The 1368 cc engine revs at 78 bhp at 6000 rpm and has a combined mpg of 50.4. It has a torque of 85 ft-lb at 3000 rpm. Its ride and handling have mixed reviews as some claim of an even and easy ride while there are those who claim of a “twitchy” and rigid ride. A Mini drives more evenly. The MiTO reportedly lacks the precision and “feel” of its rivals. However, the car is agile enough for everyday use thanks to its electronic system. Refinement is passable for a petrol engine but the engine tends to “gruff” as you heavily press on the pedal. Rear visibility is limited due to the car’s design.

The MiTO has a definite visual impact. The nose, though heavy, takes after the Alfa 8C supercar. Its full wheel arches and compact hatch makes for a head-turner-of-a-car. You can add trim and a rear spoiler to further augment its look. The dashboard is well-laid out but with some of the controls tricky to use. The quality of materials used are good but the cabin is a bit dark and not at par with a Mini or BMW.

The MiTO 1.4 8v 78mpg is a 3-door compact car that seats 5 persons. The front seats have adequate legroom and headroom but the back seats are a bit cramped but will do for short drives.

Standard in this model are the air-conditioning, cruise control, air bags, MP3/CD player, Bluetooth, alloy wheels, deadlocks, anti-lock brakes and more. For options are the climate control, rear parking sensor, leather seats, and rain sensing wipers, satellite navigation, metallic paint and split/fold seats.

Safety is never compromised on an Alfa Romeo. The MiTO is fully fitted for its safety equipment is comprehensive its cabin, fully-equipped with air bags. The vehicle has its version of VDC (Vehicle dynamic Control) and ESP (Electronic Stability Control) systems. Sales reports indicate that warranty claims on the first 3-months of purchase have been eliminated.

The MiTO is not a family car. For a 5-seater, the cabin is cramped but the front seats comfortably sit 2 adults. The backseats will comfortably sit small children. The boot is slightly better than a MINI as it has a 270 litre-capacity-large enough to fit one buggy. This car would do for a second family car for short drives.

NCAP for Occupants Protection is 5/5. For Pedestrian Protection Rating, the score is 2/5 and for Children it is 3/5. Its CO2 emission is a low 130g.km. Warranty is for 3 years of unlimited mileage

Priced at £12,950, the Alfa Rome MiTO 1.4 8v 78 bhp is less expensive than the Mini and has more standard features. This model falls under insurance group 8 and a Road Tax D, same as the Audi 1 and BMW 3. Its carbon emission is at 130g/km while its combined mpg is only 50.4. Clearly, these are indicative of an eco-friendly and cost-effective vehicle.

For an Alfa Romeo, this model has a promising resale value. The market shows a 50% resale value of its original price with the diesel models fetching a higher resale price than petrol models. However, the numbers are not as high as the resale value of German-made cars such as the Audi, BMW and mini. Critics say the 1.4 TB MultiAir (105bhp) Sprint 3d is a better choice.