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Alfa Romeo MiTo 2014 review

EXPERT RATING
6
Alfa is keen to grab a larger slice of the pie in Australia and the updated second generation Mito is part of that plan.

Alfa is keen to grab a larger slice of the pie in Australia and the updated second generation Mito is part of that plan.

The Mito is a bit smaller than the 147 (now known as the Giulietta) and is marked by its startled rabbit face. It's kinda cute...

VALUE

The key word is affordability.  The lineup has been rationalised and Mito is now priced from $22,500 for the 900cc, two cylinder "TwinAir" model with a manual transmission. From there it is $24,500 for the 1.4-litre MultiAir Progression with a manual, $26,500 for the 1.4 Progression with TCT or $28,000 for the Distinctive with TCT (no manual).

Inside there's a new touchscreen infotainment system, fronting a six-speaker audio system that supports Bluetooth audio streaming  as well as reading out you text messages.

Progression and Distinctive gets auto lights and wipers and a rear view mirror that dims automatically. Distinctive gets dual zone climate air while leather and a sunroof remain optional across the range.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

The 1.4-litre MultiAir four cylinder turbocharged engine in our test vehicle produces 99kW of power and 206Nm of torque. The dash from 0-100km/h takes 8.2 secs and a top speed where the law permits of 206km/h.

The engine is paired with a 6-speed twin clutch robotised manual complete with steering wheel mounted paddle shifts for changing gears manually. Auto stop-start is standard with the 1.4 but can be switched off, with adaptive suspension and an active steering system that pulses a warning to compensate for oversteer.

The switchable DNA drive mode system has three settings: Dynamic, Natural and All Weather. It adjusts the steering, power module, stability control and the TCT transmission where fitted. In Dynamic mode throttle response is sharper, the steering is quicker and and gear changes are delayed, with changes to the traction and stability control thresholds. Fuel consumption is a claimed 5.5 litres/100km (we were getting 7.6).

DESIGN / STYLING

Exterior styling changes include a "reinvigorated" face, with chrome-plated grille surround and updated head and tail light surround finishes. The interior benefits from a number of changes including the new Uconnect Infotainment system featuring a 5in touchscreen. There's also a new matte colour called Magnesio Grey. Wheels range in size from 15 to the 17in alloys fitted to our test car.

SAFETY

With seven airbags and an extensive list of driver support systems the Mito attracts a full five star rating for crash safety. Rear parking sensors are fitted but no sign of a reverse camera?

DRIVING

If only the drive experience matched the cutesy looks. The big problem is the TCT transmission, a variation of the robotised manual used in other Fiat/Alfa vehicles.

The TCT stands for Twin Clutch Transmission and the aim is better fuel economy and a lesser quantity of harmful engine emissions. The reality is a car that changes gear (there's six of them), with an awkward nose dive between gears  as if there was a learner at the wheel.

We though this kind of behaviour had been left behind with the move from single to twin clutch robotised manuals, but alas we were wrong. First and foremost a car has to be car. It has to deliver adequate performance and a degree of maturity in the way it rides and handles. Sadly, we didn't find anything attractive about driving this car --  give us a manual or a regular auto any day.

VERDICT

Cute car. Affordable price. Stands out from the crowd and offers a different take on the way things should be done. If they could just get the auto right everything would be hunky dory.

2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo
Price: from $24,500 (1.4 MultiAir)
Engine: 1.4-litre turbo-petrol, 99kW/206Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Thirst: 5.6L/km CO2 129g/km

Pricing guides

$9,625
Based on third party pricing data
Lowest Price
$4,070
Highest Price
$15,180

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
Progression 1.4L, PULP, 6 SP DUAL-CLUTCH AUTO $7,150 – 10,120 2014 Alfa Romeo Mito 2014 Progression Pricing and Specs
Quad Verde 1.4L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $10,450 – 14,300 2014 Alfa Romeo Mito 2014 Quad Verde Pricing and Specs
Distinctive 1.4L, PULP, 6 SP DUAL-CLUTCH AUTO $9,130 – 12,870 2014 Alfa Romeo Mito 2014 Distinctive Pricing and Specs
(base) 0.9L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $4,070 – 5,940 2014 Alfa Romeo Mito 2014 (base) Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
6
Chris Riley
Contributing Journalist

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.