Browse over 9,000 car reviews

Alfa Romeo MiTo TCT 2010 Review

Alfa Romeo is relaunching its MiTo light car range with a revised four car lineup, featuring a twin clutch (manumatic) transmission on some and other technology as well as an equipment tweak.

MiTo has been available here for some time but faces stiff competition from Mini and other brands.

The MiTo TCT (Twin Clutch Transmission) is aimed at buyers wanting an auto as well as sporty performance and low emissions and fuel consumption. The best of both worlds.

But the MiTo you'd expect to get TCT misses out - the high performance QV remains six speed manual only.  Go TCT and it means the least powerful 99kW engine in the MiTo's 1.4-litre, turbo four cylinder, petrol Multi-air engine range.

Four versions of MiTo are now offered; 114kW manual MiTo at $29,990, 99kW MiTo TCT at $31,990, 99kW MiTo Sport TCT at $34,990 and 125kW MiTo QV in manual also at $34,990.

Alfa says the three versions of MiTo's 1.4-litre Multi-air engine deliver comparable power and torque to other engines of greater capacity. Designed by Fiat, Multi-air technology also garners significantly better fuel economy.

Multi-air engines don't have an inlet camshaft instead, a set of electro/hydraulic solenoid (pumps) operates the inlet valves, it is said, more efficiently than any variable cam timing system in existence.

Opt for the TCT models and you also get auto stop/start function that further reduces emissions and fuel consumption to as low as 5.5-litres/100km particularly around town.

The six-speed TCT system has adaptive shift patterns and is operated like a regular auto with PRND selected on a stick shift that also offers sequential change mode in a parallel Sport gate. Paddles are also provided on the steering wheel.

Sport mode defaults back to auto if you fail to utilise the manual system.

All three engines deliver strong torque at low engine speeds and pass Euro 4 or 5 emissions regulations. MiTo score a five star Euro crash rating.

All four models score Blue&Me audio system, electronic key, aircon, wheel controls, cruise, pollen filter, electric power steering, trip computer and window tint. Wheels are alloy 17 or 18-inch with low profile rubber.

All models are fitted with what Alfa calls DNA (for Dynamic, Normal and Allweather - a system that changes settings for the engine, steering, suspension and gear box.

The MiTo Sport TCT is speced up to a similar level as the MiTo QV model - without the 125kW engine.

MiTo has undeniable character and presence on the street thanks in part to its unusual face and the pert rear end accentuated by a bank of LEDs.

It's just that the TCT transmission needed to be on the QV as well as the other models. Go figure.

Alfa Romeo MiTo TCT

Engine: 1.4-litre Turbo 4-cylinder
Power: 99kW
Torque: 190Nm/230Nm (Normal/Dynamic)
Transmission: 6-speed Twin-Clutch auto
Weight: 1170kg

Pricing guides

$8,580
Based on third party pricing data
Lowest Price
$6,050
Highest Price
$11,110

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
(base) 1.4L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $6,710 – 9,460 2010 Alfa Romeo Mito 2010 (base) Pricing and Specs
Sport 1.4L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $7,260 – 10,230 2010 Alfa Romeo Mito 2010 Sport Pricing and Specs
Quadrifoglio 1.4L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $7,920 – 11,110 2010 Alfa Romeo Mito 2010 Quadrifoglio Pricing and Specs
Peter Barnwell
https://www.carsguide.com.au/authors/peter-barnwell

Share

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.