Skip advert
Advertisement

Alfa Romeo MiTo review

Italian hatch excels with flair and passion

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Alfa Romeo MiTo
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Styling/image
There’s been a surge of models into this class recently, such as the BMW 1-Series, although the Fiat Grande Punto and Renault Clio are closer on price.  However, the Alfa is cool, offering curvy lines and a funky profile. The Italian brand’s appeal remains strong, too – but as strong as the MINI’s? We’ll have to wait and see.
 
Interior/practicality
After shaping the outside like a condensed 8C Competizione, the designers haven’t quite let rip in the cabin. It’s a little sombre and the back is decidedly short on space. But buyers aren’t looking for a practical car -  they want a sporty little head-turner, and that’s what Alfa has delivered.
 
Engine/performance
Under the platform, shared with the Grande Punto, the MiTo has less bodyroll and an improved ride due to its sharper suspension. And with this car, Alfa has launched the DNA system which enables drivers to switch between modes – Dynamic, Normal and All weather – to suit conditions.  And with the 120bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine on board, the MiTo is slightly more powerful and torquey than its petrol counterpart, while returning 58.9mpg on the combined cycle. Most importantly, it’s excellent fun.
 
Ownership costs
Residual values are not quite as strong as the MINI’s. The MiTo can’t compete with the British-built car’s service fees, either. Yet in its favour, the oil-burner costs £14,995 which is keen compared with rivals, and those fuel returns beat its arch-rival’s 52mpg combined figure. Insurance is in group six, and VED is Band D.
 
Safety/environment
A five-star adult protection Euro NCAP rating can’t be sniffed at. Driver, passenger and front side airbags are all standard. Pushing out 126g/km of CO2, the MiTo doesn’t do as well as the MINI’s 104g/km on emissions, though.
 
Model variants and specifications
Alfa MiTo 1.6 JTDm Lusso £14,045

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,600
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £12,420
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025