Car group tests

Sub £10k - Alfa Romeo MiTo

Spend a little more, and there’s a wide choice of superminis. So, which is best?

by: Auto Express team

24 Jul 2009

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Get the looks of Alfa Romeo’s stunning 8C Competizione supercar for less than one-tenth of the price! The MiTo supermini is a stunner – and the Scrappage Scheme gives you the keys for less than £9,000.

That amount buys you a 1.4-litre Turismo model. Its engine delivers only 95bhp, yet few cars at this price turn heads like the baby Alfa.

Practicality hasn’t been ignored in the pursuit of style, as the MiTo has a useful 270-litre load bay. The DNA system is standard across the range, and gives a choice of Dynamic, Normal or All-Weather driving modes; at the flick of a chrome-effect switch, the set-up adjusts the stability control, throttle response and steering feel.

As with the exterior, the classy interior belies the car’s price. Alfa’s trademark cowled instruments and high-quality plastics make it feel special, and even though there isn’t much room in the back, those in the front are cosseted with air-conditioning, an MP3-compatible stereo and a well designed dashboard.

The only disappointment regards the driving experience, as the MiTo isn’t the most polished performer. Ride comfort leaves a little bit to be desired, while the entry-level car takes a claimed 11.2 seconds to do 0-62mph. Still, a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating adds to the appeal. Combine this with the sense of occasion inside and out, and you’ll have to look twice at the price tag.