14 January 2011
Style and substance are two attributes one would expect from the Alfa Romeo marquee and the new long-awaited MiTo has delightfully nailed a pleasing combination of the two.
Starting at $29,990, the MiTo is almost guaranteed to be popular with the ladies; in fact, Alfa has gone on record to say women are certainly a definite target-market for this little baby due to the cars poppet-like style, sex appeal and individuality. In fact, Alfa suggests they expect more than half the car sales of this model to come from the fairer- gender.
An alternative to the Fiat 500 or Mini, the MiTo woes the women with sexy 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, Bluetooth, a play-it-loud audio system, intelligent dash and did we mention exceptional good looks? Seems those dashing Italian attributes may be working a charm already…
The Scoop –
Four versions of MiTo are out now starting with the base manual at $29,990, the MiTo TCT at $31,990; MiTo Sport TCT at $34,990 and MiTo QV in manual also at $34,990.
The base model comes with 17-inch alloys, cruise control, fog lights and Bluetooth; the notch up is the TCT Sport and for the extra cash you get rear-parking sensors, auto windscreen wipers, a carbon-fibre finish on the dash and red brake callipers; along with a cool auto stop/start function that reduces fuel consumption and emissions to around 5.5-litres/100km.
All four models score electronic key entry, air-conditioning, wheel and cruise control, pollen filter, electric power steering, trip computer, window tint and DNA aka Dynamic, Normal and an All weather - a system that changes settings for the engine, steering, suspension and gear box.
The drive –
The new MiTo is not just smooth, fast and responsive; it cleverly comes with new start-stop technology helping to keep it green and save fuel costs. Gotta love that.
The MiTo is a most definitely a pleasurable drive with a sports car feel, yet when arriving at my destination feeling breathless, I did then find it difficult to park with the rear window providing limited vision to this 5ft nothing lass, the doors almost requiring a henchman to get me in and out.
Having said that, changing gears was effortless and zipping around town was quite a pleasure, ditto the attention-factor. Did I mention the car is uber-sexy and stylish? *Sigh.
Safety –
The MiTo has a five star safety rating and comes with seven airbags, active head restraint and ABS stability control.
3 words to describe this car
Sexy, smooth, Italian
What are the best things about this car?
Responsive engine, clever storage and sexy style
What are the downsides of this car?
The rear window is on the small side and the doors are large, heavy and hard to open
What kind of petrol did this car use?
Unleaded
Liked it?
It’s passionate, stylish and Italian. Need I say more?
Soundtrack of choice for Alfa MiTo?
Enrique Iglesias - I Like It (yes, I know he’s technically Spanish but he still oozes sex appeal).