Alfa Mito Review

Mito

Since its launch back in April 2001, the MINI has been the market leader. It is to the world of cars what the Louis Vuitton handbag is to the fashion world, the ultimate car fashion accessory.

It has been this way for the past 8 years, and no matter what the other car manufactures have tried, they haven't been able to steal its crown, and we have seen many attempts to sneak beneath the MINI's radar and snatch its crown jewels but to no avail. Most recently Fiat have given it a very good go with the wonderful 500 but, even though it is a much cheaper it is a much smaller car than the MINI so even though it is selling very well it hasn't been able to put the dent in MINI sales that it would have hoped.

But one manufacture who has been quietly observing from a distance is Alfa Romeo, sitting there and waiting for the right moment and indeed the right product to attack this growing market place and I believe they have not only produced a product capable denting the sales of the MINI but blast a nuclear bomb sized hole in them. Ladies and Gentlemen I give you the Alfa Romeo Mito.

The Mito is Alfa's take on the super stylish, fashion accessory conscious 'young' market place that is flooding this sector, where a car isn't just something to get you from A-B, but a statement of style.

The Mito is all of this, which comes as no surprise as it takes some of its styling cues from the 8C Competizione - the stunning Alfa Romeo supercar launched last year - which the company says 'is the technical and stylistic mould for all our cars in future. If this is true then the future is looking good for Alfa Romeo.

Everything from the headlights and LED tail-lights, as well as good aerodynamics and low ride-height gives the Mito a sporty, purposeful stance. But, looking the part is only half the battle. To attract the racy, fun-loving young drivers, the Mito has to have the substance to back up the looks
To do that, the Mito brings a 'first' to the supermini market, which is called 'DNA'. This system alters the way the engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox all respond by a switch in front of the gearlever. This allows the driver to select three different settings for the way they want the car to drive.

From the DNA acronym, 'D' stands for 'Dynamic', which offers the driver a more involving drive. 'N' stands for 'Normal', which is for tootling about town and 'A' is for 'All-weather', where conditions are slippery and grip needs to be at its maximum.

As well as have the 'DNA' as standard you also get Radio CD with MP3, 16inch Alloy's Manual Air conditioning and headlight surround in titanium grey finish making this car exceptional value for money.

With all of that in mind, we have made the Mito our car of the month (it may stay here slightly longer than a month I think). MINI need to be worried!

Thanks for reading

Stuart McKay