Alfa’s mini Mito doesn’t disappoint

CARS that are smaller and more efficient can also be more desirable.

Alfa Romeo hopes proof can come in the form of the Mito, a supermini-sized sporty hatch. Aimed at the MINI but offering a little more wow factor, this Italian alternative is attracting a loyal following.

It took a long time for the market to see a product that properly competed with BMW’s MINI. That car proved that European drivers were prepared to pay quite a premium for something three-door and compact, provided it was stylish, sporty and had the right brand cachet. Step forward Alfa Romeo’s Mito. Thirty years ago, enthusiasts on real-world budgets dreamed of an Italian car packing all of Alfa’s heritage and spirit into a fourmetre length — and realised it with the iconic Alfasud. Today, the Mito should satisfy their kids in exactly the same way.

The latest Mito range has been thoroughly revised in recent times, with updates that go way beyond the normal bumpers, grilles and headlights job that most cars are treated to as they enter middle age. The result of all this effort has turned what was already a good design into one that you could buy as an interesting alternative to top versions of mainstream fare, like Fiestas and Corsas. Yes, really. A key update comes with changes made to the diesel variant.

Traditionally, Alfas are all about the driving experience — and here even the modestly powered 1.3litre JTDM-2 diesel version does not disappoint.

You sit lower than you would in the Fiat Punto that shares the car’s basic structural and oily bits. There’s only so much you can do with a small diesel but this unit is certainly impressive in its own way, meeting the latest Euro 6 emissions legislation, and offering an output now uprated from 85 to 95bhp, which means a 0-62mph acceleration capability of around 12s on the way to 112mph.

The Mito’s piece de resistance however, is the DNA set-up that’s laudably standard on all models for quick driver control of throttle and transmission response, power steering assistance, suspension firmness and stability control.

The initials stand for Dynamic, Normal and All-weather, and unlike some systems of this sort, you don’t need to be a professional driver to notice the difference it makes.