We had 16 hours together, less than a day, but it was more than enough to make the (un)conscious decision – I want one! And if I had 150k NIS (35K US$), I’d buy it in a heart beat. Because when it comes to hot hatchbacks, the Alfa Romeo MiTo is unique and different.
My 16 hours with Alfa’s new hot 3-door began some 2 weeks ago, with an innocent twit, and little belief this will go through. After all, Israel is not the US, and while Ford gave bloggers the new Flex + gas, Israel is 12-18 months behind when it comes to social media adoption, especially in the B2B arena, but gaining ground fast. Nir Ben-Shlomo, Alfa Romeo Israel Brand Manager contacted me several hours after my twit, and we set up this first blogger car review in Israel.
Looks
The MiTo (Milano-Torino) is a sexy car, attracting attention where-ever you go. On the highway, in traffic, people slowed down next to me just to get a quick glance at this beauty. Arriving to Orange parking was an event by itself, as people gathered around the car, eying it in every occasion. The curves of the Alfa reveal some of its sources, like the amazing 8C Competizione, especially in the front of the car.
Engine
True to the current trend of smaller and more economical engines, this MiTo has a 1.4L powerhouse, with a Turbo-charger for the added force. It’s not a Prius when it comes to fuel consumption, but still holds its own in CO2 emissions, with 153 gr/km. The 1.4 Turbo-charged engine puts out 155 BHP and 169lb ft @ 3,000 RPM, transferred to the road via a 6-speed manual gearbox. With Alfa’s DNA system which control the steering wheel, suspension and Turbo – there’s power in every gear, starting from 2,000 RPM until the red line at 8,000. Acceleration to 60MPH is 8sec flat (quite fast), but the 60-90 and 80-120 are faster, thanks to the Turbo charger, kicking in at 2,500/3,000 RPMs, bringing the horizon faster to you.
Inside
Based on the Fiat Grande Punto, Alfa had their hands tied in some aspects, but the interior is usual Alfa style. There’s much beauty inside, and driving in one is a pure joy. The electric steering does a great job at the city, the gearbox stick falls right in your hand and all there’s left to do is lowering the windows and hear the music. Of the engine. The on-board sound system includes 8 speakers and MP3 support with steering wheel control, but I did miss a line-in input for iPods and MP3 players. There’s a 2-area climate control system and 9 airbags for safety. The back seat will house 2 adults, but not for long rides – leg room is just ok.
Summary
The Alfa Romeo MiTo is one small sexy car, with a great engine and handling capabilities. Packed with driving assistant systems and great interior it will give you the joy you need, in the city or outside.
Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4
ENGINE: 1368cc, four cylinders
POWER: 155bhp @ 5500rpm
TORQUE: 169 lb ft @ 3000rpm
TRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual
FUEL: 43.5mpg (combined)
CO2: 153g/km
ACCELERATION: 0-62mph: 8sec
TOP SPEED: 134mph
Links:
Photo album from the test drive
Videos of the test drive
MiTo car review at newsgeek (Hebrew)
