Category: Superminis 
Price Range: £11,595 to £15,795
Great styling, Alfa heritage, lively 1.4 turbo petrol engine, economical diesels, distinctive cabin design.
Vague steering, not terribly versatile or practical; some superfluous electronic systems.
A highly desirable small Alfa, if not quite as sporting as its looks might suggest.
The Alfa Romeo Mito is more than just a rebodied, rebadged Grande Punto. Its steering, braking and suspension set-ups are all unique, and it has bespoke systems including Alfa's Q2 differential, the so-called 'DNA' system, a selectable choice of settings (Dynamic, Normal, All-Weather) for throttle and transmission response, power steering assistance, suspension firmness and stability control, and DST (Dynamic Steering torque) which gives a counter-steering effect to combat oversteer and help maintain a smooth course through a fast corner.
OK, it's not an Alfasud - but no way could the Mito compare to that car in its handling, given the modern-day demands for crash safety, class standards for cabin-space, comforts and refinement, and all the subsequent added bulk and ballast. The 1.4 turbo (155bhp) tested so far is about as lightweight-feeling as it could be, given its 1145kg kerbweight. It's well-balanced, with great grip and a low centre of gravity, and its clever suspension (with inner coil-over-springs set within the shock absorbers) ensures flat cornering without roll or wallow.
The six-speed gearbox is easy to use, and the brakes sharp. Only the steering is a let-down: as with BMW's Active Drive, DST is an acquired taste, and the electrical assistance overdone. The Mito's nose can feel floaty and disconnected, making it hard to place on a corner and easy to drift off-line; the system seems unnecessarily complex, and it does not enhance the overall handling experience.
The 'DNA' system is a little more fulfilling; the 155bhp/170 lb ft 1.4 turbo Mito is clearly quick and strong, but not particularly inspiring in 'Normal' mode. Select 'Dynamic' via the centre console-mounted switch, however, and it's as if the car wakes up and takes a shot of caffeine: there's a marked difference in the throttle response in particular, and an extra overboost effect for the turbo, though the steering's sadly no better. Official performance figures for this model are a top speed of 134mph and a 0-62mph time of eight seconds.
Driving position in this Alfa is good, though it may take adjustment; the Mito is best experienced with the driver's seat set low, for sporting feel as well as for an unobstructed view out and better headroom under the relatively low, curved roof.
The dashboard and dials are clear and prettily-styled, and while there's a lot of information to be disseminated, the graphics of the trip computer and suchlike are relatively easy to decipher. The audio system's a bit fiddly, though.
