The Alfa Romeo MiTo is a stylish Italian supermini which goes head-to-head with premium rivals like the Audi A1, MINI hatchback, Citroen DS3 and Vauxhall ADAM. Despite being a three-door model, four adults can sit inside in reasonable comfort.

Efficient small petrol and diesel engines are offered, and this wouldn’t be an Alfa Romeo if it didn’t feel sporty. Taut suspension and a Quadrifoglio Verde (formerly called Cloverleaf) hot hatch version should offer fans of the marque plenty of driving enjoyment.

Performance

A quirky two-cylinder 0.9-litre engine with 105bhp opens proceedings, taking 11.4 seconds to reach 62mph from rest. Far quicker is the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol with 140bhp and fitted with a TCT dual-clutch automatic gearbox, covering the same benchmark in 8.1 seconds. A more heavily tuned version of the same engine and gearbox is fitted in the QV version, with 170bhp and taking just 7.1 seconds. If you’re after a diesel, there’s a 1.3-litre or 1.6-litre, with 85bhp and 120bhp respectively and acceleration from 12.9 to 9.9 seconds.

Every MiTo features a DNA selector, allowing ‘Dynamic’, ‘Natural’ or ‘All Weather’ driving modes to be chosen. In ‘Dynamic’ this sharpens the gearbox and throttle response, while adding weight to the steering, but it’s a shame these traits can’t be chosen individually, as we’d keep the faster responses but forgo the heavy steering.

Ride and Handling

As with many superminis the most fun is found lower in the price list, with the entry-level 105bhp

The MiTo has quite firm suspension, so while body roll is rarely an issue, some bumps can be felt in the cabin. We tested the QV version with optional Sabelt bucket seats, and the latter are the highlight of the car. These won’t suit those looking for cushioned comfort, but the way they hold you in place makes exploiting the QV’s grip much more fun. Sadly the jerky TCT dual-clutch gearbox is more frustrating, sometimes holding on to gears for too long or pausing before providing a burst of acceleration. As with many superminis the most fun is found lower in the price list, with the entry-level 105bhp petrol and a manual gearbox. Despite being fairly slow on paper, this combination encourages you to use its revs and grab the MiTo by its scruff.

Interior and Equipment

The Alfa Romeo MiTo’s styling was inspired by the beautiful 8C supercar and its name combines Milan and Torino where it’s designed and manufactured.

The MiTo was first launched back in 2008, so its interior is starting to show its age compared with newer rivals like the MINI hatch and Audi A1 and the dashboard uses some cheap-looking plastics. It’s not all bad news though, the sporty gauges are some of the best in the business, and the leather steering wheel is good to hold. There’s plenty of room for front occupants and two adults can sit in the back fairly comfortably. Being three-door only though, it is slightly awkward getting to the rear bench. Both the MINI and A1 are now available with five doors. The 270-litre boot is a good size, but a high loading lip can make loading heavy items difficult. Even the entry-level Sprint models are decently equipped with alloy wheels, climate control and a UConnect touch-screen system with Bluetooth. Distinctive trim brings highlights including cruise control and parking sensors, while QV Line and QV models have upgraded interior trim, sports seats, a sports steering wheel and different wheel designs.

Cost

Opt for the 120bhp diesel and these figures increase to 65.7mpg and 112g/km of CO2

The small diesel offers the best running costs, with 80.7mpg and 90g/km of CO2 keeping your fuel bill low and making this version road tax exempt. Opt for the 120bhp diesel and these figures increase to 65.7mpg and 112g/km of CO2, making it less economical than the 67.3mpg TwinAir petrol according to Fiat. The 1.4-litre petrol is thirstiest, returning an official figure of 52.3mpg. We struggled to match this in the QV version, with a best journey of 47mpg, but figures more often in the high 30s to low 40s.

Our Verdict

The Alfa Romeo MiTo is a stylish and well-equipped supermini that should prove fairly cheap to run.  However, newer designs for the A1 and latest MINI means their interiors are better to spend time in. Perhaps the Alfa’s biggest struggle is its price, with an on-the-road bill for £15k to around £20k. That puts it up against stiff competition, not only from its own class, but larger models like the SEAT Leon.