A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.2
Comfort & Interior
3.8
Running Costs
3.2
Practicality
3.5
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a stylish small hatchback with genuine Italian flair? The Alfa Romeo MiTo delivers distinctive design and spirited character that sets it apart from mainstream rivals. This compact three door hatchback was designed to bring Alfa Romeo’s passionate driving experience to a younger, urban focused audience. Built on the same platform as the Fiat Punto, the MiTo offers a more premium feel with its distinctive triangular grille, sculpted bodywork, and sporty interior design. The range of petrol engines provides adequate performance for city driving and weekend trips, though fuel economy and reliability have improved over the model’s production run. While competitors like the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa focus on practicality and value, the MiTo prioritises style and driving engagement. You’ll find a well appointed cabin with quality materials and Italian design touches that feel more upmarket than the price suggests. The MiTo appeals to drivers who want something different from the usual small car choices, offering character and style that few rivals can match in this segment.
What's the Alfa Romeo MiTo Like to Drive?
The Alfa Romeo MiTo range offers several petrol engines that emphasise character over outright efficiency. The entry level 1.4 litre unit produces around 78 horsepower, which feels adequate for city driving but can struggle on faster roads. More appealing is the 1.4 MultiAir engine in various states of tune, delivering between 105 and 170 horsepower. These turbocharged units provide genuine enthusiasm, with the higher powered versions offering genuinely brisk acceleration that makes overtaking confident and enjoyable.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.4L 4-cylinder MultiAir
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Power Output
78 - 170 bhp
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0-60 mph
11.2 - 7.3 seconds
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MPG Combined
40 - 50 mpg
- Boot Space
- 270 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Alfa Romeo MiTo: Comfort & Features
The MiTo’s interior immediately announces its Italian heritage with curved surfaces and distinctive styling details. The dashboard wraps around the driver in classic Alfa Romeo fashion, creating a cockpit like feel that’s more engaging than clinical German alternatives. Material quality is generally good, though some plastics feel less robust than you’d find in premium German rivals. The signature red engine start button and aluminium trimmed pedals add sporting touches that reinforce the car’s enthusiastic character.
The Alfa Romeo MiTo offers a compelling blend of Italian flair and spirited driving dynamics, with turbocharged MultiAir engines delivering punchy performance. Its premium内饰 and distinctive design stand out, though comfort lags compared to rivals. While practicality is limited by its compact three-door layout and modest fuel efficiency, the MiTo excels in delivering engaging drives and a unique character for those prioritizing style and driving enjoyment over utility.
How Much Does It Cost to Run an Alfa Romeo MiTo?
As a premium Italian product, the MiTo commands higher running costs than mainstream alternatives, but they remain reasonable for the segment. The MultiAir engines deliver fuel economy in the low to mid 40s MPG in real world driving, which is competitive if not class leading. Insurance groups are moderate for the lower powered versions, though the sporty Veloce models attract higher premiums. Service intervals are reasonable, and parts availability has improved significantly since Alfa Romeo’s reliability renaissance.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Alfa Romeo MiTo
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Ford Fiesta
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Mini Cooper
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £16,000 | £15,000 | £18,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.4L MultiAir 105hp | 1.0L EcoBoost 100hp | 1.5L 136hp |
| Power | 105 bhp | 100 bhp | 136 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 9.5 seconds | 9.9 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 47 mpg | 53 mpg | 50 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 270 litres | 311 litres | 211 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Italian styling, Sporty handling, Distinctive interior | Practical cabin, Excellent reliability, Strong value | Premium feel, Customisation options, Go-kart handling |
Is the Alfa Romeo MiTo Practical for Everyday Use?
For a small premium hatchback, the MiTo offers reasonable everyday usability despite prioritising style over pure practicality. The 270 litre boot is adequate for weekly shopping or a couple of weekend bags, though it trails more practically focused rivals. The rear seats fold to expand cargo space when needed, and there are enough storage cubbies throughout the cabin for everyday items like phones and drinks.
I absolutely love my MiTo. The styling turns heads and it’s such fun to drive on twisty roads. Reliability has been excellent and it feels special every time I get in. My only complaint is the limited rear space, but that’s not why I bought it.
The Alfa Romeo MiTo stands out in the premium small car segment by offering genuine Italian passion and distinctive styling. It combines Alfa Romeo’s traditional strengths of beautiful design and engaging driving dynamics with much improved build quality and reliability. The result is a small car that feels special and distinctive rather than just efficient.