runs a 1.4-litre turbo Fiat
engine with a healthy 1 UkW and 230Nm and a six-speed manual. It costs $31,990,
which is absurdly overpriced compared with the class benchmark, WV’s Polo GTi.
It might seem strange that you
have to spend more $34,990 — to get less power in the 99kW 1.4-litre TCT, in fact, it
makes no sense at all.
This is the low-power version
of Fiat's high-tech MultiAir engine, which is fine, but it’s unfortunately matched with the
worst pseudo-auto six-speed transmission on the market.
The sports-flavoured QV, with
a 125kW version of the same engine, runs automatic stop/start and a six-speed
manual. The 114kW QV engine is expressive and willing. Given its small
capacity, it pulls with surprising ease and strength.
Don’t go anywhere near the TCT
transmission model.
The 99kW engine is gutless and
the TCT is a complete mess in its shift timing and refinement.
The QV is tight, precise, firm
but acceptably compliant on good road surfaces and wonderfully communicative.
The ride, though, can become quite harsh.
The dash layout is easy to nut
out, there’s enough
room in the back for a couple of adults to survive a cross-town trip and a
reasonable-sized boot.
As a bang-for-your-bucks deal,
MiTo makes sense only to the Alfa faithful. Ifs a Fiat Punto shopping trolley
dressed up at the Alfa factory. Citroen’s DS3, the Skoda Fabia RS and the Polo GTi are much
better cars.
THINGS WE LIKE
- ü Alfas make you feel good
- ü They are also gorgeous
- ü 114W 1.4 is a sweet little engine
- ü Communicative, precise handling
- ü Great steering
§ Cheap seats
§ Cramped legroom
§ Limited front suspension travet
§ Alfas unenviable quality and reliability record
· - Made in Italy
· 1,4-litre four-cylirider
turbo/six- speed manual/front-wheet drive
· 1 UkW of power at
5500rpm/230Nm of torque at 3000rpm
· 0-100km/h in 8.0 seconds
(claimed)
·
Warranty: Three
years/100,000 kilométrés
· 5.3L/100km highway; 8.5L/100km
city; 95 octane premium; CÛ. émissions are 153gkm
· Standard: Stability control.
six airbags. cruise control. 17-inch alloy wheels, USB audio connectivity,
hands-free Bluetooth with voice récognition, rear parking
sensors
·
Redbook future values:
3yr: 45% ;
5yr: 32%
