Assigning a long-term car to a member of the CAR team isn’t always an easy task. Of course, the guys at the top get to take what they want if they should so feel the need to – being the boss has its perks. However, it’s towards the middle and bottom of the pecking order that things can get a bit complicated.
Everyone is different and lead different lifestyles. For example, we can’t give CAR technical editor, Nicol Louw, a two-door Mito as he has a wife and two kids, one of which still uses a child seat, pram and all the other baby paraphernalia. And you can’t give the two ladies of CAR the long-term Chinese bakkie with no ABS. Or this is what my colleague Juliet McGuire and I said when we gave our unofficial pitch for the shared Mito. It was with much debating and “arguing” that we got our hands on the keys this Italian hatch. And we haven’t looked back…
At the heart of the matter
This Mito is powered by a turbocharged 1,4-litre MultiAir unit that pushes out 125 kW at 5 500 r/min and 250 N.m at 2 500. This engine with Alfa’s drive select system makes for a very fun little car.
The car’s D.N.A (Dynamic, Normal, All weather) system allows the driver to choose between three driving modes. It’s all pretty self-explanatory. To be honest, I don’t think I’ve switched the car into “N” or “A” since we’ve taken ownership of this feisty hatch. “D” is where the party is at. Having the car in this mode gives improved handling, tighter steering and stiffer suspension, which are all desired in a capable hot hatch. CAR associate editor Ian McLaren put is perfectly when he said “DNA system is rendered null-and-void as why wouldn’t you always want to drive a two-door hot hatch in its most powerful setting?”.
Road trippin’
I was able to spend 800-plus km behind the wheel of the Mito on a recent trip up the Garden Route. I’m an instant gratification kind of person so I’m always keen for a turbocharged unit that has so much torque available from low down. This came in handy when overtaking slower cars or trucks along the way. Cog changes aren’t smooth, but I don’t mind this. I prefer a notchy feel to the transmission of a hot hatch.
I made full use of all the features fitted to this particular Mito. These include the standard cruise control and the brand’s Blue&Me audio system that comprises of a radio, CD player, USB port, auxiliary plug-in, and a Bluetooth handsfree connection for your phone. Notable safety features include hill hold, ABS, brake assist, start/stop system, and seven air bags.
Styling – outside and inside
On the styling front, the Mito divides opinion with its curvaceous bodywork, pod-like brake lamps and a sweeping nose that tapers into the signature shield grille. I quite like it and I’ve noticed that, especially in its pearl-white colour, it garners some stares in traffic (Or perhaps its the pretty girls behind the wheel – Ed).
The interior feels upmarket with its clean layout and mix of leather (steering wheel) and Alcantara. The seats offer good bolstering and support, while I found that the rear bench is roomy enough for a large baby seat plus another occupant. Fitting three people on the rear seat may be a bit tight though. CAR journalist Kyle Kock has made some use of the vehicle and he is yet to find a comfortable driving position. He is either too far from the aluminium pedals (slippery when shoes are wet, by the way) or too close to the steering wheel. Julz and I haven’t had an issue.
What the team says
“Such a fun, uplifting car to drive. You point, and it goes. I love it way it looks and the interior layout. It can be a little thirsty when your driving is brisk, but it can reward careful driving with fuel thriftiness.” – Kyle Kock
“Having driven the Fiat Punto for 20 000 km it was an easy transition in to the Mito. The engine is impressive and the spec level leaves you wanting nothing more. My only issue with the Mito at this point is space, it is just too small if you lead an active lifestyle…or have friends to cart around. Other than that, a great city car!” – Juliet McGuire
Overall (so far)
The Mito has impressed tremendously so far. It has great engine/gearbox combination that encourages dynamic driving, especially when the drive select system is in er, dynamic mode. Seating and boot space may prove to be an issue if there are three or more occupants, then again, it doesn’t bother me. I figure that the Mito is aimed at someone in my age group (with some spare cash laying around seeing as it costs close to R300 00) and with a similar lifestyle – no children, looking for a fun car that can make the transition form a mall parking lot to a sweeping mountain pass with ease. And I’ve come to learn that the Mito does just that. I’m looking forward to spending more time with this car over the next few months.
Mileage on arrival (km): 719
Mileage now (km): 3 756
Fuel consumption (litres/100 km): 8,4
We like: strong engine, high standard specification level
We don’t like: small boot, “N” and “A” driving modes