While recently plying the roads of KZN in the quartet of hot hatches that starred in this year’s Performance Shootout (see the January issue of CAR, on sale 16 December), my mind never strayed far from the Mito parked in the CAR garage back home. Not because I was missing it – the hot-hatch talent in the Shootout was far too exceptional – but because I realised what I had been missing in the Alfa: fizz.
Where the Fiesta ST and 208 GTi sparkled on southern KZN’s ridiculously scenic, undulating mountain passes, the Mito rarely encourages boisterous behaviour. But it should: on paper, it’s very much a junior hot hatch. It sits at the top of the Mito range, boasts 125 kW and 250 N.m (the latter in the DNA system’s dynamic mode; 230 N.m otherwise), a close-ratio six-speed ‘box and 18-inch wheels. And it costs a staggering R314 990. So where does it fall flat?
Well, the main culprit is the steering: it’s devoid of the sort of feedback that flag the grip limits in the ST and GTi and in turn instil driver confidence. The Alfa’s system is direct and quick lock-to-lock, but also completely dead. I prefer its lighter weighting in normal mode than dynamic because the former feels more natural. But dynamic brings stunted accelerator-pedal response. So that’s not ideal.
Perhaps what I need is a long drive with a few passes thrown in for good measure to foster a sense of admiration for the Mito. As it stands, it’s a good commuter, but no great communicator.
Mileage on arrival (km): 719
Mileage now (km): 7 021
Fuel consumption (litres/100 km): 9,71
We like: strong, refined engine, cabin quality
We don’t like: confusing Blue&Me system, a tad dull to drive