Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008 – 2018) Review
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Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008 – 2018) At A Glance
Great looks and some really nice details inside and out, TwinAir and MultiAir engines are fun.
Not particularly good to drive, can't compete with Audi A1 or MINI for quality, not great value.
The Alfa Romeo MiTo was the Italian firm’s reply to premium small hatches such as the MINI, Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series, as well the likes of the DS3. It was also aimed at more mainstream offerings like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo in their more upmarket trims. Alfa made a great job of the styling, though the MiTo was only ever offered as a three-door hatch, and it delivered a driving experience with a definite leaning towards the sporty as you might expect of this company. Launched in 2009, the MiTo enjoyed a nine-year lifespan through various trims until reaching the end in 2018.
The Alfa Romeo MiTo is an Italian take on the upmarket small car, competing with rivals like the Audi A1. It offers a stylish design but sadly doesn’t feel quite up to the quality of a MINI or Citroen DS3, nor is it quite as good to drive. It’s not the most practical small car either, which leaves it lagging in quite a few key areas.
There is still a lot to like though – the looks ape those of the 8C supercar and the more recent 4C, plus there’s a good degree of customisation on offer. Buyers can choose from some great alloy wheel designs and a host of interior finishes, including great-looking leather upholstery in a choice of colours. Unfortunately things are let down by some poor quality plastics and a dowdy design.
The engine range consists of 0.9-litre TwinAir and 1.4-litre MultiAir petrols with power outputs of between 105PS and 170PS, plus a 1.3-litre JTDM diesel with 85PS and a 1.6-litre JTDM diesel with 120PS. The characterful TwinAir suits the MiTo well and offers low emissions of 99g/km, so it’s a good choice. Those who need outright pace can choose the 170PS petrol in the Quadrifoglio Verde model, while the diesels offer impressive economy.
Practicality could be better – the MiTo doesn’t offer much space in the back row and access is tight. The boot has a tall lip, which makes it tricky to load and unload – and it’s not particularly spacious or well-shaped either. Cars like the Audi A1 and Citroen DS3 are better on the practicality front, particularly the A1 thanks to a four-door Sportback offering - there's no five door MiTo.
Thankfully the MiTo is reasonable to drive. It rides fairly well over speed bumps and the steering is immediate and direct. It’s not perfect though – the otherwise reasonabe ride quality is poor over broken road surfaces and while there is plenty of grip, the handling doesn’t inspire spirited driving.
Reviews for Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008 – 2018)'s top 3 rivals
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Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008 – 2018) handling and engines
- Engines range from 0.9 TwinAir to 1.6 JTDm-2
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 28–72 mpg
Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008 – 2018): Handling and ride quality
For many, the Alfa Romeo badge denotes a car that will place sporty handling and agility above almost any other driving characteristic. This is true to some extent in the MiTo, which certainly delivers an engaging and sporty drive for anyone who wants to press on in the car.
Quick steering reactions and good grip through corners make it a very pleasing car when driving on empty country roads. There are also the DNA driving modes to tailor the car’s responses between Dynamic, Normal and All-weather settings.
The reality is, though, that most of your driving will be on a mix of town, A-roads and motorways. Here, the MiTo feels a lot more humdrum whereas the MINI and Fiesta ST still maintain some of their special character even in the dullest situations.
Potholes show the MiTo can cope with most surfaces without upsetting its occupants. However, if you spend most of your time driving in town or on rough roads, the 18-inch alloy wheels of the Sportiva models will give you a much harsher time than the smaller 17- and 16-inch items found on other models of MiTo.
Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008 – 2018): Engines
The turbocharged 1.4-litre MultiAir TB petrol engine in 135- and 170PS versions have been the mainstay of the MiTo range and there’s little to separate them for economy, so it comes down to how quickly you want your MiTo to perform. Both are quiet and have a broad spread of power.
A non-turbo 1.4-litre petrol engine joined the range in mid-2010 with 95PS. It’s gentle on fuel, but feels sluggish. The 1.3-litre JTDm-2 turbodiesel with 95PS arrived at the same time and is more refined than many diesel-fuelled rivals.
Alfa replaced the non-turbo 1.4 petrol with a less powerful 78PS unit in mid-2011 and it’s best avoided as it feels underpowered. Much better was the 105PS that also came in to offer a bit more pace over the previous 95PS unit. A lower powered 85PS 1.3-litre turbodiesel was introduced alongside these units with the promise of more than 80mpg according to official figures at the time.
The most pleasing engine is the 0.9-litre TwinAir in 85- or 105PS forms. It feels eager, but bear in mind this engine is quite thirsty, so you pay for the fun at the pumps.
Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008 – 2018): Safety
Every MiTo comes with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee ’bag. It was enough to earn a full five-star rating from Euro NCAP for adult safety in the cabin in 2009, though safety standards have moved on considerably since then.
All MiTos get rear Isofix child seat mounts, ESP stability and traction control, as well as ABS anti-lock brakes. Only the higher grade trim levels have rear parking sensors fitted as standard, otherwise this was a £220 option.
Not every MiTo has a space-saver spare wheel, so expect to find a puncture repair kit in Lusso and Distinctive models. Some Speciale and Veloce versions used run-flat tyres.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.9 TwinAir | 67 mpg | 12.5 s | 98 g/km |
| 0.9 TwinAir 105 | 67–67 mpg | 11.4 s | 99 g/km |
| 1.3 JTDm | 63 mpg | 11.8 s | 119 g/km |
| 1.3 JTDm 95 | 66 mpg | 11.6 s | 112 g/km |
| 1.3 JTDm-2 85 | 81–83 mpg | 12.9 s | 89–95 g/km |
| 1.3 JTDm-2 95 | 81–83 mpg | - | 89 g/km |
| 1.4 | 50 mpg | 13.0 s | 130 g/km |
| 1.4 16V | 48 mpg | 11.2–12.3 s | 138 g/km |
| 1.4 MultiAir 105 | 50 mpg | 10.7 s | 134 g/km |
| 1.4 MultiAir 140 TCT | 52 mpg | 8.1 s | 124 g/km |
| 1.4 TB | 46 mpg | 8.8 s | 145 g/km |
| 1.4 TB 155 | 44 mpg | 8.0 s | 153 g/km |
| 1.4 TB MultAir 140 TCT | 52 mpg | - | 124 g/km |
| 1.4 TB MultAir 170 TCT | 52 mpg | - | 124 g/km |
| 1.4 TB MultiAir 105 | 50 mpg | 10.7–11.2 s | 134 g/km |
| 1.4 TB MultiAir 135 | 50 mpg | 8.4 s | 129 g/km |
| 1.4 TB MultiAir 135 TCT | 51 mpg | 8.2 s | 126 g/km |
| 1.4 TB MultiAir 140 TCT | 52 mpg | - | 124 g/km |
| 1.4 TB MultiAir 170 | 47–52 mpg | 7.3–7.5 s | 124–139 g/km |
| 1.4 TB MultiAir 170 TCT | 52 mpg | - | 124 g/km |
| 1.4 TB MultiAir TCT | 51 mpg | 8.2 s | 126–128 g/km |
| 1.6 JTDm | 59–66 mpg | 9.9 s | 114–126 g/km |
| 1.6 JTDm-2 | 64–66 mpg | 9.9 s | 112–114 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008 – 2018)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
75%
Real MPG
28–72 mpg
MPGs submitted
445
Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008 – 2018) interior
- Boot space is 270 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4063 mm |
| Width | 1720 mm |
| Height | 1446 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2511 mm |
Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008 – 2018): Practicality
There’s plenty of space for the driver and even when the optional sunroof is fitted there’s’ good headroom. However, the rest for your left foot is at an odd angle. Also, the reach and rake adjustable steering column doesn’t quite move low enough to avoid feeling like you’re hanging on for dear life.
The rear is strictly for two people as there are only belts for a pair of passengers, though this does mean there’s a bit more shoulder space than in some rivals. There’s a cupholder set into the outer edges on either side of the back seat but little other storage back here.
Boot space of 270-litres is good for this class of car and the tailgate neatly opens by pressing the Alfa Romeo badge. However, the boot has a very high load lip that makes it tricky to lift in anything heavier than a small shopping bag. When you want to extend the boot, the rear seat back is a one-piece item, or you could pay £450 for a split and tip option to vary the load bay.
Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008 – 2018): Quality and finish
On first acquaintance, the Alfa Romeo MiTo feels sufficiently substantial to bear comparison with the likes of the Audi A1 or a MINI. Let your hands wander a little further, however, and they soon discover plastics that end in abrupt and sharp edges rather than smooth returns.
It’s clear Alfa decided to save some money on parts of the cabin where it thought you might not notice, such as around the centre console and the plastic trims where the seat belts feed into the door pillars.
MiTos built from 2014 onwards have a better standard of finish that improved on the original model’s. This is most obvious in the materials surrounding the dash and door trims. It’s a welcome upgrade, but the MiTo still falls behind the best in this class from Germany.
Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008 – 2018): Infotainment
A five-inch infotainment screen is small compared to those in most of the MiTo’s rivals, giving away how long ago this car was first put into showrooms. The Uconnect screen arrived in 2014 and was standard for most MiTo variants.
The system is simple to understand, but using it while driving is difficult because the display is small. This means you need a steady hand to tap the right option when you want it. On the upside, it comes with Bluetooth, DAB radio and voice control for certain functions.
Uconnect also brought a USB connection to the MiTo’s cabin in addition to the aux-in port and satellite navigation is an option with this system.
Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008 – 2018) value for money
Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008 – 2018): Prices
With new prices starting from £12,250, the Alfa Romeo MiTo was always keenly priced against its premium supermini rivals such as the Audi A1 and Mini Cooper. Even compared to the likes of the Ford Fiesta ST, the Italian was strong on value.
Most MiTos found their way into the hands of private owners rather than company car drivers when new. This means there are quite a few MiTos around with lower than average mileages as they were not used to ply their trade up and down motorways for the first few years of their life. However, the downside is some used MiTos can have less than complete service records, so check carefully when choosing a car to buy.
Early MiTo’s can be found at bargain basement prices, but most buyers will be looking to younger cars with lower miles. The 1.4 TB MultiAir 170 Veloce cost £21,220 in April 2017, or about the same as a Ford Fiesta ST-3. As a used car, an Alfa Romeo in this trim will be around £2000 less the Fiesta ST-3, reflecting the greater depreciation the Alfa has endured.
Even so, a used MiTo at this age should not be an expensive choice.The TwinAir cost from £15,350 when introduced and there are fewer of them on the used market than the 1.4 turbo models.
However, rarity doesn’t mean high prices and you can find a MiTo TwinAir for less than you’d pay for an equivalent Volkswagen Polo. However, less choice of cars does mean you may have to travel further to find the right example for you
Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008 – 2018): Running Costs
If fuel efficiency is your prime concern when choosing a MiTo, the 95PS 1.3 JTDm-2 is the engine to look for as it delivers a real-world 70mpg. Even choosing the more powerful 1.6 turbodiesel will offer 50mpg combined economy.
The 1.4-litre petrol engine in turbocharged and non-turbo forms struggles to better mid-30s consumption in most of its guises. Only the 1.4 TB MultiAir 140 with the TCT dual-clutch gearbox offers reasonable efficiency with 46mpg in mixed driving.
However, we’d avoid the TCT gearbox that can cause reliability issues. With a 45-litre fuel tank, you can expect around 400 miles per fill from the petrol engines and as much as 650 miles from the 1.3 turbodiesel.
Insurance is affordable with the small capacity 0.9-litre TwinAir and low power of the non-turbo 1.4 engines. The 1.4 starts in group 8 and the TwinAir in group 9, but ratings rise markedly as power and performance increase. For example, the 1.4 TB MultiAir 140 starts in group 22, while the 170PS Cloverleaf is in group 27 compared to a more affordable group 19 for an equivalent Mini Cooper.
The majority of MiTos will fall into the road tax bracket for cars built between 2001 and March 2017. This means a 1.4 TB MultiAir 140 with carbon dioxide emissions of 129g/km will cost you £125 per year. The 0.9 TwinAir petrol has 99g/km CO2 emissions and the 1.3 JTDm-2 diesel just 89g/km, so both are tax-free at present.
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Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index nowAlfa Romeo MiTo (2008 – 2018) models and specs
The Lusso, or Sprint model that replaced it in 2011, is the mid-level MiTo trim and the best balance of equipment, comfort and cost. I
t comes with 16-inch alloy wheels for a smoother ride on bumpy roads, air conditioning, leather-covered steering wheel and chrome finishing in the door sill covers and exhaust tips. There are also five choices of interior upholstery, so it suits those looking for a car with a mix of individuality, comfort and a wide choice of engines.
Given the MiTo’s warm hatch pretensions, it’s hard to ignore the Cloverleaf or later Quadrifoglio models that topped the range. They have 17-inch alloy wheels in an attractive design, Alcantara upholstery and sports seats. The Sportiva model that arrived in 2012 also shares these features but with even larger 18-inch wheels for a more aggressive appearance, albeit at the cost of any notion of ride comfort.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4063 mm |
| Width | 1720 mm |
| Height | 1446 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2511 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1080–1205 kg |
| Boot Space | 270 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 9000–25000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £12,250–£21,385 |
| Insurance Groups | 8–27 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–G |
| Official MPG | 43.5–83.1 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 5 |
| Child | 3 |
| Pedestrian | 2 |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until July 2019
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 0.9 Turbo Twinair 105bhp 3dr | £15,505 | 67.3 mpg | - |
| 0.9 Turbo Twinair 105bhp Speciale 3dr | £17,955 | 67.3 mpg | - |
| 0.9 Turbo Twinair 105bhp Super 3dr | £17,205 | 67.3 mpg | - |
| 1.3 JTDm-2 95bhp 3dr | £16,105 | 83.1 mpg | - |
| 1.3 JTDm-2 95bhp Speciale 3dr | £18,555 | 83.1 mpg | - |
| 1.3 JTDm-2 95bhp Super 3dr | £17,805 | 83.1 mpg | - |
| 1.4 78bhp 3dr | £13,845 | 50.4 mpg | - |
| 1.4 Turbo MultiAir 140 Speciale Tct 3dr | £19,745 | 52.3 mpg | - |
| 1.4 Turbo MultiAir 140bhp Super Tct 3dr | £18,995 | 52.3 mpg | - |
| 1.4 Turbo MultiAir 170bhp Veloce Tct 3dr | £21,385 | 52.3 mpg | - |
On sale until April 2017
On sale until January 2015
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.3 JTDm-2 85 Sprint 3dr | £15,415 | 80.7 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 875 TB TwinAir 105 bhp Sprint 3dr | £14,870 | 67.2 mpg | 11.4 s |
On sale until July 2014
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 TB MultiAir 135 bhp Distinctive 3dr | £16,450 | 50.4 mpg | 8.4 s |
| 1.4 TB MultiAir 135 bhp Sportiva 3dr | £17,200 | 50.4 mpg | 8.4 s |
| 1.4 TB MultiAir 135 bhp TCT Distinctive 3dr Auto | £17,700 | 51.4 mpg | 8.2 s |
| 1.6 JTDm-2 120 Sportiva 3dr | £18,050 | 64.2 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 875 TB TwinAir 105 bhp Sportiva 3dr | £16,300 | 67.2 mpg | 11.4 s |
On sale until September 2013
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 8v 78 bhp Progression 3dr | £12,500 | 50.4 mpg | 13.0 s |
| 1.4 8v 78 bhp Sprint 3dr | £13,205 | 50.4 mpg | 13.0 s |
| 1.4 MultiAir 105 bhp Distinctive 3dr | £15,455 | 49.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 875cc TB TwinAir 85 bhp Distinctive 3dr | £15,350 | 67.3 mpg | 12.5 s |
| 875cc TB TwinAir 85 bhp Sportiva 3dr | £16,100 | 67.3 mpg | 12.5 s |
| 875cc TB TwinAir 85 bhp Sprint 3dr | £14,150 | 67.3 mpg | 12.5 s |
On sale until August 2012
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 TB MultiAir 105 bhp Sprint 3dr | £15,450 | 49.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
On sale until April 2012
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 TB MultiAir 105 bhp Distinctive 3dr | £15,155 | 49.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
On sale until April 2011
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.3 JTDm (95 bhp) Lusso 3dr | £15,195 | 65.7 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 1.3 JTDm (95 bhp) Turismo 3dr | £14,355 | 65.7 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 1.3 JTDm (95 bhp) Veloce 3dr | £16,185 | 65.7 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 1.4 16v Junior 3dr | £12,285 | 47.9 mpg | 12.3 s |
| 1.4 16v Lusso 3dr | £13,645 | 47.9 mpg | 11.2 s |
| 1.4 16v Turismo 3dr | £12,805 | 47.9 mpg | 11.2 s |
| 1.4 16v Veloce 3dr | £14,635 | 47.9 mpg | 11.2 s |
| 1.4 8v 78 bhp Junior 3dr | £12,250 | 50.4 mpg | 13.0 s |
| 1.4 MultiAir TB 135 bhp Lusso 3dr | £15,465 | 50.4 mpg | 8.4 s |
| 1.4 MultiAir TB 135 bhp TCT Lusso 3dr Auto | £16,745 | 51.4 mpg | 8.2 s |
| 1.4 TB MultiAir 105 bhp Veloce 3dr | £15,155 | 49.6 mpg | 11.2 s |
| 1.4 TB MultiAir 135 bhp TCT Veloce 3dr Auto | £17,250 | 51.4 mpg | 8.2 s |
| 1.4 TB MultiAir 135 bhp Veloce 3dr | £15,950 | 50.4 mpg | 8.4 s |
| 1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp Cloverleaf 3dr | £17,955 | 47.1 mpg | 7.5 s |
| 1.6 JTDm Lusso 3dr | £15,885 | 58.9 mpg | 9.9 s |
On sale until February 2010
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.3 JTDm Lusso | £14,555 | 62.8 mpg | 11.8 s |
| 1.3 JTDm Turismo | £13,735 | 62.8 mpg | 11.8 s |
| 1.3 JTDm Veloce | £15,525 | 62.8 mpg | 11.8 s |
On sale until January 2010
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 TB Lusso | £14,555 | 46.3 mpg | 8.8 s |
| 1.4 TB Lusso (155bhp) | £15,575 | 43.5 mpg | 8.0 s |
| 1.4 TB Turismo | £13,735 | 46.3 mpg | 8.8 s |
| 1.4 TB Veloce | £15,525 | 46.3 mpg | 8.8 s |
| 1.4 TB Veloce (155bhp) | £16,545 | 43.5 mpg | 8.0 s |
Model History
- March 2008: Formally announced for early 2009 launch
- January 2010: MultiAir engine added
- August 2010: MiTo Turismo Sport introduced
- January 2011: Automatic TCT gearbox now available
- February 2011: MiTo Sprint announced
- April 2011: MiTo gets facelifted
- August 2012: New Sportiva trim launched
- October 2013: Alfa Romeo MiTo improved for 2014
- June 2014: New MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde launched
- September 2016: MiTo revised again with new look
March 2008
Formally announced for early 2009 launch
Fiat Grande Punto based small Alfa 3-door hatchback to restore the spirit of the Giulietta and Alfasud. 4,060mm long x 1,440mm high x 1,720mm wide. Successful styling mix of beauty of 8C Competizione with cuteness.
Distinctive frontal treatment, headlights and the LED tail lights. Highly ‘personal’ dashboard and seats ensure that the interior represents the ultimate expression of Italian style: welcoming yet sporty, with top-quality materials and close attention to detail.
Driver-operated Alfa DNA system acts directly on the engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox, allowing three different vehicle behaviour modes based on the driving style best suited to the situation or the customer’s wishes: sporting (Dynamic), town driving (Normal), maximum safety even in difficult grip conditions (All-Weather).
Range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines spanning 90-155bhp, including the new, low CO2 1.6 Multijet diesel, with the range due to be extended by higher powered versions. 'Contractive suspensions' standard on all specifications and engines that minimise roll and offer maximum active, passive and preventive safety. Alfa Romeo’s specially developed VDC stability system is fitted as standard, and the vehicle structure is already designed to obtain a top Euro NCAP crash safety rating in the future.
January 2010
MultiAir engine added
Alfa Romeo UK announced pricing of its revolutionary MultiAir engined MiTo range, in the UK from spring 2010. From launch, two engine versions available – the 135 bhp 1.4 Turbo, and the top-of-the-range 170 bhp 1.4 Turbo which will carry the iconic Alfa Cloverleaf badge. Active Suspension as standard on the 170bhp Cloverleaf model.
Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 MultiAir TB 135 bhp Lusso £15,165 OTR
Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 MultiAir TB 135 bhp Veloce £16,135 OTR
Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 MultiAir TB 170 bhp Cloverleaf £17,895 OTR
MultiAir 135 brings impressive gains in economy and emissions: 135PS yet more than 50mpg and less than 130g/km CO2. But Cloverleaf MultiAir 170 with active suspension really comes alive with excellent combination of performance, economy, emissions, roadholding, handling and ride quality. Grips more ternaciously than any other front wheel drive car.
August 2010
MiTo Turismo Sport introduced
Low power, low insurance Alfa MiTo Turismo Sport combines head-turning design, dynamic performance and engineering technology with an additional £1,610 worth of optional equipment – all from £12,895 OTR or from just £199 a month with a £1,000 deposit.
The MiTo Turismo Sport is available in a choice of Solid Black (as standard), Biancospino White or the new Alfa Metallic Red. The 1.4 16V 95bhp petrol version is available from £12,895 OTR or the 1.3 JTDM-2 95bhp MultiJet turbodiesel is available from £14,410 (£219 a month with a £1000 deposit).
While the 95bhp 16V petrol engine provides a fun and engaging drive, the advanced second generation MultiJet turbodiesel engine -JTDM-2 -perfectly complements the Alfa MiTo philosophy of low emissions (112g/km of CO2) and fuel consumption (65.7mpg on the combined cycle) without compromising performance and driver satisfaction (0-62mph in 11.6 seconds).
On top of the already impressive standard equipment found in the MiTo Turismo; such as air conditioning and state-of-the-art Alfa D.N.A technology, the Alfa MiTo Turismo Sport special edition includes 16-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, cruise control, Blue & Me technology, fog lights and a leather steering wheel incorporating audio and phone controls.
January 2011
Automatic TCT gearbox now available
The Alfa MiTo is the first model in the Alfa Romeo range to feature the all new ALFA TCT automatic transmission with dry twin clutch - now available in the UK. Available with the 1.4 TB MultiAir 135 bhp petrol engine and combined with a Start&Stop system, this Alfa Romeo MiTo offers outstanding performance (38.7 mpg over an urban cycle, 128 g/km of CO2 and 8.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph), a result that is superior to the same engine with a manual gearbox (the values of which are 38.2 mpg, 129 g/km and 0- 62 mph acceleration time of 8.4 seconds).
The Alfa MiTo 1.4 TB MultiAir with ALFA TCT is available in Lusso and Veloce trim levels, with prices starting from £16,745 OTR.
February 2011
MiTo Sprint announced
Available in ‘Union Jack’ inspired colours – red, white or blue - it gets £1,500 worth of extras, include cruise control, leather steering wheel and gear stick, remote audio controls on steering wheel, Blue&M Bluetooth hands-free system with voice recognition, and media player with a USB port, the MiTo Sprint is available on finance from £199 per month with a deposit of just £1000.
Alfa MiTo Sprint also features a rear spoiler, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and unique Sprint badging, giving the exterior a notably sportier appearance, to add to the already highly specified model which includes Alfa’s exclusive D.N.A and is available in special colours; Biancospino White, Alfa Red, or metallic Tornado Blue.
Designed to appeal to a young, sporty audience, the Alfa MiTo Sprint is powered by a choice of two petrol engines: 1.4 16V 95 bhp costing £13,295 OTR or 1.4 TB MultiAir 135 bhp with ALFA TCT automatic transmission costing £16,395 OTR, and the turbodiesel 1.3 JTD M-2 95 bhp version costing £14,845 OTR.
April 2011
MiTo gets facelifted
Significantly revised MiTo range announced, on sale through Alfa Romeo’s 52-strong UK dealer network. The MiTo sports compact range has been streamlined from 17 versions to just 9, with both Turismo and Lusso trim being replaced with 'Sprint'. Entry level versions are now known as 'Progression', while 'Distinctive' and 'Quadrifoglio Verde' versions replace Veloce and Cloverleaf.
Prices have been reduced across the range, and now start at £12,250 OTR for the entry level 1.4 8v Progression, rising to £17,955 OTR for the 1.4 TB MultiAir 170bhp Quadrifoglio Verde. Distinctive (formerly Veloce) and Quadrifoglio Verde (Cloverleaf) are both enriched with additional equipment, including Cruise Control, Sports pedals and rear parking sensors.
Three new engines become available: 1.4 8v 78bhp (available in Progression and Sprint, replacing the 1.4 16v 95bhp unit) for lower emissions, superior MPG and Start&Stop as standard; 1.4 MultiAir 105bhp (available with Sprint or Distinctive trims) for superior power, torque and MPG (compared to the 1.4 16v 95bhp engine); and a new congestion charge/tax busting 1.3 JTD M -2 (Sprint only, replacing the 1.3 16v 95bhp unit) which produces a spritely 85bhp.
August 2012
New Sportiva trim launched
Alfa Romeo UK added a sporty new trim level to both the Alfa MiTo range. The Sportiva trim is inspired by Alfa’s range topping versions and combined with award-winning petrol and diesel engines, delivering customers a car with luxurious sporty looks allied to fuel efficiency and low emissions.
The compact super mini Alfa MiTo Sportiva boasts all the technology-packed features of the Distinctive trim, with a host of exciting additions, with customers benefitting from £1,500 worth of option upgrades for just £750 more OTR.
The head-turning Alfa MiTo Sportiva features exclusive 18-inch Quadrifoglio Verde sports alloy wheels, sports kick plates, and Sportiva badges. Inside the cabin, the theme is black and green with darkened interior headlining, and matte black steering wheel inserts accompanying a black leather steering wheel and handbrake, plus black Alcantara sport seat upholstery – all finished with green stitching. The Alfa MiTo Sportiva is available with three engine options: 875cc TB TwinAir 85 bhp (£16,100 OTR), 1.4 TB MultiAir 135bhp (£17,000 OTR) and the 1.6 JTD M-2 120bhp (£17,750 OTR).
October 2013
Alfa Romeo MiTo improved for 2014
The 2014 Alfa MiTo on sale in UK offering higher specification, revised interiors, subtle styling enhancements and more advanced technologies, including the Uconnect five-inch, colour touch-screen infotainment system as standard equipment and the addition of the new 105hp TwinAir engine to the range.
Externally the 2014 MiTo has a new, chromed front grille; titanium grey headlamp and tail lamps surrounds; tinted rear windows and a sports rear bumper, as well as a revised colour palette that now includes a new “Matte Magnesio Grey” finish.
The interior is revised with new dashboards, upgraded plastics and a new Uconnect™ five-inch, touch-screen infotainment system with voice recognition, Bluetooth, steering wheel remote controls, USB/Aux ports and optional satellite navigation.
An array of traction, braking and stability control systems is standard on all Alfa MiTo models and these systems, along with steering effort and throttle response, can be adjusted via Alfa Romeo’s trademark ALFA D.N.A. three-mode selectable driving mode system. Where fitted, ALFA SDC adaptive suspension and ALFA TCT transmission settings are also adjustable via the ALFA D.N.A. system.
The model line-up has been streamlined with four trim levels: Sprint, Distinctive, Sportiva and Quadrifoglio Verde (QV). In addition to the features listed above, all models are equipped with Start& Stop; air conditioning; a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob; electric windows and mirrors; seven airbags; front fog lamps, a rear spoiler and alloy wheels.
'Distinctive' trim ighlights include 17-inch alloy wheels; cruise control; rear parking sensors and a front centre arm rest, while 'Sportiva' includes 18-inch QV sports alloy wheels; a QV steering wheel and hand-brake lever (trimmed in black leather with green stitching); satin-effect exterior highlights and special badges. The high-performance QV adds red, four-piston Brembo brake callipers, SDC active suspension system, bespoke sports seats with uprated upholstery and special QV wing badges.
The MiTo engine range now comprises five turbo-charged engines, all with Start&Stop as standard – three petrol and two diesel units. The 0.9 TwinAir Turbo engine benefits from a 20hp boost in performance – now 105hp – which translates to a 0-62mph time that’s 1.1 seconds faster than the previous 85hp version. Despite the additional performance, the MiTo TwinAir remains impressively efficient, with a combined fuel economy figure of 67.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.
The 1.4 TB MultiAir 135hp (available with a manual or the Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission) and the 1.4 TB MultiAir 170hp QV engine complete the petrol line-up, while the diesel range consists of the 1.3 JTDM-2 85hp and the 1.6 JTDM-2 120hp powerplants.
June 2014
New MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde launched
Goes on sale in July with prices starting from £20,210 OTR. Powered by 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo Petrol 170PS engine in combination with the ALFA TCT transmission (with steering-wheel paddle shifters) for the first time.
September 2016
MiTo revised again with new look
The new Alfa Romeo Mito has gone on sale in the UK priced from £12,960 OTR. Revised for 2016 with a new look to emulate the style and attitude of the all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia, with more technology, a revised range and the introduction of the updated 1.3-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel with increased 95PS output and reduced emissions (just 89g/km), the new Alfa Romeo Mito is more enticing and competitive than ever before.
To give the Mito the new Alfa Romeo family feel the styling has been revised with new sports grilles, dark-finish headlamp bezels, revised rear bumper designs and new alloy wheels, as well as new Alfa White paint option. Inside, all models get new upgraded seat upholsteries, Uconnect Live services and a new finish on the centre console, dashboard and door trims. Naturally, the new Alfa Romeo logo features inside and out, while the Mito badge adopts the same script as that of the new Giulia.
The outgoing “Progression” model is replaced by a new entry-point trim level known simply as Alfa Romeo Mito and its generous standard equipment includes new 16-inch alloy wheels, satin chrome-effect exterior detailing (grille surrounds, headlamp and tail lamp surrounds), air conditioning, Alfa DNA driving mode selector, a rear spoiler and a Uconnect 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB and Bluetooth connectivity.
Replacing the “Distinctive” trim level is the new Alfa Romeo Mito Super which builds on the standard Mito’s specification by adding cruise control; 17-inch 'Turbine' alloy wheels; Alfa code immobiliser and alarm; front fog lamps; special upholstery with Eco-Leather side bolstering; aluminium sports pedals, footrest and kickplates; chrome effect window sills; satin-effect door handles; space-saver spare wheel and the Comfort Pack as standard.
In place of the QV Line, the new Alfa Romeo Mito Speciale offers the looks and specification of the new Veloce flagship (which, in turn, replaces the Quadrifoglio Verde) but is available with the 875cc TwinAir 105hp turbo petrol (£17,110 OTR); the 1.3 JTDM-2 95hp diesel engine (£17,710 OTR) or the 1.4 MultiAir 140hp petrol with ALFA TCT transmission (£18,910 OTR) to make it more accessible and more affordable to own.
The new range-topper, the Alfa Romeo Mito Veloce, is available from £20,500 OTR and is powered by the most powerful engine in the range, the 1.4 MultiAir 170hp petrol with ALFA TCT transmission (with steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles) making it capable of reaching 62mph in just 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 136mph.
What to watch out for
Report of timing chain snapping on 2011 1.3 MultiJet 95PS.
22-10-2013:Problems emerging with MultiAir engines. Seems that they can develop an oil leak (possibly from the cam cover gasket) that allows oil to leak around the spark plug and eventually causes the engine to misfire. Also there have been reports of the MultiAir engine having to be replaced. This seems to be happening with cars that are around 3 years old with average mileage and just out of warranty.
20-12-2014:On turbocharged Alfa Romeo MiTos, illumination of the engine management light when the engine is under load may be due to a split in the turbo pipe.
30-07-2015:Leak reported from transmission oil seal of 5 year olf Alfa MiTo.
28-09-2015:EPAS failure reported on 2011 Alfa MiTo Sprint. Quoted £700 to replace the EPAS motor. Predictable fault if too much lock is regularly applied because this strains the EPSA motor.
02-01-2016:Report of Alfa MiTo 1.3 Multijet smoking on start up. Might be turbo bearing oil seals, might be valve stem oil seals, might be piston rings, might be an injector,might be a glowplug. Suspect turbo bearing oils eals most likely. Important to idle this engine for 30 seconds before switching off after long ascents, when stopping for fuel on the motorway, or after thrashing the car cross-coountry.
21-04-2016:Report of electrical problems on 2011 MiTo which is egularly blowing a 5 amp fuse (F 51 in the dashboard fuse box) This results in all the electronic driving aids being switched off. Car is still driveable but has no working main beam, heated rear screen, air con, reversing lights, Bluetooth connectivity.
01-05-2017:Report of intermittend EPAS failure on 2010/60 reg Alfa MiTo.
05-12-2017:Report of both front wheelarches separating from the body of a 2014 Alfa MiTo.
04-05-2018:Report of 2010 Alfa Mito Cloverleaf needing a major repair to the fuel injection.
07-06-2018:Report of intermittent problem with 2016 Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 TB MultiAir Start/Stop manual.
