Alfa Romeo MiTo Progression 2014 Review

Producing small-capacity small cars is old-hat for Alfa Romeo. But the insanely competitive light-car segment ensures that no manufacturer can rest on its laurels -- even this Italian veteran.

Alfa Romeo’s updated 2014 MiTo range adds a new entry-level model to the mix dubbed ‘Progression’ (from $22,500 plus ORCs, as tested). It features an 875cc, twin-cylinder turbocharged TwinAir petrol engine paired exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission.

The MiTo line-up expands with price to include a 1.4-litre MultiAir four-cylinder with the choice of a five-speed manual or a six-speed twin-clutch transmission, though you’ll need to shell out an extra $2000 just to get a look in, and another $2000 again if you want an automatic!

The eager 0.9-litre engine in the MiTo Progression on test produces 77kW at 5500rpm and 145Nm that kicks in from 2000rpm. With this in hand, it moves from 0-100km/h in a leisurely 11.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 184km/h.

On the road, the MiTo lays to rest its cutesy character, taking on a more robust alter-ego that is athletic and engaging. It’s no heavyweight, tipping the scale at 1130kg, and yet you feel glued to the road.

The steering is delightfully direct - light enough for effortless manoeuvring, while maintaining good feedback at higher speeds. And the MiTo cornered with much composure, willingly dipping into corners on winding roads without protest.

Before you rule out the MiTo based on engine size alone, take it for a drive – and maintain some perspective of what’s under the bonnet. While it’s only got 875cc at hand, its power is well harnessed. Sure, it’s a little slow from standstill, but give it time… at around 4000pm the MiTo hits a spritely note and behaves without fault.

Having said this, the MiTo is quick to curb an over-enthusiastic approach to driving. There’s a fine line between joy and well, nothing. Revved too hard, the cut in power renders you a little helpless - but manage your gear changes well and its six-speed transmission is smooth, responsive and a whole lot of fun.

Alfa’s DNA technology allows the driver to adjust drive settings to the tune of Dynamic, Normal and All Weather, tweaking settings for the engine, steering, suspension and transmission (in auto models). I settled for Normal most of the time, switching to Dynamic only on good road surfaces.

The MiTo’s clutch feels good underfoot and is quick to bite. It took no time to find a lovely rhythm. The brakes are equally progressive, while the suspension is commendable.

During our test period, the 0.9-litre engine fell well short of its claimed urban fuel consumption of 7.1L/100km, delivering around 9.0L/100km.

It’s a cosy fit inside the MiTo, but a high level of comfort and reasonable ergonomics see you settle in with minimal fuss. Headroom up front did feel a little compromised, but never to the detriment of a workable drive position.

Behind the wheel, I found the gearshift is easy to reach. Everything else was focussed towards the driver, giving the MiTo Progression a slightly sporty demeanour.

Ergonomics aside, the MiTo Progression’s cloth trim seats were impressively comfy. They’re mechanically adjustable, but do add lumbar support. Alfa has found the perfect balance of soft meets supportive. All five occupants have a similar level of cushioning, though realistically, the MiTo is a four seater.

Despite its small size, the MiTo manages 270 litres of cargo space and, inside the boot, there’s a 12v power outlet, a light and multiple anchor-points. The rear seat’s 60/40 split-fold seat arrangement adds much appreciated load versatility to the little MiTo, too.

Yes, the cabin features plastic extensively, but this is offset by a high level of taste shown in the MiTo’s interior aesthetic. The overall design walks a fine line between elegantly restrained design and no-budget sparseness, but soft textured plastics and faux brushed-chrome come to the rescue in this regard.

The leather steering wheel is a little narrow in hand and indicator and cruise-control stalks feel a tad flimsy. It’s these small attention-to-detail items that lave you wondering where your $22k has gone. Remember, the MiTo sits in the same market sector as Europeans like the Fiat 500 (from $15,000 plus ORCs) and Volkswagen Polo (from $16,990 plus ORCs).

Equipment levels are of an acceptable standard for an entry-level car, but fall short of some similarly-priced competition. Standard features include electric windows, a multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, 5.0-inch colour touchscreen, Bluetooth with voice command, USB and 3.5mm auxiliary audio compatibility and manual air-conditioning.

The infotainment system looks small at first, but it’s well positioned and easy to see navigate, while the HVAC dials are basic and clunky through their settings. In-cabin storage is light-on, and the centre armrest is awkward in terms of positioning, annoyingly obstructing the handbrake when folded down.

Rearward visibility in the Alfo MiTo is poor and, up front, the steep rake of the A-pillars can obstruct lateral vision when entering roundabouts or slip lanes.

But again it’s the MiTo’s place in the scheme of things I found hardest to justify. Considering its lack of amenity and lower equipment levels, the pint-sized Alfa feels squeezed by company such as the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai i20 and Toyota Yaris… not to mention the Fiat 500 and Volkswagen Polo.

While it doesn’t posses the greater brunt or equipment levels of some light cars, the appeal of its nameplate does plenty to compensate. Whether that’s enough of a reason to sway potential buyers remains a $22,500 question.

Alfa Romeo MiTo Progression pricing and specifications:
Price: $22,500 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 0.9-litre two-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 77kW/145Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 4.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 99g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP