Until a GTA Mito appears later this year, this is the hottest Mito going. Set in Dynamic for full boost, the Mito hit 60mph in 7.7sec. With the turbo blowing hardest between 2000 and 4000rpm, the Mito picks up speed without demanding much from its driver. Although it will rev to 6600rpm, there’s little point in taking the engine much beyond 5500rpm, as performance starts to tail off.
Moving the DNA switch to Normal takes the edge off the performance – by 0.9sec from 30-50mph in third gear. Subjectively, though, the difference is exaggerated by the throttle map, which requires a very heavy foot to get the motor going. While some may find the more muted throttle response useful for stop-start traffic, most of our testers found it frustratingly lethargic.
While the gear ratios strike a balance between acceleration and refinement, the gearshift itself is disappointing. In isolation it is difficult to pick out one problem. The throw is a touch long, but the lever falls conveniently to hand and the action is smooth. Yet the result is soulless.
All Mitos get the same 251mm rear brake discs, but the front discs vary with power, up to the 305mm ventilated items fitted here.
Dynamically, the Mito doesn’t even meet the class standard, let alone our hopes for a brand as illustrious as Alfa. It has its good points: it grips strongly, changes direction well and will entertain if pushed. But there are some crashing inadequacies.
First, the ride quality is poor. Over large potholes the Mito is relatively supple. But it takes only the shortest drive for the real problem to become obvious: a restless patter that stays with you regardless of speed. And show the Mito a challenging road and there’s too much rear axle movement.
The second issue is the steering, which is lifeless just off centre. The steering also suffers from two imperfect DNA modes: Normal is too light, while Dynamic feels springy.
