What is it?
This is the cheapest and most frugal Alfa Mito diesel. It's powered by a Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre turbodiesel that's used to good effect in the Punto and Vauxhall Corsa.
This version is priced extremely competitively and like the rest of the range is impressively equipped, especially when compared with similarly priced Minis.
The great looks, inside and out, are also part of the package of course. No wonder the smallest Alfa has been such a big hit for the brand.
What's it like?
No doubt that the 90bhp common rail motor is a seriously good unit.
It's smooth, free-revving and punches through the mid-range harder than you'd expect, even with 148lb ft of torque. There's the possibility of 62.8mpg too and, crucially, CO2 emissions come below 120g/km.
It's fun to drive too. It turns in sharply, clings on gamely and doesn't mind being hustled through bends, while feeling surefooted and stable at high speeds too.
Yet the Mito is seemingly inept at smothering road scars.
It's constantly fidgeting and so unsettling its occupants whichever one of the three settings of the DNA electronic damper controls you're in.
At least you're sitting in great surroundings. The Mito's driving position is spot on and there's plenty of space, front and back. It's also well laid out and uncommonly well made for a low-priced Italian.
Should I buy one?
No doubt the Mito diesel makes a great case for itself in the showroom.
By just about any measure it makes a good buy, being both cheap to buy and cheap to run. That said, make sure that you can live with the ride.
Until Alfa engineers manage to make it work properly in the UK it's little better than average. Which is a shame for a car that's got so many other things going for it.
Chas Hallett
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Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.3 JTDm Veloce
I really like the Mito, it really gives the sector something different to look at and with this small diesel it could win some sales from more standard looking eco-models.
Although with the platform being from the Grande Punto am I being a litlle mean by wincing at the cost?
Good model range IMO, great steps from Alfa.
Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.3 JTDm Veloce
The MiTo is a really stylish little car and its a real pleasure to sit in. I've only looked at one in the dealer so can't comment on the ride. I thought a 1.3 diesel would actually be nearer 70mpg than 60, but 90bhp is impressive when compared to other manufacturers. I'm personally looking forward to finding out more detailed specs on the multi-air petrol engines.
Oh, and they are in no way like a Micra.
Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.3 JTDm Veloce
How can a small diesel tiddler like this Mito be "good value" for £15,000? It's not quick (almost 12 secs to 60); a 110mph top speed is nothing to write home about; the torque (148) is okay but average. And it's got a pretty crap ride. Plus Alfa build quality. Honestly. A Fabia 1.4 TDI is almost £5k cheaper (if you shop around).
Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.3 JTDm Veloce
Reminds me of Nissan Micra... crap!
Listen Topprat ,you really are stupid and very annoying , what have the Italians done to you ? perhaps refused to advertise on your pathetic Ebay wanabee web site !
Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.3 JTDm Veloce
I quote:
"It's fun to drive too. It turns in sharply, clings on gamely and doesn't mind being hustled through bends, while feeling surefooted and stable at high speeds too.
Any small car has a fidgity ride. You can bet that if the ride was more to your liking, you'd be moaning that it doesn't turn in and can't be hustled"
It's no worse than the MINI,moaning that it didn't turn in but that will never be said.
The thing about Alfa reliability is not true anymore, more chance of breaking down in a VW
I've driven other versions of the Mito and I love it
Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.3 JTDm Veloce
Its great that the MiTo is doing good volume for Alfa but I don`t think history will remember it as one of the better products from this great italian company.
I do believe that they have solved there reliability problems and anyone who thinks otherwise needs to go for a spin in a 159, however this inconsistency is dynamics between what are essentially the same cars is worryingly like Alfa`s of old.
So I look forward to MiTo 2, with nicer looks and more consistent dynamics.
Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.3 JTDm Veloce
The ride on the mito is awful on the uk roads and as far as I'm aware (feel free to shoot me down) the DNA switch only changes throttle response not damper settings.
I seriously considered this car two months ago to the point it was either this or a mini Cooper Diesel. I was fortunate enough to be given a full day to test drive the mini and decided to drive to the Alfa dealers in the mini to test drive this model Mito. As alfa dealers are now few and far between it gave me a chance to really check out the mini.
To cut a long story short I drove the Mito exactly 500 yards from the dealers and took it straight back ride quality in Edinburgh streets awful fit and finish no where near the minis. The mini is now on my drive way. I agree that a mini can also be harsh when spec'd with 17" rims and sports suspension however mine has 16" rims and no sports suspension and I'm more than happy with the comfort. Had the mito been at least £1K cheaper I'd have bought it and put up with the ride and finish of the car.
Also before anyone give the usual but there everywhere reply..... thats fine as I should have no trouble shifting it when I come to sell. 
) Simples
Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.3 JTDm Veloce
It'll be interesting to see how well the Mito holds onto its value in the used market as a premium offering, as larger Alfas have traditionally been shocking, but the lack of available discount on new ones is a good initial indication of decent residuals.
Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.3 JTDm Veloce
Velvet Munchkin wrote the following post at Tue, Aug 25 2009 6:36 PM:
How can a small diesel tiddler like this Mito be "good value" for £15,000? It's not quick (almost 12 secs to 60); a 110mph top speed is nothing to write home about; the torque (148) is okay but average. And it's got a pretty crap ride. Plus Alfa build quality. Honestly. A Fabia 1.4 TDI is almost £5k cheaper (if you shop around).
comparing a fabia with a mito??? ok, glad you think that way... the "VW and derivates" dealer is that way >>>>>>>>>>>>
