Alfa Romeo MiTo - Prove varie motorizzazioni

[dallas]

Nella nota stampa probabilmente riporta la funzionalità completa del manettino che, sulle vetture con SDC, avrà anche questa funzione.... insomma, altro giornale da evitare!

[alederme]

I più fanatici gli attribuiscono delle capacità taumaturgiche:D

tra un po' il manettino triplicherà i cv e farà anche il pieno...

[antoniocalderone]

Ma certo, il manettino fa tutto quello che vuoi, devi solo immaginarlo e premere verso la D per 3 volte, poi accarezzare il volante in senso orario e tutto sará lí, ti ritroverai con una bella FXX sotto al sedere...

[Cosimo]

Ma certo, il manettino fa tutto quello che vuoi, devi solo immaginarlo e premere verso la D per 3 volte, poi accarezzare il volante in senso orario e tutto sará lí, ti ritroverai con una bella FXX sotto al sedere...

zitto!

non dovevi rivelare il segreto...

[antoniocalderone]

Arrrg, ormai é tardi, cercheró di limitare i danni:

Ragazzi, il metodo che ho descritto prima provoca impotenza e rigetto del sesso opposto, non lo fate, non vale la pena...

[j]

Attractive interior features high-quality plastics

Switch controls clever DNA system

Load area is bigger than MINI’s, although exposed metal is visible on seatbacks

We love the way the tailgate badge doubles up as boot release.

Baby BattleGround

Alfa MiTo v MINI

Alfa Romeo has finally returned to the small car market. But if its new MiTo is to succeed, it has to beat the MINI – and sparks are sure to fly

If timing is everything, the Alfa Romeo MiTo couldn’t have been more punctual. The new small car joins a line-up dominated by sporty coupés and saloons just as cash-strapped buyers are looking to downsize to cut their bills. It mixes the style of a supercar with the fun and affordability of a supermini, while Alfa has even broken with recent tradition by giving it a name rather than a number. But does the MiTo add up?

To answer that question, there’s only one car it needs to beat. The MINI has ruled the fashionable supermini roost since its launch in 2001, and the latest 118bhp Cooper is arguably the best of the lot. Retro styling, excellent resale values and low running costs make it a car you can buy with your head as well as your heart.

That’s not something we’re able to say about many Alfa Romeo models, but at £14,745 the top-of-the-range MiTo Veloce has the looks, price and performance to make MINI sweat. Its turbocharged 155bhp engine delivers more power than the British baby, too, plus the Italian model is considerably cheaper than the Chili pack Cooper.

So, is the new Alfa as good in the metal as it is on paper?

Alfa Romeo MiTo Veloce

Newcomer offers tempting blend of chic looks and driving fun

NOT since the demise of the 145 in 2001 have Alfa fans been able to buy a small hatchback.

The MiTo name is derived by combining the place of the car’s design (Milan) with the city of its construction (Turin, or Torino in Italian). Enthusiasts will want to know whether it’s a modern-day Alfasud, but all the new Italian really needs to do is beat the all-conquering MINI.

As with its rival, the Alfa takes its cues from an existing model – only this time it’s a supercar providing the inspiration. The teardrop headlamps, telephone dial alloys and distinctive front air intakes are pure 8C Competizione.

But the end result isn’t the natural beauty you might expect. The bulbous front end is ungainly, although the squat stance and sweeping profile are eye-catching. It’s most appealing from the rear, where a diffuser-style bumper and LED light clusters ensure following drivers get the best view.

The more conventional cabin is attractively laid out, with a smart centre console and neat instruments. The driving position is excellent and the switchgear is high quality. Flagship Veloce trim also brings luxuries such as digital climate control and Bluetooth.

In the back, there’s space for two adults to sit in moderate comfort, but legroom is tight. Plus, while the 270-litreboot is much bigger than the 160-litre MINI’s, its high load lip and single-piece folding rear bench compromise practicality. You don’t buy either of these cars for their storage space, though, so how does the Alfa measure up on the road?

Buyers can choose 95bhp or 120bhp versions of the 1.4-litre engine, but the flagship 155bhp turbo we tested thrives on revs. With 230Nm of torque, it provides punchy acceleration and feels every bit as fast as our figures suggest.

The 0-60mph sprint took only 8.1 seconds, leaving the MINI trailing by 1.3 seconds. The MiTo is also terrific fun to drive, with direct steering and a bassy exhaust note. Ultimately, though, it doesn’t have the grip or finesse of the MINI. The Alfa’s gearshift also has a long throw, the steering lacks feedback and, while the brakes are effective, the middle pedal feels artificially hard.

When you do overstep the mark, the MiTo’s ESP stability system is less consistent in its reactions than the MINI’s. Ride comfort and refinement are both on a par with its rival, though, and drivers can fine-tune the experience thanks to Alfa’s new DNA system. It provides Dynamic, Normal and All weather modes via a switch on the centre console that adjusts the throttle responses, steering feel and damper settings.

At £14,661, the Veloce offers a convincing blend of pace and kit – go for cheaper variants and you can get MiTo thrills on an even tighter budget.

Verdict

Tackling the MINI head-on is a tough job, but Alfa Romeo is one of the few manufacturers with enough style and desirability to succeed.

The MiTo has a broad line-up and competitive prices, and looks excellent value for money, with this flagship model better equipped, faster and cheaper than the MINI Cooper Chili. It also has entertaining handling to go with its head-turning looks and more practical cabin. But is this enough to give it the edge?

While the British supermini can’t match the Alfa against the clock, its finely honed chassis delivers more thrills. Market-leading residuals and top-value servicing improve its prospects further – and if you get rid of our test car’s Chili pack, it undercuts the MiTo on price. In the end, the MINI ownership experience is good enough to edge out the Alfa, although the impressive MiTo is a credible and distinctive alternative.

MINI

Chart position:1st

WHY? Since 2001, the MINI Cooper has reigned supreme as the ultimate trendy supermini.

Alfa Romeo MiTo

Chart position:2nd

WHY? With its all-new small hatch, Alfa aims to match the desirability of its British rival.

da AutoExpress.co.uk

Video

[Cosimo]

Ho tradotto bene?

in pratica dice che mito va meglio e costa di meno, ma arriva seconda perchè mini ha un'immagine più solida?

[Regazzoni]

Tutto sommato, parte del verdetto a parte, sono stati anche più generosi e meno campanilisti di quanto mi aspettassi.

Fantastica, comunque, l'immancabile giochetto di prestigio.

Prima dicono che l'Alfa va di più, è più accessoriata e costa meno della Mini Cooper Chili.

Poi però tirano fuori l'insulso ragionamento che se a Mini non monti il pack Chili, costa meno dell'Alfa.

Ma se già era meno accessoriata, hai voglia a togliere pure il pack aggiuntivo: non sarà mai meno costosa, solo ancora più scarna.

[Cosimo]

vabbè son stati fin troppo buoni..

[andrea.ippo]

Tutto sommato, parte del verdetto a parte, sono stati anche più generosi e meno campanilisti di quanto mi aspettassi.

Fantastica, comunque, l'immancabile giochetto di prestigio.

Prima dicono che l'Alfa va di più, è più accessoriata e costa meno della Mini Cooper Chili.

Poi però tirano fuori l'insulso ragionamento che se a Mini non monti il pack Chili, costa meno dell'Alfa.

Ma se già era meno accessoriata, hai voglia a togliere pure il pack aggiuntivo: non sarà mai meno costosa, solo ancora più scarna.

Sì il gioco di prestigio va molto ultimamente...

Segno che non ci sono più scuse per fare le classifiche a buffo, e allora tocca arrangiarsi...

Su auto bild e auto motor und sport fanno porcate simili: quando l'italiana costa di meno ma vale anche un po' meno, allora vale la pena spendere la differenza per prendere la tedesca.

Quando invece la 500 costa qualche centinaio d'euro più della Fox, è meglio la Fox perché ha un prezzo imbattibile (ha solo 2 airbag di serie anziché sette? ma sticazzi...)