Test Drive Alfa Romeo Mito since 2008 Hatchback

Out of competition

Alfa Romeo Mi.To. Price: from 19,000 on sale: since September 2008
During the presentation of Alfa Romeo Mi.To, the head of Luka de Meo did not say a word about its competitors. But it was clear to those who gathered to journalists and so it was clear that Mini Cooper will be the main rival of this model, before the premium-class sports small-caltgers in the segment
The FIAT concern loves to carry out new products with a scope, and the premiere of Alfa Romeo Mi.To did not exception. To demonstrate this model, one of the main attractions of Milan Sforzesco Castle, served by the prototype of the Moscow Kremlin, was involved. Behind his fortress wall decorated with a characteristic Kremlin comb, the exposition of retro factors from the Alfa Romeo Museum turned out, and a giant aquarium was erected next door to rarity models, where the theoretical part of the presentation was held with the performance of the new boss company (Luka de Meo took this post at the end of last year. ) and the creators of mi.to.
According to the designers of Alfa Romeo, they tried to transfer the baby to the neck of the 8C CompetiZi-One coupe. In general, it turned out to be not bad, although it was not possible to achieve the same sexy sports proportions in a narrow body of hatchback. Inside Mi.To also tries to look in an adult: leather chairs with developed side support, adjusted in height and departure chubby steering wheel with tides at the top of the rim, lowered down arrow speedometer and tachometer, lining for aluminum ...
Near the transmission lever there is a key selection key of one of the three modes of operation of the motor, the drive of the accelerator and electronic security systems (dynamic, normal and all-weather), which resembles the Manettino toggle switch, which are equipped with Ferrari racing bolls. There is a Mi.To and a unique Q2 electronic system that replaces the self-locking differential, as well as the DST (DINAMYC STEERING TORQUE) device, which creates an additional force on the steering wheel when driving occurs, suggesting where you need to rotate the beam to correct the car. At the same time, the danger of passengers provide 7 airbags included in standard equipment.
The start of the solo party of the motor premises the campaign sticks of the speedometer arrows and a tachometer, describing a beautiful arc when turning the ignition key. The tuned output system sounds good: low-frequency air fluctuations, caressing hearing at idle turns, during acceleration, develop into the energetic rokot. However, in contrast to noise effects, the dynamics of Mi.To did not impress: 155-Strong Fiatovsky Turbomotre doesn't matter from the bottom, so for intensive overclocking the engine must be twisted, not allowing the tachometer arrow to drop below 3000 min-1. But on the high-speed highway under the gas pedal there is always a power supply that allows you to vigorously accelerate even on top gears.
The smallest alpha is built on the Fiat Grande Punto platform, but it has more rigid shock absorbers and a reduced gear ratio of the steering mechanism. The car is perfectly listening to the steering wheel, but the electric powerful is too zealously performing its work, worsening feedback with wheels. To correct the situation allows the translation of the machine settings from the normal mode to the dynamic, in which the steering wheel is poured by weight, becoming more informative. This mode improves the acceleration characteristics of Mi.To, making the gas pedal more responsive and adding torque in the low revolutions zone. So go much more fun! But only as long as the wheels are good asphalt: there is not enough energy intensity under the suspension, which is why the passage of each of the potholes is accompanied by an unpleasant stake.
After the test drive, it became clear why in his speech Luka de Meo did not dare to oppose this model Mini Cooper. According to the move qualities of Mi.To inferior to the British opponent, despite the fact that the price of models is comparable. However, in the absence of serious competition from other manufacturers (in the next couple of years, only one new AUDI A1 model will appear in the premium-small agent segment) NEW Alfa Romeo will find their fans. Moreover, thanks to compact sizes, economical motors (in Europe for Mi.To will also be offered 120-strong turbodiesel 1.6 and the atmospheric version of the gasoline motor 1.4, with a capacity of 78 hp) and relatively low cost Mi.To has a good chance of becoming The company sold in the old world.
Microsoft in the car
The Blue & Me Information System based on the Windows Mobile platform, the FIAT and Microsoft Concern's joint cooperation. Thanks to this system, the owner of the MI.To can use the mobile phone or a communicator with Bluetooth without taking hands from the steering wheel with the help of the buttons located on it. It is enough to configure the system once, and in the subsequent phone recognition and updating the notebook, the contact list from which is displayed on the instrument panel display, will be automatically performed. Blue & ME also allows you to connect to the onboard CD / MP3 players or other media with a USB port, such as conventional flash drives (the corresponding connector is located on the center console). In this case, the choice of musical fragments is also carried out using the buttons on the steering wheel. In the same way, the principle is based on a simple standard navigation: cards are injected on the USB flash drive, and informational tips are displayed on the dashboard display.

Driving
The steering wheel is rather sharp, but the electric powerlier reduces its informativeness.
Salon
High quality finishes. Little trunk doors glass makes it difficult to review.
  
Comfort
The suspension lacks energy intensity. Close rear seats.
   
Security
The car received 7 airbags and a rich list of electronic security systems.
   
Price
Complies with the status of the brand.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Stylish appearance, rich equipment, high-quality interior decoration.
- Hard suspension, non-informative steering wheel, lack of torque on nose.
Specifications
Brand and model - Alfa Romeo Mi.To
Dimensions - 4063x1721x1446 mm
Engine - gasoline, 4-cylinder, 1368 cm3, 155 hp / 5500 min-1
Transmission - Mechanical, 6-speed
Dynamics - Max 215 km / h; 8.0 s to 100 km / h
Competitors - Mini Cooper
Our opinion
Those who need a car with sports ambitions, is unlikely to receive satisfaction with the wheel of Italian. However, in Alfa Romeo promise that next year the market will appear in a truly hot version of Mi.To with a motor in 230 hp. At the same time, the production of versions with a robotic transmission with two clutches will begin, which will be offered instead of the usual machine gun.

Posted by: Maxim Fedorov
 
 

 

A source: Magazine 5 Wheel [September 2008]