Alfa Romeo: Sleek and cheeky little number

The petite Alfa Romeo Mito is big on looks. Photo / Supplied

This is Alfa's smallest car, and it's pitched directly at Mini as a pricey executive toy that uses character, performance flavour and a features list which resembles a phone directory to justify its price.

What's new?
This is a new model and not, as some have billed it, an Alfa Sud replacement. That car was pitched against Golf; this one's a step down.

Mind you, it's not all-new. The platform's shared with Fiat Punto, the engine with Fiat's Bravo and Punto Abarth, and the Blue&Me telematics system is also fitted to Fiat's 500.

But this sleek wee body really does filch cues from the uber-sexy 8C Competitzione, and it packs a visual punch well above its weight.

The company line
Executives of either gender downsizing their cars for eco or image reasons might still have the same money to spend; they certainly have high expectations in terms of standard kit. And they'll like the Alfa's exclusivity and cheeky, Italian performance persona.

New Zealand gets only the top-spec Sport; the entry car sold in Australia couldn't compete with used imports. But Alfa expects enough buyers to appreciate the Sport as an executive toy with a performance image.

What we say
It could have a point. Certainly Mito is attractive inside and out - and it will turn heads. The characterful cabin's comfy and can fit four adults, though rear passengers will get claustrophobic. The rather crowded dash merely underlines the massive kit list - including stability control, dual zone climate air, seven airbags, leather trim, rear park sensors and the Blue&Me hands-free system with voice recognition and USB port.

This engine's a goody. It's "only" a 1.4, but the turbo spools in effortlessly with little discernible lag, the 114kW and 230Nm making short work of the car's light 1145kg weight. Alfa claims a 6.5l/100km thirst; we saw considerably more, admittedly after a day of lead-footed driving.

On the road
Our Australian launch drive was made on wet roads and we were unwilling to test the car's limits. However, we were able to try out Alfa's DNA, and the Electronic Q2 System which mimics the effect of a self-locking diff.

The DNA switch's weather, normal or dynamic modes deliver just as they promise, altering the steering, gearing, and stability control response.

We spent most of our drive in "normal" but can confirm the car is perkier, the steering better weighted with "dynamic" selected.

Meanwhile, the engine's keenness to rev matches the wee Alfa's ability to corner; it's nimble, without the choppiness often found in small cars, and should be a barrel of laughs on a demanding road and dry surface. Indeed, vehicles like this that excel in the tight stuff make more sense in our modern, rigidly speed-enforced times.

Why you'll buy one?
It's a sexy exclusive Alfa at a lower price than most sexy exclusive cars command; it's a pocket performance car with sufficient image and enough gadgets to justify the price. And unlike Mini, its appeal won't be diluted by a slew of entry-level cars.

Why you won't?
Alfa build quality has improved hugely in recent years but you still don't trust it; $44,990 is a lot for such a small car.