Think small, expensive but remarkably charming small hatchbacks and only three cars will come to mind – the MINI, and more recently the Fiat 500 and the Alfa Romeo MiTo. As of today, all three are now available in Malaysia. The MiTo offers a much more affordable price compared to the MINI Cooper and Cooper S, retailing at RM153,888 OTR excluding insurance, registration and road tax.
The 3-door MiTo shares the same engine as the Fiat Bravo – a 1.4 litre turbocharged engine producing 155 horsepower, and in the MiTO it is mated to a 6-speed manual. It is the only transmission available in the car right now, so you’ll have to work your left leg a little if you want to cruise around town with style in this particular Italian baby. 0 to 100km/h takes 8 seconds, and the car is rated to drink only 6.5 litres of petrol per 100km traveled.
There is a decent list of equipment including cruise control, auto clmate control, LED rear lamps, steering wheel audio, VDC with hill holder function (great for starting on a slope if you’re still rusty with the manual’s clutch), a 6-speaker audio system.
There is a little three-position switch near the gear lever which will alter the throttle response and steering assist for three driving environments – Dynamic, Normal and All Weather. This is called the Alfa Romeo DNA system. The MiTo is also equipped with the Q2 electronic limited slip differential, a grand total of 7 airbags including a driver’s kneebag, and finally the chassis is rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP.
Public viewing and test drives are available at the Auto ConneXion Alfa Romeo 3S Centre at Jalan 13/2 Petaling Jaya. More photos of the MiTo available after the jump.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments on the Alfa Romeo MiTo focus on its stylish, unique Italian design and sporty performance, attracting enthusiasts who appreciate its heritage and driving experience. Many praise the car’s interior quality, engine power, and manual transmission, viewing it as a fun, driver-oriented hatchback. However, opinions on the exterior design are divided, with some critics calling it unattractive or fugly, and others comparing it unfavorably to other compact cars like the Fiat 500, Mini Cooper, and VW Scirocco. Several comments highlight the high price as overvalued, attributing it to inflated taxes and local import costs, with some suggesting alternative choices like Honda, Proton, or Japanese models for better value. Overall, passionate Alfa fans defend the brand's heritage, while non-enthusiasts criticize its design and pricing.