New Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 Progression

There are several reasons to purchase a new Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 Progression. The first is that small circular thing on the front. You know, the badge. That is what most motorists want when they choose the MiTo – the opportunity to say 'I own an Alfa Romeo'. Humans can be shallow, after all, so we may as well be honest. The second reason to park yourself inside this MINI rival is the in-your-face styling. Whereas the MiTo cannot be described as 'pretty' - it is 'pretty' distinctive. Furthermore, that monstrous grill and the wonky registration plate ensure this supermini stands-out from the crowd. Another major plus point, perhaps?

The Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 Progression averages a pleasing 50.4mpg, and can be taxed annually for only £95. So, low running costs earn it more plaudits. The pin-sharp handling and decent ride complete the plus points. Let us now consider the negatives. The MiTo's cargo capacity is only 270-litres, and it has a large rear sill that can make accessing the boot tricky. It only produces 78bhp too, so the race to 62mph takes 13 seconds. Whereas this is okay in a Fiesta, one might hope for more from a fashionable Italian. To be honest, there are more complete cars for the £12,250 price tag, but they lack that important badge.

By Stephen Turvil, motoring.co.uk

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