Not too long ago people bought small cars only if they couldn’t afford something bigger and better. Nobody really wanted teensy cars because many of them were pretty awful.
Then an oil crisis gripped the world, carbon dioxide emissions became a hot topic and more of the car-buying public were forced to consider cars they wouldn’t normally look at.
Subsequently, vehicle manufacturers started spending decent amounts of money on researching and developing budget models that people could feel good about.
Although the new three-door Alfa Mito isn’t really a budget car, it is a small car that shows us just how good compact cars can get.
The most prominent feather in the Mito’s cap is that it was designed to look and feel a little like Alfa’s 8C Competizione supercar. The result is a dimunitive hatchback that has truckloads of attitude and dynamic appeal.
Like the 8C Competizione, the Mito does a great job of being the sort of car that could well turn the smaller hot hatch segment on its head.
It’s beautiful from nose to tail and it has a decently designed interior, which feels both comfortable and functional. The standard specification also isn’t bad, with features such as Bluetooth, a USB port, ABS, seven airbags, traction control and much more.
But it’s on the road where the Mito (which develops 114kW of power and 230Nm of torque) takes the fight away from many of its rivals.
During the launch we were allowed to drive on a dynamic handling track at the Gerotek testing facility and the Mito felt completely composed under immense pressure. Even with tyres squealing while negotiating tight corners the Mito felt as though it could have been pushed a whole lot harder before it started to take strain.
The 1.4-litre turbo engine ensured it felt pretty comfy at highway speeds and though I’m not entirely sure of who or what would fit into the rear seats, the Mito comes across as a car in which you won’t mind doing long-distance driving.
Of course, the Mito’s main rival, despite what Alfa suits say, is the Mini Cooper, and I can’t say which is better because they are pretty evenly matched and are both amazingly good cars.
The Mito, which costs R228 500, comes with a six-year/90 000km service plan, AA roadside assistance for a year and is definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a competitively priced pocket rocket.