Alfa Romeo have finally got round to launching the much anticipated Mito in South Africa. The Mito fills the gap in the market place of small luxury sports car at an affordable price.

The concept of Mito is based on the current range of Fiat Bravo that have been around for a while. Mito takes that basic premise and enhances it to make a sportier and more refined car. However the biggest step that Alfa has made is the DNA system implemented in the car. It stands for Dynamic, Normal, All Weather and is a setting that the driver can fiddle around with to adjust the suspension stiffness, engine responsiveness and traction control. This ability is very rare in cars within this segment.

Looks wise the Mito is funky, the front won't be to everybody's liking but it is definitely noticeable in and amongst the masses of boring cars. The back is growing on me, it looks nice and sporty and the round lights are a nice change and add to the style that comes with this car.

As a sports car the Mito has more to offer, the chassis from the Bravo was already well set up but when the Mito is set in dynamic mode the Mito responds positively to the firmer suspension and the throttle response is lightning, the car feels taught and turns in well with only a hint of understeer, it inspires confidence and after only three laps at the Gerotek handling track we'll definitely be looking forward to putting this machine around Kyalami.

The engine range that Mito will offer starts with the 1.4-litre turbocharged 114kW and 210Nm of torque and will later include a diesel derivative. With the Fiat/Alfa Company releasing its MultiAir system later this year, the Mito will add another petrol motor to the arsenal. Alfa Romeo have also said we are likely to get the GTA version of the Mito. They are currently testing a 1.8-litre turbo motor that will give the Mito range a real sting in the tail.

This is generally the part of the road test where I mention how the price is a bit expensive and you're better off with a Bravo after all, but you're not. You see the exchange rate is currently quite good for us, allowing Alfa to offer the 1.4-litre turbocharged range topper for only R228 500 — completely worth it.

The prevew of Alfa Romeo's new baby on page two

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