Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.3 JTDm 85 CV, test drive (Engine, performance, handling and fuel consumption)

The Alfa Romeo MiTo was updated this year, although the changes are actually quite subtle and are most noticeable in the interior. The MiTo, whose name refers to the cities of Milan and Turin, has been on the market since 2008, and was the first Alfa Romeo in the B-segment.

Although the design changes are subtle, in the engine range this 1.3 JTDm we tested with 85 CV is a completely new engine that replaces the previous 1.3 unit. In this test we will tell you everything about the new engine, the exterior changes and the new interior, as well as the equipment and prices.

1.3 JTDm 85 CV diesel engine

The entry engine for the diesel range is this modest 85 CV unit, until now you could choose the 95 CV JTDm-2, which is replaced by this new 85 CV version. Despite the loss of power, it responds better at low revs than the previous engine, although at high revs the older unit had the better response (partly thanks to the variable geometry turbo).

Is 85 CV enough? Yes. The MiTo is a city car, and with 85 CV diesel, thanks to the turbo, we will have no problems merging or overtaking. You do, however, need to work the five-speed gearbox to get the most out of it. It is also not afraid of country roads or motorways, where it moves with ease.

The power band runs from 1,500 rpm up to 3,500 rpm, where it runs out of breath. It is not an engine that stands out for smoothness, but the start-up has been improved and it is smoother when pulling away.

Handling

The Alfa Romeo MiTo, like a good Alfa Romeo, features DNA, a selector that controls throttle response and steering firmness, in three modes: Dynamic, Normal and All Weather (the last one reduces torque in low-grip situations).

In town, it is a car with more than enough power to get around and it is also very agile, thanks to its good steering angle and compact dimensions. On the open road, thanks to Dynamic mode, the car responds well, it feels as if it has more horsepower than the specification sheet states. However, in certain situations where we need power, we have to make use of the gearbox.

On the motorway is where it is most noticeable that it only has 85 CV, especially on slopes or when merging, although it feels very planted at all times.

The steering is direct and the suspension is firm, ideal for getting the most out of it on the sporty side, though you will wish for more horses than it has.

Fuel consumption

On the motorway it averages around 5.5 litres per 100 km, while on country roads it managed 5.2 litres per 100 km. These are low figures, although not as low as the official combined figure of 3.5 litres per 100 km.

In town, after several laps of our usual route, it settled at 7.5 litres per 100 km.

In the second part of this test we will tell you everything about the exterior design, the interior changes and the price of the new MiTo, as well as our overall assessment.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira