CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 27.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.8 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 60
Average Price: N/A

Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008-2018) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Distinctive styling	Not as fun to drive as an Alfa should be
Frugal diesels	Cheap-looking, cramped cabin
Sporty driving position	No five-door version

Quick Summary

The Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008-2018) is a three-door premium supermini designed to challenge the MINI Cooper Hatchback and Audi A1. With distinctive styling that echoes Alfa's design heritage, featuring a shield-shaped grille, bug-eyed headlights, and shapely body lines, the MiTo certainly makes a visual impression. However, the interior undermines this appeal with cheap-feeling plastics and underwhelming switchgear. The low driving position feels engaging, but practicality is limited by the three-door configuration and cramped rear space, making it unsuitable for families needing regular five-seat capacity.

The MiTo's handling doesn't match the involvement expected from an Alfa, with vague steering and unsettled ride quality that struggles with speed humps and potholes. Engine options include frugal diesels—particularly the 1.3 JTDm achieving around 65-70mpg in real-world driving—and peppy 1.4-litre petrol units. The hot hatch variants (Cloverleaf, Quadrifoglio Verde, or Veloce) offer more excitement, whilst the unusual TwinAir engine is loud and thrashy. Insurance groups range from eight to 27, with most models in groups 8-15. Alfa Romeo's Easy Care servicing plan helps manage maintenance costs.

Best for: Style-conscious buyers seeking a distinctive premium supermini with frugal diesel engines and a sporty driving position.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising driving engagement, practical family transport, or reliability, or buyers wanting to match the build quality of an Audi A1 or the fun factor of a Ford Fiesta.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the MiTo if: You prioritise distinctive styling and want a frugal diesel engine with a sporty driving position in a premium supermini.

Consider alternatives if: You value driving engagement, practical family transport, reliability, or build quality comparable to an Audi A1 or the fun factor of a Ford Fiesta.

Competitive Position: The Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008-2018) struggles in a highly competitive supermini market. Whilst its distinctive styling and frugal diesels are appealing, it lacks the driving engagement expected from an Alfa, the build quality of an Audi A1, the fun factor of a Ford Fiesta, or the upmarket feel of a MINI. Reliability concerns with both the brand and model, combined with a cramped three-door cabin and vague handling, make it a less compelling choice than its rivals. For most buyers, the alternatives offer better value and substance to back up their styling.

Read our full Alfa Romeo MiTo Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.