Alfa Romeo Mito Progression 0.9

Cars with two cylinders once were all the rage, especially in Europe in the1950s and 60s. Names like Goggomobil, Fiat 500,Citroen's 2CV,and Honda's Z600 were much sought after by the budget conscious. More recent examples include the Indian Tata Nano and the Suzuki Alto.(also made in India).
None of the above are noted for their performance prowess, and leisurely would best describe their acceleration.
But now there's a brilliant new game changer in town and it comes from Italy's Alfa Romeo.
Australian buyers used to V8s and large six cylinder cars might scoff at the very idea of a small capacity engine providing any kind of sporty thrills but that's exactly what the smallest Alfa, the Mito Twin Air "Progression" has in spades.
The Mito has a two cylinder 900 cc turbocharged engine that offers incredible performance in the light car class.

Firing up the Mito, the tiny engine settles into a vibration free idle.
There are three transmission driving modes. Dynamic, Natural and "All weather."
I left the thing in Dynamic for the week I had the car because that's where the best performance lies.
Flooring the throttle produces a marvellous rasping growl from beneath the bonnet unlike anything I have heard before. (And no, it doesn't sound like a lawn mower thank you very much...anything but.)
The thrust is out of all proportion to the modest engine capacity. While it takes 11 seconds to reach100 kmh, the way the 77kw, 145 nm engine delivers its power is quite incredible.
It feels almost like a two litre hot hatch.
The Mito Progression comes only with a six speed manual transmission, and it's a delight to use. You really don't need to change your driving style too much.
All that's needed to wring the maximum grunt from the two pot engine is to remember to change up just before the 6000 rpm rev limiter, and the grin on your face will be a mile wide!

At 60 kmh in the suburbs the Mito will happily tootle along in fifth gear, pulling away on gentle throttle without any driveline snatch.
Slot it into 6th at slightly higher speed and it still will accelerate without fuss despite its modest torque. First gear is quite low and will take you to about 35 kmh, second around 70 and there are four more gears to play with. I never tired of making full use of the slick gearbox.
The Mito Progression has a stop/ start feature to save fuel, and once you deselect it, it stays that way until you press the button again. Other cars with idle stop, return to the default mode each time the car is turned off.
The two pot Mito averages around 5 litres per 100 kilometres.
Alfas are renowned for their handling and the Mito stays true to the marque's reputation. In tight bends it's a sheer joy to drive, staying flat and balanced....you will revel with each bend and snappy gear changes. The steering is quick and responsive.
I guarantee you will almost forget that it's just two cylinders and 875 ccs providing the thrills!
I found the dead pedal/rest for the drivers left foot a tad too close to the clutch pedal for my size 12 's, but  despite my big feet there were never any mis-hits with the pedal nor problems changing gear. 
Ride comfort is on a par with the recently tested Renault Clio, capably absorbing most urban ruts and bumps. On the open road in sixth, the tiny engine is barely turning over and noise levels are low.

The Mito's twin doors open wide for easy entry and exit, and the cabin room is quite generous considering its size. 
Both front seats are height and lumbar adjustable, and are quite comfortable.
There are no overhead grab handles, but I really didn't miss them. The red lit instruments are well laid out and easy to read. Cruise control and speed limiter are standard, as is a quality good sound system.
The Mito is a pretty car with good proportions, and the boot is a handy size.
I thought the headlight styling gives it a slightly "cartoonish " face. But maybe that's just me.

The lights front and rear have been redesigned and are very effective.
My only real complaint was the large ugly mudflaps fitted to the test car.
It looked like we were about to head off for a spot of rallying. It's one accessory that I would do without. 
Summing up, an outstanding engineering effort Alfa Romeo, to wring that much performance from such a tiny engine. 
I really enjoyed the Mito Progression Twin Air, and at just 22 and a half K, I reckon you will too.
Peter Sellen