The All New and Robust Alfa Romeo MiTo

Alfa Romeo MiTo – now with patented MultiAir Technology

The Holy Grail for any engineering endeavour is to have your cake and eat it – to unify seemingly incompatible goals. For the Fiat Group’s engine designers, Fiat Powertain Technologies (FPT), the quest has been clear cut: deliver high performance and driveability while, at the same time, significantly reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

FPT’s solution is the adoption of revolutionary MultiAir technology in conjunction with a raft of technical innovations; all of which have been shoe-horned into the world’s sportiest compact car, the Alfa Romeo MiTo. This evolution underlines the company’s on-going commitment to reconcile lower emissions and fuel consumption with higher performance and driver satisfaction for an increasingly environmentally-savvy audience.

The new Euro 5-ready 1.4-litre MultiAir engine, developed and patented by FPT, made its European debut in the MiTo late last year, and is initially offered in two turbocharged forms for the South African market. The 100 kW version of the unit powers the 1.4 TBi Progression, while the breathtaking 125 kW 1.4 TBi Quadrofoglio Verde flagship marks an auspicious return for the iconic Cloverleaf badge which is, of course, unashamedly close to every Alfista’s heart.

In addition to MultiAir, the new MiTo range showcases a broad spectrum of innovative technologies, including optional Active suspension on the Quadrofoglio Verde (a first for this class of car), the emission-reducing Start&Stop system (standard on both versions), and Alfa Romeo’s highly acclaimed DNA system – another standard item across the MiTo range. Derived from racing, this three-mode electronic system communicates with the engine, brakes, steering, suspension (applies to Quadrofoglio Verde with optional Active suspension) and transmission, allowing the driver to adjust the responses of the car to suit driving style and road conditions.

Alfa’s Electronic Q2 limited slip differential (another Alfa Romeo exclusive and standard on every MiTo) heads a number of dynamic driver aids, including a long list of safety systems such as traction control, stability control, ABS/EBD and Hill Holder. Together with the MacPherson strut/torsion beam suspension layout, these all help deliver the handling dynamics and sure-footed road holding capabilities you’d expect from an Alfa, whatever the road. Designed to satisfy the highest Euro NCAP crash safety rating (currently five stars), the MiTo also offers optimum passive safety.

The model’s high level of engineering integrity can also be appreciated through the series of improvements that have further increased the quality of the Alfa MiTo. Improvements embrace the interior finish, trim combinations, and gearchange quality (the lever on the MiTo Quadrofoglio Verde has been shortened by 2.5 centimetres) as well as modifications to the steering, suspension and braking systems.

Oscar Rivoli, Alfa Romeo SA’s Managing Director, says: “The Alfa Romeo MiTo is already a global success story. Sold in 34 countries and on five different continents, it has won wide acclaim for its unprecedented fusion of head-turning high-end style, engineering flair, dynamic performance and driving pleasure. South Africa has been no exception – in addition to racking up an average of about 30 sales per month since launch, the MiTo was also a hot favourite in this year’s Car of the Year competition. I am confident that these latest innovations will make it even more desirable.”