The MiTo: small but mighty

The Alfa Romeo MiTo allows you to have it all; a sporty and enjoyable drive with the peace of mind of low emissions

Staying true to its motorsport heritage, yet conscious of a more environmentally-aware public, Alfa Romeo has introduced a raft of revolutionary technology to its MiTo range to boost performance and reduce emissions; namely the MultiAir petrol engine and the Multijet II diesel engine.
    
The MultiAir engine has a variable valve timing system which takes control of the quantity and quality of the air drawn into the cylinders to optimise combustion efficiency depending on driving style and load. This has the effect of improving performance yet reducing emissions and fuel consumption. When compared to the 1.4 TB 120bhp, Alfa claims the 1.4 TB MultiAir 135bhp has achieved reductions in CO2 and fuel consumption by over ten per cent while increasing maximum power by 12.5 per cent.
    
I drove the range-topping 1.4 170bhp Cloverleaf which is an incredibly fun and sporty drive, handling excellently on fast and windy roads. It has CO2 emissions of 139g CO2 and fuel consumption of 59mpg on an extra urban cycle. Other trim levels in the MultiAir range are the 1.4 135bhp Lusso and Veloce which have CO2 emissions of 129g per km and fuel consumption of 62.8mpg (extra urban). This means the MultiAir range sits under the 160g CO2/km capital allowance threshold.
    
But if you are looking for greener still, the MultiJet II diesel range offers emission levels as low as 112g/km in its 1.3 JTDM-2 95bhp.
    
To optimise diesel combustion, the MultiJet II engine is able to precisely control the quantity of fuel injected into the cylinder, with a quicker and more flexible injection sequence and can in fact manage eight injections per cycle.
    
Adding to its green credentials, the engine complies with Euro 5 emissions legislation and has a Diesel Particulate Filter.
    
I took 1.3 JTDM-2 Veloce for a test drive and was impressed; it was a smooth, quiet and confident ride. Gear change was solid, the car handled well and the steering was light but controlled.

It's all in the DNA
The MiTo’s DNA system allows the driver to choose between three different driving modes; Dynamic, Normal and All Weather. Operated by a lever on the gear box, the driver can easily flick between driving modes. Dynamic is the car’s sporty mode and the difference is instantly felt; the steering is sharper, the car responds much quicker and it generally has that ‘just-had-a-shot-of-espresso’ burst of energy. The All Weather switch gives more stability in slippery conditions, and Normal mode is for urban/suburban driving.
    
The car’s Start&Stop technology is very quick and barely noticeable. When the car comes to a standstill and is idling in neutral, the engine cuts out, stopping unnecessary fuel usage and emissions. The moment you depress the clutch to get moving again, the car instantly buzzes back to life.
    
The Mito is a real head turner. Alfa stylists have condensed the looks of their 8C supercar into the MiTo’s compact package.
    
But it’s not all just sporty good looks and a fun drive. Already achieving 5-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating, the MiTo’s safety features are vast and reassuring. The car’s Vehicle Dynamic Control – Alfa’s version of EPS (Electronic Stability Programme), helps the driver to control the car under extreme conditions. Seven airbags work with the car’s Self Aligning Head Restraint, a system that moves the head restraints closer to the neck to lessen the effect of whiplash. And during emergency braking, the MiTo automatically operates its hazard lights to alert the cars behind.

The MultiAir models start at £15,165 for the 1.4 135bhp Lusso and go up to £17,895 for the Cloverleaf, while the 1.3 JTDM-2 Veloce costs £15,785.00 – achievable prices for such quality engineering and style.

Written by Angela Pisanu