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Weekend roadtest : MiTo makes its mark with new generation
publication date: Mar 13, 2010
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author/source: David Miles
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Launched in the UK just over a year ago, but
earlier in left hand drive European markets, the Alfa Romeo MiTo
three-door sporty supermini hatchback has been a huge sales success for
the manufacturer.
The 6,000 sales achieved by MiTo models
in the UK last year pushed Alfa’s total registrations up by 52 per cent
and already this year sales are up again by 21 per cent, again mainly
driven by the demand for MiTo.
Now the second generation MiTo is
arriving at the 50 Alfa UK dealers with a new 1.3-litre Multijet ll
diesel engine option. But more significantly, as most MiTo sales are
for petrol models for retail customers, Fiat’s MultiAir new generation
turbocharged petrol 1.4-litre engines are the headline makers.
Recently
Fiat introduced MultiAir engines to the new Punto Evo line-up. MultiAir
technology could be the Holy Grail for engine manufacturers forced to
produce Euro V compliant, high power output, low capacity petrol
engines which are fuel efficient with much lower CO2 emission levels.
It requires taking more
precise control of the quantity and characteristics of the air drawn
into the cylinders in the combustion cycle.
The new Euro V 1.4-litre
MultiAir petrol engine is initially offered in two turbocharged forms
for the UK market. The 135bhp version powers the £15,165 Lusso and
£16,135 Veloce with a top speed of 129mph and a 0-62mph time of 8.2 or
8.4 seconds depending on the trim and equipment specification.
The
Combined Cycle fuel economy is 50.4 to 51.4mpg, CO2 emissions
128-129g/km, again depending on the model. A new six-speed twin clutch
automatic transmission is also available with this engine.
The new
top of the range MiTo, priced at £17,895, sees the return of the famous
Cloverleaf label and uses the 1.4-litre unit boosted to 170bhp. Top
speed is 136mph with a 0-62mph time of just 7.5 seconds. The Combined
Cycle fuel consumption is 47.1 mpg with CO2 emissions of 139g/km. In
addition to MultiAir, the new MiTo range showcases more innovative
technologies, including active suspension on the Cloverleaf which is
claimed to be a first in this segment.
All new MiTos have the
emission-reducing Start&Stop system and the Alfa Romeo DNA
function. This is derived from motorsport and the three-mode electronic
system communicates with the engine, brakes, steering, suspension (on
MiTo Cloverleaf), 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, which reduces torque-steer,
heads a number of dynamic driver aids, including a long list of safety
systems for the new models. Other improvements cover the interior
finish, trim combinations, and gearchange quality as well as
modifications to the steering, suspension and braking systems.
To be
able to obtain so much useable power and importantly responsive torque
from relatively small capacity 1.4-litre, four cylinder petrol engines
is utterly remarkable.
Just as impressive is the refinement and lack of
stressed harshness when the engine is worked really hard. |  | | | | Also it is
technology which offers the best of both worlds because driving these
units at slow speeds in town is effortless and not in the slightest
temperamental as you might expect.
I think the 135bhp unit is going
to be the best choice for most people. It feels strong, it is quiet and
with a real-life fuel consumption figure of 42.6mnpg recorded during my
test driving in Scotland there is nothing to complain about.
Maximum
torque for manual gearbox models of 206Nm is available from just
1,750rpm - that is turbodiesel territory. This same engine if used with
the new six-speed automatic twin-clutch gearbox has 230Nm of torque
from 1,750 so it is still responsive and interestingly marginally
better for fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions - but just by a whisker.
The
170bhp unit in the Cloverleaf version is equally as good with 250Nm of
torque developed from 2,500rpm. This unit will be a fine choice for the
fast driving enthusiast.
| The test drive fuel consumption was 33.1mpg,
still acceptable for this performance of this class.
Equally
impressive was the improvements this second generation MiTo offers in
the way of ride comfort and much improved stability and handling.
Detailed damper changes have improved this performance a great deal.
The electronically controlled ‘smart’ variable suspension used in the
Cloverleaf version again brings improvements - but at a price.
Unfortunately
nothing can be done regarding the MiTo’s lack of rear seat head and
legroom or the poor rear visibility.
However it looks just as good as
ever and style is an important reason to buy an Alfa Romeo. |  |
| MILESTONES. | Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 MultiAir TB 135 Lusso £15,165.
Engine/transmission:
1.4-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol with MultiAir technology,
135bhp, 206Nm (152lb ft) from 1,750rpm, 5-speed manual.
Performance:
129mph, 0-62mph 8.4 seconds, 50.4mpg (42.6mpg actual), CO2 129g/km, VED
£120 now but zero from 1 April in the new First Year scale and then £90
for year two onwards, BIK company car tax 15%.
Insurance group: TBC.
For:
Great style, fantastic performance for a 1.4-litre petrol engine, improved handling, very well equipped.
Against:
Pricey, rear seat head and legroom is limited, poor rear visibility.
©David Miles |
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