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| Alfa Romeo MiTo MultiAir |
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Julian Lurie
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| Following on from Alfa's popular new MiTo, which was luanched in 2009 comes the MiTo MultiAir. The MultiAir is much more than a marketing exercise, as it unquestionably signifies a major advancement in petrol engine design by yielding a 10% reduction in both fuel consumption and CO2 along with a 12.5% increase in power. |
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The new Euro 5-ready 1.4-litre MultiAir engine, developed and patented by Fiat Power-train Technologies or FPT as it is known,made its Euripean debut in the MiTo late last year, and is initially offered in two turbocharged forms for the South African market. The 100kW version of the unit powers the 1.4TBi Progression, while the potent 125kW 1.4 TBi Quadrofoglio Verde flagsip, marks a welcome retunr for the iconic Cloverleaf dadge which past GTV fans will know, is very close to every Alfista's heart.
In addition to MultiAir, the new MiTo range sowcases a broad spectrum of innovative technologies, including optional Active suspension on te Quadrofoglio Verde, the emission-reducing Start&Stop systems which is standard on bot versions, and ALfa Romeo's highly acclaimed DNA system - Dynamic, Nortmal and All-Weather modes, operated via a switch on the centre console - which is another standard item across the MiTo range. Derived from racing, this three-mode elctronic system communicates with the engine, brakes, steering, suspension, which applies to Quadrogoglio Verde with the optional Active suspension and transmission, allowing the driver to adjust the respnses of the car to suit driving style and road conditions.
Alfa's Electronic Q2 limited slip differential, an Alfa Romeo exclusive and standard on every MiTo, heads a number of dynamic driver aids, including a long list of safety systems suc as traction control, stability control, ABS/EBD and Hill Holder.
Together with the MacPerson strut/torsion beam suspension layout, these all help deliver the handling dynamics and sure-footed road olding capabilities you'd expect rating, te MiTo also offers optimum passive safety.
The new Mito joins Alfa Romeo's long history making stunning motor cars. The front end of the new Mito is reminiscent of the distinctive Alfa 8C Competizione, and is dominated by the central Alfa heart-shaped grille and those bug-eyed headlamps. The view from the rear is most attractive, where the circular LED tail-lights and diffuser-style bumper give it a racy appearance.
Inside, the basics are spot-on. There's a good range of steering weel and seat adjustment, so the driving position is excellent. Logically laid-out switchgear and neat instruments make it easy to use, but te controls for the air-conditioning were, for me, mounted a bit low.
The QV sports red painted brake callipers. Inside the cabin, the QV features the same dashboard options as the Progression and Distinctive versions, but with an upgraded Sports cloth, front armrest with storage compartment and sports dials with wite illumination. It also comes with the Blue&ME™ hands-free system with voice recognition, and media player with USB port.
Looking around the interior, the seats, fittings, control, etc, all have a quality feel and are equaly to, if not better than the BMW's Mini. Improvements embrace the interior finish, trim combinations, and grearchange quality - the gear-lever on the MiTo Quadrofoglio Verde has been shortended by 2.5centimetres - as well as modifications to the steering, suspension and braking systems. |
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At te rear, the back seat will acoomodate two average sized passengers, but with not a lot of legroom while the 270 litre boot easily exlipses the MINI's 160-litres.
The big news for the Alfa MiTo lies under the bonnet. Fiat Group's new MultiAir engines claim to deliver stronger performance wit considerably reduced emissions and better fuel consumption. So what is MultiAir? This technology does exactly what it says on the box: it takes precise control of quantity and characteristics of the air drawn into the cylinders in the combustion cycle. Bear in mind that there are numerous electro-mechanical variable valve timing systems in production today that seek to achieve this, but beacuse they have no more than two operating regimes, they are severely limited by the degree of flexibility they can exercise in the valve opening schedules.
By contrast MultiAir completely eliminates these compromises by metering te direct air charge at the cylinder inlet ports with an advanced electro-hydraulic actuation and control system that has no fewer than five basic parameters, and the ability to optimally adjust valve timing and lift between them to exactly suit different engine speeds and loads, ensuring strong low-and mid-range torque and vigorous top-end power, combined wit good economy and low emissions.
The MiTo's new range of MultiAir engines are based on the Fiat Group's establised 1.4-litre 'FIRE' block, and Alfa claims the MultiAir engines guarantee and increase of around 12.5% in power, wile dropping CO2 wmissions by 10 percent and NOx emissions by up to 60 percent.
Using this revolutionary Fiat-designed MultiAir valve technology, the new 5-speed 1.4 turbo markes 100 kw, the 6-speed 1.4 Cloverleaf makes a brawny 125Kw, and both versions pull cleanly and strongly from low revs, and rev smootly and sweetly rigt up to their 6 500rpm redlines. |
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Neither engine has tat familiar raspy Alfa exaust note, but performance isn't lacking. The 5-speed 1.4 turbo sets a 0-100km/h time of 8.4secs in, a 207km/h mazimum speed, and a CO2 figure of 139g/km and 5.6 l/100km over te extra-urban cycle. The range-topping Quadrofolio Verde model with te Cloverleaf insignia, will pass te 100km/h mark in just 7.5secs, has a top speed of close to 220km/, and consumes just 6 l/100km on the combined cycle.
For the ride and drive, both models were available for us to test, and I started out from jo'burg airport in te Alfa Romeo 1.4MultiAir 100kW Progression. The seating position is good, and the controls are well positioned. On the raod, the Mito is really nice to drive. Accelerate had, and it bursts off the line wit a tidy front-drive chirp. It's perky, responsive, and the slick gear change is a pleasure to use.
The second drive was in the Alfa Romeo 1.4 MutliAir Quadrofoglio Verde, and this model is really potent. The power and handling are addictive, as the more your drive it the more you enjoy it. Corners are its forte, and the dynamic mode gives the Alfa weightier steering, while grip is reassuringly strong.
The MiTo's stability control system and electronic differential also work ard to keep the nose on line when you approach the limit. At speed on a challenging, bumpy road as we had on the route, the Cloverlead chassis is superbly well-controlled, very quick and uniquely capable for this class of car.
Te Cloverleaf's six-speed gearbox as a shorter trow than the five-speed unit in lesser model, and the brakes are very effective. Adaptive dampers give the MiTo's smooth ride comfort, and around town, the fluid stop-start system also promises to boost economy - although we didn't have the opportunity to test this.
The MiTo may be small on the outside, but from behind the thick rimmed steering wheel, it has the feel of a big car, and enjoyable to drive. The MultiAir MiTo is about as flexible, strong and swift as a mid-sized V6, but delivers the fuel consumption you'd expect of its 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo engine.
Pricing - the Alfa Romeo 1.4 MultiAir MiTo 100kW Progression will sell for R227 900, te 1.4 114kW Distinctive for R245 000 and te 1.4 MultiAir MiTo 125kW Quadrofoglio Verde for R264 000. Ptivces include a three-year 100 000km Warranty (three years on paintwork and five years on rust anti-perforation) as well as a five-year / 90 000km service plan. Service intervals are at a remarkable 30 000kms. |
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