Alpha Roméo Mito
So, what’s up at Alfa Romeo? It must be said that, while waiting for the replacement of the 147, the all-new Guiletta, due to be unveiled at the Geneva Show, the Italian carmaker has been rather discreet since the introduction of the Mito in 2008. But Alfa has made some changes to their compact to celebrate its two years of existence.
There’s nothing to report concerning the exterior, the Mito is as elegant as ever with its trendy neo retro look. In marketing lingo it is what is known as a premium compact.
There really isn’t anything new with the interior either. Except for new colour combinations and a shorter gear shift lever for improved handiness, there’s nothing new to get excited about. But at the end of the day, it sports a finish quality on par with its German counterparts with just a touch of Italian fantasy.
The real changes are found under the bonnet with the new Multi air line of engines.
The 1.4 litre turbo, like the rest of the Fiat Group engines uses a technology that gets the most out of the engine employing a very precise manner in which the quantity of air is injected. The admission valves open mechanically in sport mode and are controlled electro-hydraulically in standard.
According to the engineers, this technology translates to a 10% gain in power, with torque output increased by 15%, with similar numbers in the reduction of CO2.
While it is hard to verify the numbers without a more detailed road test, it is undeniable that this engine has improved low rev performance. It is really noticed when having a go with the Alfa DNA system, which allows the driver to choose from three styles of driving. In dynamic mode, the car feels really nervous while in Normal mode and by following the indications for changing gears, fuel consumption instantly and dramatically drops.
We’ll say it again; a more complete test is needed to quantify the gains from the Multi Air technology. When it comes to driving pleasure it is a success and the rich history of Alfa-Romeo engines is a definite selling point. Just remember it was Alfa that was the first car maker to offer common rail diesel engines.
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