Alfa Romeo MiTo MultiAir, first drive

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Thursday, 11 March 2010 18:00

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. The key to achieving this is well understood. It requires taking more precise control of the quantity and characteristics of the air drawn into the cylinders in the combustion cycle.

MultiAir engines have just one camshaft with three lobes allocated to each cylinder. The first two control the two exhaust valves in the conventional way, while the third defines the maximum possible lift and opening duration of the two inlet valves. It also acts on a small piston that sends engine oil, via pressurised hydraulic channels, to additional pistons located just above the inlet valves. Four solenoid valves - one for each cylinder under individual control from the ECU engine management system - can be opened at any point during the inlet valve's movement to bleed off the oil. Varying the oil flow instantly and precisely controls the opening and closing of the valves between the parameter extremes mechanically described by the camshaft lobe for optimum results.

MultiAir can even open the inlet valve twice in one intake stroke, when running at low speeds and loads around town, to create more swirl of the intake mixture, enabling it to burn more completely.

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. The original MiTo received some negative comment from the motoring media regarding the ability of the suspension to soak up the potholes and bumps which unsettled the car’s balance, ride comfort 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. (Likely best selling model). Price: £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. Miles Better News Agency http://www.girlracer.co.uk