Alfa Romeo: More might for Mito

Alfa Romeo offers its Mito hatch with Fiat's impressive MultiAir engine. Photo / supplied

Alfa Romeo welcomes the arrival of entry-level cars, more engines and a twin-clutch auto transmission to its Mito badge.

What's new?
The Mito receives Fiat's MultiAir engine at two power levels - 125 and 99kW. And it's a goodie. Its electro-hydraulic solenoids work better than cams to control air flow and fuel burn, delivering more power for less petrol.

This means the standard Mito 1.4 delivers 114kW and 201-230Nm, with a claimed consumption of 6.5l/100km and reaches 100km/h from rest in eight seconds.

The higher-power 1.4 MultiAir engine has 125kW and 230-250Nm, yet sips just 6l/100km, and reaches 100 from rest in 7.5 seconds.

This award-winning technology means car designers can use a smaller than traditional engine to achieve a given power and acceleration.

Since most cars are designed around the biggest motor in a line-up, that gives them the freedom to pen lower-profile bonnets and larger cabins from a certain body size, and to work with better weight distribution.

In this case, efficiency is further boosted by using a double-clutch auto transmission, also mated to the DNA system that lets you choose normal, sporty or all-weather modes. Not to mention stop-start, which shuts the engine down when you stop, cutting your fuel bill by a claimed 10 per cent during urban running.

The company line
This twin-clutch transmission can handle 350Nm, up to seven speeds and four-wheel-drive, so we'll see it in other applications, including Jeep.

Alfa says its auto further improves fuel efficiency and acceleration. As for stop-start, European surveys suggest you don't use the engine for 60 per cent of urban running time so it will save money.

Alfa NZ says younger drivers don't turn a hair when the car switches on and off, but drivers over 45 associate a silent engine with unreliable old runabouts.

What we say
Expect to see a lot more Alfa Mitos on the road now that there are mainstream models, sparking greater interest in the bigger five-door Giulietta, which launches officially in January, priced from $46,990.

On the road
Mito's suspension remains over-firm as befits its racey image. Otherwise, this engine's a goodie, and the twin-clutch transmission is as efficient as equivalents from other brands.

Only the stop-start disappointed. It's not as rapid or intuitive as some, taking a smidge longer to fire up than I'm used to. However, if that annoys, you can switch it off.

Why you'll buy one?
Mito's $34,990 start price is an affordable entry to the brand; there's an auto at last; Mito's more stylish than Audi's A1, and cheaper, too.

Why you won't?
You prefer conservative to funky, want a more comfy ride or more space.