2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo UK Version 1.4L 16V 95bhp

2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo UK Version - Top View

With design cues taken from the stunning Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, and only available as a 3-door hatchback, the new Alfa Romeo MiTo is styled to match its description as the sportiest compact car on the market today.

From all angles, the Alfa Romeo MiTo manages to blend its sports credentials with typical Alfa Romeo style and sophistication to create a compact car that expresses the vitality and emotion of the brand.

Front on, the new addition to the range is every inch an Alfa Romeo. The instantly recognisable shield-shaped grille denotes the lineage of the Alfa Romeo MiTo and the shape of the bonnet and the headlamps pay homage to the Alfa 8C Competizione.

2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo UK Version - Engine Side

STYLISH AND COMFORTABLE
Inside the Alfa Romeo MiTo, it’s clear to see that the sporty theme has been maintained.

Throughout the interior, a combination of precision materials, smart upholstery and top levels of build quality, plus neat finishing touches, make the cockpit a cosseting and welcoming environment.

The simply laid-out satin-chrome central console – home to the RDS stereo radio and MP3-compatible CD player – combined with the four air vents, tactile dashboard and the hooded driver instruments housing MPH, RPM, fuel and water temperature gauges – create a high quality interior that is complemented by a choice of dashboard colours and matching seat upholstery.

Dependent on trim level, the driver can choose a dashboard colour – Sprint Black, Sprint Red, Competizione Blue, Competizione Red or Black.

The trim colour is extended to the driver and passenger door panels and complementary seat fabrics

2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo UK Version - Pedals

Controls for the heating and ventilation system are positioned in front of the gearlever on the central console. Across the range, all Alfa Romeo MiTo versions come with manual air conditioning as standard, plus the option of automatic dual-zone air conditioning.

Behind the wheel, the driver benefits from a rake and reach-adjustable steering wheel. Lusso and Veloce versions feature a leather steering wheel, gearlever and handbrake grip.

The three-position DNA switch is located beside the gear lever. The driver is reminded which function has been selected with a digital letter designation on the dashboard alongside a read-out for time, outside temperature and turbo pressure. Turismo and Lusso models get red-on-black dials while the Veloce trim features white on black dials.

On certain models, chrome kick plates, floor mats and a front armrest represent an executive touch, and the option of chrome sports pedals hints further at the sporty lineage of the Alfa Romeo MiTo.

Tilting and sliding front seats make rear passenger access easy and comfortable and, unlike some competitors, there’s plenty of head, leg and elbow room in the back seats for two full-size adults.

Radio and Hi-Fi system
A young audience attracted to the Alfa Romeo MiTo’s stylish and modern look will take in- car entertainment seriously. For that reason, the new Alfa Romeo MiTo includes a sophisticated RDS radio with CD and MP3 file player, and two sound system levels.

The first sound system comes complete with six speakers (two mid-woofers with a power rating of 40W, two 40W full range speakers and two 30W tweeters), while the higher level comes with eight speakers (four subwoofers with a power rating of 40 W and four 30W speakers).

Significantly, for the first time in its segment, the Alfa Romeo MiTo becomes available with a double antennae tuner fitted with a twin aerial for up to 80% better reception.

Built into the design of the dashboard and laid out in user-friendly fashion, the controls for the radio, CD and MP3 player are easily accessible to the driver and front seat passenger.

On Lusso and Veloce models, the sound system can be managed using steering wheel controls.

The radio comes with RDS (Radio Data System), TA (traffic news), and PTY (a code used by radio stations to indicate the type of music played so that the set can automatically select the type of music preferred by the listener).

Every time the radio is switched on, the volume settings remain the same as when it was switched off, while another device automatically corrects sound imbalance on the basis of road speed. The customer can also choose between seven equalisation bands for personal setting of sound parameters.

In addition, the Alfa Romeo MiTo radio may be connected both to the Blue&Me™ system – standard on Veloce versions and an option on the rest of the range – plus an optional Bose® Sound System.

ALL MOD CONS – The Alfa Romeo MiTo Range
The entire Alfa Romeo MiTo range is extremely well specified and, in some areas, class leading. The inclusion of Alfa Romeo’s DNA system, LED rear lights and the highest Euro NCAP safety rating reinforce MiTo’s keen pricing and exceptional value.

TURISMO
The standard specification list is long and comprehensive, featuring Alfa’s advanced DNA function along with the Q2 system and electric power assisted steering. In addition, this model is fitted with Vehicle Dynamic Control – an amalgamation of ABS, Anti Slip Regulation and Brake Assistant – plus Hill Holder as standard.

Other safety features include driver, passenger, front side, window and driver’s knee airbags, along with fast-reaction LED rear lights and a fire prevention system. The front passenger airbag can also be deactivated.

The LED rear lights complement the height adjustable follow-me-home headlights with titanium grey surrounds, electrically adjustable and heated colour-coded door mirrors and bumpers.

All Alfa Romeo MiTo Turismo versions come with 16″ wheels with unique design trims and 195/55 tyres.

Inside the cabin, driver and passengers benefit from manual air conditioning, electric one-touch window operation plus an RDS radio with CD and MP3 reader. There’s also an ‘auto-close’ system to complement the Alfa code immobiliser and alarm system.

Drivers can choose two different cabin colours. A Sprint Black dashboard is complemented by black / grey cloth and a Sprint Red dashboard comes with a black / red cloth combination.

2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo UK Version - Rear Side

LUSSO
From the outside, Lusso versions can be distinguished from Turismo by their fog lights, chrome headlamp surrounds, chrome-effect window surrounds and chrome exhaust pipes. The Alfa Romeo MiTo Lusso also differentiates itself from the rest of the range by sporting 16″ alloy wheels.

Stepping over the chrome kick plates, the interior of Lusso models can feature a choice of three different interior colour combinations.

Competizione Blue, Red or Black dashboards can be complemented by the inclusion of five different cloth seat colour combinations. All Lusso models come with lumbar adjustment on the driver’s side.

A leather steering wheel with remote audio controls, a leather gear knob and floor mats complete the look.

VELOCE
Top of the range Alfa Romeo MiTo Veloce versions are fitted with 17″ alloy wheels – similar to those that appear on the stunning Alfa 8C Competizione – along with satin effect headlamp surrounds and door mirrors.

This version features a rear spoiler and sports rear bumper with extractor. Veloce versions also sport red painted brake callipers.

Inside the cockpit, the Veloce features the same dashboard options as the Lusso version, but with an upgraded Veloce sports cloth, front armrest with storage compartment and sports dials with white illumination.

All Veloce models come with the Blue&Me hands-free system with voice recognition, and media player with USB port.

DRIVING SATISFACTION
With a long history of developing entertaining, driver-focussed small cars, Alfa Romeo has created a sporty compact that existing Alfisti and future fans are sure to enjoy.

On the road, Alfa Romeo MiTo delivers a fun, entertaining, comfortable and safe driving experience.

Its ability to deliver such high levels of driveability and refinement is derived from the choice of five well-suited engines, the introduction of Alfa Romeo’s innovative DNA (Dynamic, Normal, All Weather) system, the five and six speed gearboxes and newly developed running gear, and an innovative suspension set-up.

DNA
Until now, no other compact car has benefitted from advanced DNA driving technology derived from racing and supercars.

Situated beside the gearlever, a three-position switch alters the behaviour of vehicle dynamics with the system working on engine, steering, suspension, and gearbox. This creates three different vehicle behaviour modes based on the driving style best suited to the situation, terrain or the wishes of the driver.

With a choice of Dynamic, Normal and All Weather set-ups at the flick of a switch, the driver can effortlessly shift between the driving modes.

Ideal for urban driving, the Normal setting ensures the engine is tuned for agility in the city. However, shifting the DNA lever to the Dynamic setting delivers a sportier driver experience. Power steering assistance is reduced to bring a sportier feel to the steering, suspension becomes stiffer for improved handling and there is less intrusion from the Vehicle Dynamic Control and the Anti Slip Regulation systems.

When Dynamic mode is selected on 120bhp JDTM and 155bhp Alfa Romeo MiTo versions, drivers can utilise an over-boost facility for increased driving entertainment.

Poor, low-grip weather conditions – loose surfaces, wet or snowy situations – could prompt the driver to switch to the All Weather mode.

When the All Weather function is selected, the traction control system increases its sensitivity, thus minimising the prospect of a loss of control in adverse conditions.

RIDE AND HANDLING – SUSPENSION
Key to the sporting ride and handling characteristics of the Alfa Romeo MiTo is the suspension layout.

Two tried and tested set-ups have been employed – a MacPherson layout at the front and a semi-independent layout with torsion beam at the rear.

In particular, some key elements have been incorporated to give an exclusive feel to the Alfa Romeo MiTo chassis.

To emphasise the promptness of response, stability and control, even under extreme conditions, MiTo’s track widths are among the widest in the segment – 1483mm front and 1475mm rear.

The wheel rims are also wide in relation to the size of the tyres in order to optimise the latter’s handling performance. The stiff, front and rear springs give the vehicle a sporting yet pliant ride, and the torsion beam features high torsional stiffness to enable it to also act as an anti-roll bar, thereby ensuring optimum roll performance and helping maximise the promptness of response.

However, the most distinctive feature of the Alfa Romeo MiTo suspension is that the front and rear dampers feature coilover springs fitted inside the shock absorber that act in parallel with the main spring during extension travel, with the main purpose of reducing roll and increasing chassis response. Special dual-acting telescopic hydraulic dampers are fitted as standard on all versions.

ENGINES
Three petrol engines – 1.4 16V (95bhp), 1.4 TB (120bhp) and 1.4TB (155bhp) – plus two diesel engines – 1.3 JTDM (90bhp) and 1.6 JTDM (120bhp) – will become available from launch.

Four units are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox to deliver a punchy, responsive, driving experience, and the remaining engine (1.4 120bhp) is coupled with an equally impressive 5-speed ‘box.

Distinguished by its performance, eager throttle response, low fuel consumption, durability and reliability, the new 1.4 turbocharged petrol engine powers two of the five models in the petrol line-up, with two different power outputs.