Alfa Romeo MiTo TwinAir 2014 review

If there is such a thing as a sampler in the automobile industry this must surely be one. In refreshing the MiTo range Alfa Romeo has added a new entry-level model in an attempt to entice new owners into the world of the Alfa enthusiast.

PRICE / RANGE

Selling for $22,500, the MiTo 0.9 takes the hatchback into new territory with the 2011 International Engine of the Year, the turbo-petrol, 875cc, two-cylinder TwinAir.

Mated with a snappy six-speed manual transmission, the engine puts out 77kW of power and 145Nm of torque while producing the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of any volume petrol engine in the world, 99 grams per kilometre in official European emission testing.

The 0.9 TwinAir joins the 1.4-litre MultiAir motor – 99kW and 206Nm – in two variants, Progression and Distinctive, with either five-speed manual or TCT transmissions, with prices starting at $24,500.

An added attraction across the range is Alfa’s Dynamic / Normal / All-Weather (DNA, get it?) system which adjusts the car’s driving characteristics to suit the driver’s style and road conditions. Switching is via a toggle situated on the centre console.

Dynamic provides instant throttle response and, therefore, rapid acceleration. It also sharpens steering, the electronic stability programme and traction and changes gears at a higher speed on TCT-equipped models. Natural softens settings for all-round comfort and fuel economy, while All-Weather provides maximum traction in poor weather.

STYLING / FEATURES

On the outside the MiTo Series 2 has been reworked with special reference to the famous 8C Competizione and iconic Giulietta. The well-known Alfa V-shaped radiator grille now features a chrome-plated frame to provide a premium European sports coupe look.

Tail lamps have been updated and the 0.9 TwinAir now rolls on distinctive 15-inch alloy wheels. The MiTo cabin has been updated with the addition of the Uconnect multi-media system served by a five-inch colour touch screen which provides easy access to radio, phone, media, and settings such as ambient temperature, trip information and fuel consumption.

Bluetooth is on tap with audio streaming transmitting turn-by-turn instructions from smartphone-based navigation apps as well as playing web-based radio stations. Other instruments and controls are simple and easy-to-reach, seats are supportive, while rear leg room is limited only by the height of the front seat occupants. Boot space, at 270 litres, is limited.

Driver and passengers are protected by a full suite of passive and active safety features including seven airbags, anti-whiplash devices on seats and collapsible steering wheel. Active safety makes use of Alfa’s adaptive suspension, anti-skid brakes, electronic stability programme, brakes assist, traction control and hill holder.

DRIVING

Our 0.9 TwinAir test vehicle exhibited strikingly different characteristics in Dynamic and Natural modes, Dynamic livening up the MiTo no end, while the Natural setting had the car in a languid mood.

The former was accompanied by a racy raspy engine note which belied its cubic capacity, while the latter reined in performance to the extent of it running out of breath quickly climbing even half-steep slopes. The All-Weather mode offered no test at all in mid-summer conditions in the Sunshine State.

Alfa Romeo makes a point of pushing the fuel consumption barrow for the 0.9 TwinAir, putting the combined figure at 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres. This is presumed to be in the most economical (ie: Natural mode). The test car in Dynamic range at motorway speeds presented me with consumption over five litres per 100 kilometres, which probably is more relevant to the typical Alfa driver’s style.

VERDICT

In engine capacity the Alfa Romeo 0.9 TwinAir might have borrowed from the mower in the garden shed. In appearance and character the new entry-level MiTo has much to appeal to the would-be Alfa Romeo owner. 

2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo TwinAir
Price: from $22,500
Engine: 0.9-litre turbo-petrol, 77kW/145Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Thirst: 4.2L/km CO2 99g/km