Facelifted Alfa MiTo delayed

Alfa Romeo announced a facelifted MiTo in June, when its Australian distributor confirmed a local release by the end of this year, but the upgraded MiTo’s Australian introduction has now been pushed back to March next year.

Although fresh images of the MY14 MiTo have now been released, as we reported two months ago the revised version of Alfa’s smallest model features only minor cosmetic updates, including a chromed grille inspired by larger Giulietta’s, burnished headlight bezels and restyled 15-inch alloy wheels for the entry-level Impression grade.

A new colour, Anthracite Grey, is added to the exterior colour selection palette and there’s also a new UConnect infotainment system with five-inch colour touch-screen, three new dash configurations and four new interior trim combinations.

In Europe, the MiTo is available in five trim levels (Impression, Progression, Distinctive, Superbike and Quadrifoglio Verde) and 10 body colours.

However, motoring.com.au understands Fiat Chrysler Australia is considering the introduction of the MiTo’s entry-level powertrain in Europe, the new 72kW/145Nm 0.9-litre TwinAir Turbo two-cylinder petrol engine.

If it does so, expect MiTo pricing to slip below its current starting point ($25,200 plus on-road costs, for the 1.4-litre Progression) to less than $20,000.

Although 1.3- and 1.6-litre JTDM turbo-diesel engines are also available in the European MiTo, the new TwinAir engine is matched only with a six-speed manual transmission, but consumes just 4.2L/100km. Top speed is listed at 184km/h and the 0-100km/h sprint time at 11.4 seconds.

MiTo sales are up almost 140 per cent so far this year in Australia, where 215 have found homes to July.

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