More power for MiTo Q-ship

The Alfa Romeo MiTo range has just grown by one. Local Alfa distributor Ateco Automotive has announced the launch of a new flagship model for the range, the MiTo Quadrifoglio.

Powered by a 125kW version of the Fiat 1.4-litre 'Fire' four-cylinder, the new MiTo variant boasts MultiAir induction -- technology that provides better performance with reduced fuel consumption and emissions. These conflicting needs are met by means of an electro-hydraulic system that varies valve timing and lift to modulate the passage of air into the engine. The engine will also save fuel by switching off when not in use, through Alfa Romeo's 'Stop&Start' system, which stops and restarts the engine as required in traffic.

Another high-tech feature in the MiTo Quadrifoglio specification is Dynamic Active Suspension, which works hand-in-hand with the MiTo's DNA drive mode system and changes the damper rate on the fly, to suit different road surfaces and the demands of the driver.

"If MultiAir was the only technical innovation in the new Mito, it would make it one of the most significant technical advances to arrive in Australia this year," says Andrei Zaitzev, General Manager for Alfa Romeo in Australia.

"But the Mito Quadrifoglio also debuts dynamic adaptive suspension, bringing technology normally associated with cars that measure their prices in fractions of a million dollars into a new market sector for affordable cars, and debuts the latest Stop&Start engine technology."

According to figures provided by Ateco, the MiTo Quadrifoglio will reach 100km/h from a standing start in 7.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 219km/h. In combined-cycle testing however, the car uses just 6.0L/100km of petrol and emits 139g/km of CO2.

In Normal driving mode, the MultiAir engine develops 230Nm of torque, but that increases to 250Nm in Sport mode. The importer claims that the engine delivers performance comparable to that of a conventional 2.0-litre power unit.

Tested by Euro NCAP, the MiTo is rated at five-star crash safety, achieved in part through the standard inclusion of seven airbags and active headrests. In addition to the dual front airbags, side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags, there's also a kneebag for the driver.

Equipped with the new engine and active suspension, the MiTo 'Q' is priced at $37,990 before on-road costs and dealer pre-delivery charge. For the money, the car is fitted as standard with trip computer, cruise control, air conditioning, remote central locking, remote boot release, steering wheel audio controls, leather-bound steering wheel, hill holder system, front electric windows and six-speaker audio system.

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