Alfa MiTo gets more bling for 2012

Published Nov 21, 2011

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Alfa Romeo has revised its Mito Series 1 range for 2012, with more features and a new flagship model, the Quadrifoglio Verde Sport.

MultiAir technology (together with turbocharging and stop/start function) is now standard across the range, as are seven airbags.

The 100kW MiTo 1.4 now comes in the more upmarket Distinctive specification, while the more energetic 125kW 1.4-litre engine powers the Quadrifoglio Verde and the new Sport flagship.

Even the entry-level MiTo Distinctive MultiAir comes with 16” alloys, follow-me-home headlights, power mirrors, aircon, LED tail lights, electric power steering and a six-speaker radio/CD/MP3 player with steering-wheel controls.

The Quadrifoglio Verde, of course, moves up in the power stakes with its 125kW engine, and also has 17” alloy rims, satin-chrome beading, a sports rear bumper with extractor and micro-brushed aluminium logos with the iconic four-leaved clover in relief.

Inside the cabin the Quadrifoglio Verde boasts chromed kick-plates, black sport fabric/alcantara mix upholstery with signature green stitching and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

A new grille surround below the badge broadens the lower section of the front treatment, emphasising the car's no-nonsense stance on the road.

The big deal on the new, top-of-the-range Quadrifoglio Verde Sport is a new active suspension system developed as a joint venture between Alfa Romeo and Magneti Marelli, that constantly monitors and adjusts the damper settings to reduce pitching and body roll in hard driving while still providing a comfortable ride under more relaxed conditions.

It's controlled by the DNA switch, regulating the car's geometry according to the selected drive mode: Dynamic, Normal and All Weather (for slippery conditions such as rain). The DNA setting also recalibrates the engine control unit, instrument panel, vehicle dynamic control, steering and suspension to tune the car's responses to the driver's mood and road conditions.

The Sport also has special 18” alloys, red brake callipers, dual-zone auto aircon and an eight-speaker radio/CD/MP3 audio system, as well as a “Blue&Me” connectivity with My Port that allows the fitment of anoptional Tom Tom satnav, fully integrated with the rest of the vehicle's systems - all controlled by a portable colour touch-screen and a simple and intuitive graphic interface.

Just as important in the real world, however, are the 30 000km service intervals and the extended, five-year or 150 000km warranty and six-year or 90 000km service plan, which is now standard across the MiTo range.

PRICES

MiTo Distinctive MultiAir 100kW - R235 000

MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde 125kW - R262 000

MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde Sport 125kW - R282 000

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