What is it?
Alfa has decided to use the still-new Mito as the launch pad for its ‘revolutionary’ Multiair engines. Initially, they will come in 1.4-litre capacities as a naturally aspirated 103bhp unit, a 132bhp turbo and a 167bhp turbo.
The Cloverleaf also gets a new six-speed gearbox, revised steering and stop-start technology. All of which is rather promising, because ride, gearchange and steering were our main areas of complaint with the original Mito.
What’s it like?
Hands up: we got it wrong. In our initial road test of the Mito we reported that it had adjustable dampers, which it didn’t. In our defence, someone at Alfa Romeo had told us it did, and explained exactly how the non-existent system worked.
It’s now clear how such a slip could have happened, because the new range-topping Cloverleaf Mito has – wait for it – adjustable dampers. So the information wasn’t so much incorrect as premature.
The result is certainly an improvement. The electric steering is less springy and the new gearbox has a more positive, direct action. But do the new dampers solve the ride issues?
Around Glasgow, with the DNA switch in Normal, there’s too much crash for our liking, but in Dynamic the ride improves. The body is still displaced by bumps, but the damping is better. Out of town, a challenging B-road confirms Dynamic as the preferred mode, with both more body control on turn-in and more compliancy when you need it (over crests, for instance).
We had no complaints about the 153bhp Mito’s performance, but the Cloverleaf’s extra 15bhp is still welcome, especially since it comes with lower emissions and better fuel economy. Multiair brings a crispness and strength to the low-end response that defies the forced induction, too.
Should I buy one?
It’s still no Clio Cup, but this is the best Mito yet and well worth a look.
The Multiair system, meanwhile, is a transformational piece of technology. Watch it closely.
Hilton Holloway/Jamie Corstorphine
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Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4 Multiair Cloverleaf
This car looks worse every time I see it..
Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4 Multiair Cloverleaf
Alfa has decided to use the still-new Mito as the launch pad for its ‘revolutionary’ Multiair engines. Initially, they will come in 1.4-litre capacities as a naturally aspirated 103bhp unit, a 132bhp turbo and a 167bhp turbo.
Sounds a corker of an engine. Diesel leves of Power, Torque and economy but none of the derv polutants.
Wonder if Fiat will stick it in the 500?
Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4 Multiair Cloverleaf
Wonder if Fiat will stick it in the 500?
The 500 was going to have to have the Small Gasoline Engine (SGE) twin cylinder with multi-air technology and develop something like 100 BHP from 0.9 litres (with turbo I think?).
That would be the engine to watch!
Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4 Multiair Cloverleaf
This car looks worse every time I see it..
I really think it's high time you were banned!
Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4 Multiair Cloverleaf
revolutionary new technology from Fiat? - great to hear, now lets see the motor in some of their larger and massively overweight Alfas.
Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4 Multiair Cloverleaf
I really think it's high time you were banned!
Yes he should be!!
Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4 Multiair Cloverleaf
I really think it's high time you were banned!
Yes he should be!!
If he's going to be banned it should be for the constant advertising and not because he doesn't like the look of the Mito. He's entitled to that opinion.
As for the new Multiair engines, they sound very impressive indeed.
Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4 Multiair Cloverleaf
AC even seems to be pleased with the ride, steering and handling...who knows, they may like it on UK roads and finally put to rest the car's achille's heal.
Great to see there is still life left in oil burning engines (or even renewable alcohol I guess)! Would rather listen to this engine while going for a drive than an induction motor!
Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4 Multiair Cloverleaf
now lets see the motor in some of their larger and massively overweight Alfas.
The 159 TI and Brera will have 1750 Turbo engines using the same technology
Re: Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4 Multiair Cloverleaf
This is potentially the biggest thing in petrol engines since electronic fuel injection. Great to see the Italians getting back to proper engineering leadership for mainstream cars, rather than just the frivolous end of the market.
