Alfa Romeo MiTO gears up for 2012
The Alfa Romeo MiTo has emerged as an attractive proposition among South African motorists thanks to its clever combination of looks and performance, Italian style and technical excellence aimed at maximizing driving satisfaction in total safety. The Alfa Romeo MiTo range has been enhanced for 2012, the new Series 1 range coming with a number of feature upgrades ensuring even greater value for money.
MultiAir technology (in conjunction with turbocharging and the emission-reducing Start&Stop system) is standard across the revised Alfa Romeo MiTo Series 1 range. The innovative MultiAir technology delivers high performance motoring while, at the same time, significantly reducing emissions and fuel consumption. The MiTo line-up also enjoys exceptional safety credentials thanks to a five-star EuroNCAP rating and seven airbags as standard fit.
The 100 kW version of the unit powers the MiTo 1.4, which is now kitted out to more upmarket Distinctive specification, while the racier 125 kW 1.4 unit powers the Quadrifoglio Verde and the new flagship in the range, the Quadrifoglio Verde Sport.
“The MiTo has always been praised for its high levels of specification and exceptional safety credentials,” says Oscar Rivoli, Managing Director of Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa. “For 2012 we are able to continue to strengthen that value-for-money proposition by realigning the MiTo line-up with increased specification levels and a new flagship model in the form of the Quadrifoglio Verde Sport.”
Despite being the entry into the range the MiTo Distinctive MultiAir is kited out with a host of creature comforts and styling features. D.N.A. system (without Alfa Active Suspension), 16” Alloy wheels, follow-me-home headlights, electrically adjustable door mirrors, air-conditioning, LED rear lights, electric power steering and 6 – speaker radio / CD / MP3 player audio system with steering wheel radio controls are just a few of the specifications that are offered as standard in the Distinctive model.
The MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde ups the stakes in the power department with its racy 125 kW power plant. It also benefits from a number of features over and above the Distinctive model, including 17” alloy wheels, satin chrome beading, a rear sports bumper with extractor and micro-brushed aluminium logos with the iconic four-leaved clover in relief. Inside the cabin the Quadrifoglio Verde is distinguished by its chrome kick plates, black sport fabric and Alcantara seats with signature green stitching and a leather steering wheel.
A new front grille surround under the badge broadens the lower part of the front, emphasising the impression of a car with a vice-like grip on the ground.
The new Quadrifoglio Verde Sport heads up the range with Alfa Active Suspension. The system, developed as a joint venture between Alfa Romeo and MagnetiMarelli, is able to call on the extraordinary experience both companies have accrued in motor sport throughout the world. The system – through the control of the shock absorbers – reduces vehicle oscillation in all driving conditions, ensuring better safety, comfort and drive ability.
Besides being an important technological partner for the sportier driver, the new Alfa Active Suspension system also ensures excellent levels of comfort during everyday driving conditions. Thanks to the “Sky Hook” function, the device isolates the passenger compartment, making it completely protected from outside stresses and strains.
The interface between the car and driver is facilitated by the Alfa D.N.A. system which regulates the car’s geometry according to the selected drive mode. The Alfa D.N.A. has three operating modes which the driver can select: Dynamic (sports driving mode), Normal (driving mode for normal conditions) and All Weather (mode for driving in slippery conditions, such as rain).
In conjunction with the Active Suspension, Alfa D.N.A. operates the: Engine Control Unit, Instrument Panel, VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), Steering and Suspension (for example, in “Dynamic” mode the damping becomes stiffer, improving handling).
But the new Active Suspension is not the only unique feature on the Quadrifoglio Verde Sport. There are also stylish new 18″ alloy wheels, red brake calipers, dual zone climate control, and an eight-speaker radio / CD / MP3 player audio system.
Available as an option on the rest of the range, but standard on the Quadrifoglio Verde Sport, is the “Blue&Me” system with My Port that allows the fit-ment of an optional portable navigation device fully integrated with the rest of the vehicle’s systems. The “Blue&Me–TomTom” is a genuine infotelematic system that combines practical use with the complete integration with the vehicle’s existing Blue&Me system.
Thanks to a portable colour touch-screen and a simple and intuitive graphic interface, you can control the navigation and your mobile phone’s functions.
“We’re confident that the newly enhanced line-up will offer plenty of appeal to South African buyers,” adds Rivoli. “The specification on offer is extremely competitive for the segment in which MiTo plays. In particular, the Alfa Active Suspension on the Quadrifoglio Verde Sport stands out as very sophisticated for the market. In addition to a strongly specced line-up we are pleased to offer an appealing ownership prospect.”
Service intervals for the Alfa Romeo MiTo are stationed at 30 000 km intervals while the after-sales support in South Africa is exceptional thanks to a comprehensive parts inventory (housed and distributed in our, state-of-the-art facility) and the back-up of trained technicians at Fiat/Alfa Romeo dealerships countrywide.
Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa now offers for the first time and standard across the MiTo range a five-year / 150 000 km Warranty (three years on paint work and five years on rust anti-perforation) as well as a six-year / 90 000 km service plan.
The new models are covered by the AA Fleet-Care roadside assistance for three years. The service is active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is available by calling the dedicated toll-free number 0800 223 727.
MY 2012 Mito Range Prices:
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MiTo Distinctive MultiAir 100Kw R235 000
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MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde 125Kw R262 000
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MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde Sport 125Kw R282 000
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Prices include VAT and CO2 Tax
