What is it?
Although the Alfa MiTo isn't new, the 'MultiAir' bit is. It refers to a new technology the Fiat Group has patented, which makes its debut under the bonnet of Alfa's sharp-suited supermini.
What does it do? Put simply everything you would want a new bit of technology to, such as improve performance, yet at the same time reduce emissions and fuel economy. It sounds like the Holy Grail, but MultiAir is remarkably simple in design, so much so you wonder why nobody has done it before in the same way. It does away with the traditional throttle valve in the engine by controlling air flow via the individual intake valves in the cylinder, opening up a world of possible new strategies for the engine management in the bid for better emissions, fuel economy and even performance.
A range of three MultiAir-equipped MiTos will lead the charge, all sired from the same basic 1.4-litre powerplant. The entry-level 103bhp version is perhaps the least remarkable in terms of numbers, though it improves upon the current naturally aspirated engine. More impressive are the turbocharged derivatives. The 133bhp version betters the performance of the MINI Cooper, for instance, yet only emits 3g/km more.
The top of the range Cloverleaf model will have 168bhp at its disposal, along with a new short-shift six-speed transmission and active damper control. Depending on pricing, it should take the fight directly to MINI's Cooper S; it's not quite as fast, but it betters the CO2 and economy of the benchmark MINI.
That's partly to do with the MultiAir technology, but Alfa has also fitted a start-stop system to this MiTo and will soon do so across the rest of the line-up.
Is it any good?
The numbers speak for themselves. Alfa claims that the first iteration of the MultiAir technology increases power by about 10 percent and low-end torque by 15 percent, while knocking about 10 percent off the CO2 and emissions figures. Those numbers are impressive so long as there is no compromise to the driving experience. In fact, in the case of the turbocharged models anyway, Alfa reckons there's an improvement, as, along with more go available lower down the rev range, there is less turbo lag - the delay between putting your foot down and feeling the car's full power.
This proves to be the case on the road too - more so in the 133bhp car, which feels like it's powered by a bigger, non-turbo engine. The 168bhp Cloverleaf we drove in Italy was a pre-production prototype, but even so it's a keen performer, especially so at lower revs. This characteristic seems to define both of these cars. There's no point in extending either engine much beyond 5,500rpm, as there's little gain in performance and they begin to sound raucous. Elsewhere in the rev range they emit a pleasingly sporting note and are suitably subdued at a cruise.
Where the MiTo MultiAir could continue to fall down, certainly in comparison to the dynamic yardstick that is the MINI, is in terms of outright driver appeal. The MiTo is just not as adjustable on the road. It's undoubtedly a safe and stable car though and its electronic safety systems are quick-witted and accurate, which will be all that matters to the majority of drivers. We look forward to trying out the new active damping on our own roads in the finished product though.
Should I call the bank manager?
Not yet, no. The new engines won't hit the UK and Ireland markets until 'early 2010' and prices have yet to be confirmed. Knowing Alfa, the new MiTo should keenly compete with its closest rivals on price and specification yet perhaps outdo them in terms of performance. If that's the case, then it's job done for the MultiAir technology from the start, though there's plenty more to come from it in the future.
Summary
The introduction of the MultiAir technology to the MiTo supermini is only the start of its development. Although the improvements in terms of performance, economy and emissions are impressive, there is certain to be more to come from this new piece of technology in the future. For now, it brings the MiTo one step closer to competing with the MINI and the Cloverleaf model in particular is a welcome one.
