Alfa Romeo Brings Style And Performance

Alfa Romeo’s unique combination of style and performance is now available to a whole new market sector IN New Zealand with the launch of the Alfa Romeo MiTo, which brings together the convenience, economy and low emissions of a small car with the style, performance, and luxury of Alfa Romeo’s larger models.

“The only thing that has been downsized with the Alfa Romeo MiTo is the size,” explains Lawrie Malatios, General Manager for Alfa Romeo in New Zealand. “Everything else is what would be expected of an Alfa Romeo, from the style, which is inspired the Alfa Romeo fastest production car, the Alfa 8C Competizione, to its performance, which is provided by a compact turbocharged engine. Equally, the Alfa Romeo MiTo shares a lavish level of equipment with its larger brothers and its long list of advanced technology will make it a benchmark in its class.”

Although Alfa Romeo has had small cars in the past, most famously the Alfa Romeo AlfaSud which started a line of cars that lead to the Alfa Romeo 147 in today’s range, the Alfa Romeo MiTo is significantly different in its positioning from previous models. Not only is it in the market sector below the AlfaSud and today’s 147, but also unlike the AlfaSud, which is was designed to compete mass market, every element of the MiTo places it firmly at the premium prestige end of its market sector.

The fact that the MiTo has been designed to be exclusively a three door car has provided the stylists at Alfa Romeo Centro Stile with the freedom to endow the MiTo with a new level of style, internally and externally, that has not been previously available in this market sector.

Most obviously is the way the MiTo tappers behind the ‘b’ pillar to provide not a just coupe style, but also shoulders over the rear wheels akin to those on the Alfa 8C sports car, that lead the eye to rear lights, which include the first of several class-firsts, the safety of LED rear lights replacing conventional light bulbs.

At the front, the shield-shaped grille is imposingly sited at the end of a sculpted V-shaped bonnet, flanked by clear lens and teardrop headlamps. In profile, the high waistline, flared wheel arches, disguised B-pillar and minimal rear overhang combine to communicate power, performance and agility.

Inside the cabin, the high quality interior feels like a car from a class above, with with additional touches such as its unique carbon fibre-look dashboard. The sporty dials are hooded and the central console comes with a satin finish. Careful soundproofing helps create a quiet and refined environment that optimises the inclusion of a quality sound system and integrated Blue & Me™.

The turbocharged Alfa MiTo delivers an engaging and rewarding driver experience. The turbocharged 1.4 litre 114 kW MiTo Sport delivers the type of power normally associated with a significantly larger engine as it accelerates from 0-100 kmh in 8 seconds, and continues to a top speed of 215 kmh, yet offers a combined fuel figure of just 6.5 litres 100 km.

Alfa Romeo’s innovative DNA system is another first for the class. A three-position switch, situated beside the gearlever, alters the throttle response and steering set-up for different driving environments – Dynamic, Normal and All Weather.

In Dynamic mode, the throttle response is quicker, the steering is sharper and the handling is more direct. For icy and loose surface environments the All Weather mode provides a more gentle response. Alfa Romeo’s Electronic Q2 limited slip differential heads a list of dynamic driver aids, including a long list of safety systems. Together, these all help deliver impressive driving dynamics and handling, along with sure-footed road holding capabilities.

In line with entertaining levels of performance and handling, the Alfa MiTo also boasts high levels of safety.

Designed and developed to achieve the highest possible scores in passive and active safety tests, the Alfa MiTo is one of the safest cars on the road, providing driver and passengers with a high level of protection.

In recognition of its safety credentials, the Alfa MiTo has already collected a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Driver and occupant safety is paramount, and the specification of seven airbags including front airbags, window bags, sidebags and driver’s kneebag work with Alfa Romeo’s Self Aligning Head Restraint – a system that moves the head restraints closer to the neck of the front seat occupants to lessen the effect of whiplash in the event of an impact – is evidence of Alfa Romeo’s commitment to the highest possible safety standards.

During emergency braking, the Alfa MiTo automatically operates its hazard lights to alert other road users.

Both versions of the MiTo are well equipped with Trip computer, cruise control, aircon, remote locking and boot release, steering wheel audio controls, front armrest with locker, leather steering wheel, VDC with hill holder, front electric windows, DNA and a premium six speaker audio system headlining the standard equipment package.

The Alfa Romeo MiTo is launched in New Zealand in one versions highly equipped, high specification version, the 114 kW MiTo Sport that includes Blue&Me Bluetooth telematics with a USB connection, climate control air conditioning, sports bumpers, spoiler and pedals, rear parking sensors, Brembo Brakes, auto wipers, lights and interior mirror as well as front fog lights as the headlines in its standard equipment list. The MiTo Sport is priced at $44,990 plus statutory charges and delivery.

The Alfa MiTo is being launched into a segment dominated by the Mini. The Italian sporting car company is planning to challenge leading rivals with the MiTo’s persuasive combination of stylish looks, high specification and value for money proposition, driving credentials, and genuine four person comfort and luggage space.

“The moment is right to introduce a new sporty compact to the sector,” says Lawrie Malatios. “Cool, young drivers will relish the choice and excitement that this new model – a real driver’s car – brings. Keen pricing, Alfa’s evocative heritage and the MiTo’s good looks mark it out as a genuine contender within this competitive sector.”

ENDS

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