17.7.2012 Alfa Romeo's new MiTo returns 67.3 mpg

Alfa Romeo's sporty supermini, the Alfa MiTo, is now available with the multi-award winning 85hp TwinAir engine – an 875cc twin-cylinder turbo engine that delivers outstanding fuel economy with sub-100g/km CO2 emissions.

With a CO2 output of 98g/km and official combined fuel economy of 67.3 mpg, the MiTo TwinAir is the cleanest and most economical model in its class. Business and private customers will see financial benefits including zero road tax, the lowest 10% BIK rate and congestion charge exemption.

The 85hp TwinAir Turbo is the first of a series of two-cylinder engines developed by Fiat Powertrain. Already a proven success, the TwinAir engine dominated the 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards, winning Engine of the Year, Best New Engine, Green Engine of the Year and Best Sub 1-litre Engine – judges praised the powerplant's impressive innovation.

With petrol engine driving performance and the consumption and running cost of a frugal diesel, the TwinAir MiTo provides a perfect solution to urban driving. It is the cleanest and most economical model in its class, (3-dr, B-segment, petrol). It also falls into the lowest possible 10% BIK rate bracket for business users, dodging the 3% premium that would be due for an equivalent sub 100g/km diesel.

Although many car manufacturers are bringing out smaller cars that fall into the sub 100gCO2/km range, the Alfa Romeo MiTo has a slightly more executive feel about it, with a well built interior. Performance is not compromised for economy either – the adoption of a small turbocharger and 6-speed gearbox delivers a maximum of 85 hp at 5,500 rpm and a torque of 145 Nm at 2,000 rpm, up to 25% more torque than found in the current MiTo range.

The Alfa MiTo is able to allow interaction between the TwinAir engine and Alfa's D.N.A. selector, allowing drivers to choose how the engine operates and responds at the flick of a switch. It allows the driver to select a more sporting and dynamic drive (Dynamic) or a more economical mode, aimed more towards reducing consumption (Natural). In extreme conditions the driver can also select a low grip setting (All Weather).

The new Alfa MiTo TwinAir is available in two trim levels – Sprint and Distinctive – priced at £14,150 and £15,350 respectively.

Newspress