Alfa MiTo TwinAir arrives

The Alfa Romeo MiTo supermini is now available with the innovative two-cylinder TwinAir petrol engine.

Although its capacity is only 875 cc, a turbocharger and the MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve control system mean it produces a respectable 83 bhp (62 kW / 85 PS) and 145 Nm (103 lb/ft) of torque.

Performance might not be scintillating - the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes 12.5 seconds and maximum speed is 108 mph (173 km/h) - but the TwinAir’s trump card is efficiency.

Carbon dioxide emissions are only 98 g/km, a level that brings numerous benefits for UK drivers including zero road tax, a full discount on the London Congestion Charge and qualification for the lowest company car benefit-in-kind rate.

Alfa Romeo MiTo Sprint TwinAir (2012) Front SideAlfa Romeo MiTo Sprint TwinAir (2012) Dashboard

Alfa Romeo MiTo Sprint TwinAir (2012) Engine BayAlfa Romeo MiTo Sprint TwinAir (2012) Rear Side

Fuel economy is also decent and, according to the official figures, a TwinAir-powered MiTo will manage 67.3 mpg (4.2 l/100km) on the combined cycle. Impressive maybe, but still some way off the 78.5 mpg (3.6 l/100km) of the existing 1.3 JTDM-2 diesel MiTo.

However, any prospective purchasers should be doing a few sums based on anticipated mileage before choosing between the two, because that particular JTDM-2 engine option is £585 more than the TwinAir and the fuel price differential between petrol and diesel continues to be considerable. But, to confuse things further, there’s then the issue of what ‘real world’ fuel consumption the TwinAir engine will actually achieve: reports from some owners and road testers suggest that this could fall short of the published numbers by a significant margin.

Alfa Romeo is offering the MiTo TwinAir in two versions. The Sprint, which is priced at £14,150 on the road, features Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, cruise control, 16” alloy wheels and the DNA driving mode selector.

Alternatively, the Distinctive trim grade adds extra specification including rear parking sensors, sports dials for the dashboard, front seat lumbar adjustment, 17” alloys and red-painted Brembo brake calipers. It costs £15,350.

Related posts:
2012 Punto prices revealed
Fiat 500 TwinAir models
Fiat 500 TwinAir arrives

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