This week marks the commercial debut of the 2011 model year Alfa Romeo MiTo in Italy and on other major European markets. First shown at the 2011 Geneva Salon, the modestly updated MiTo comes with a fresh batch of exterior colors, different seat upholsteries, new optional equipment and Euro 5 compliant engines all fitted as standard with a Start&Stop system.
The starting price for the 2011MY MiTo in Italy is €15,500 ($21,800), which will get you in the Progression model equipped with a 78HP 1.4-liter petrol engine. The Distinctive trim level retails for €22,550 ($31,650) and features the 1.6-liter diesel engine with 120 horsepower. The other available diesel engine is a 1.3-liter JTDM-2 with 95HP, while the gasoline range is completed by the 1.4-liter MultiAir unit, available in three levels of power: 105 (naturally aspirated), 135 and 170 horsepower (both turbocharged).
The MiTo MY 2011 is offered in four trim levels (Progression, Distinctive, “Super” and Quadrifoglio Verde), while buyers can also choose from seven new alloy wheel designs and eleven body colors, among which a new metal-flake color called “Bronzo Metal”.
Thanks to the new Start&Stop system, fuel consumption is lower with the base 1.4-liter engine returning 5.6 liters/100 km (42 mpg) on the combined cycle, compared to 5.9 liters/100 km (39.9) of the 2010MY. The 135HP 1.4-liter Multiair turbo engine is now linked to a new-generation double-clutch TCT transmission that reduces the 0 to 100 km/h sprint to 8.2 seconds (0.2 seconds quicker). As for the diesel engines, Alfa announces that the service interval is now 35,000 km (21,750 miles).
The MiTo MY 2011 also debuts a new Blue&Me-TomTom multimedia system that connects the car's infotainment system with a portable navigation device. The fully-integrated system has 4.3-inch touch-screen that can also display phone, media and board computer information.
By Dan Miahalascu
