SECTOR Super Mini  PRICE €18,000 – €19,500 (approx)  FUEL 4.2l/100km CO2 98g/km

The Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) baby is continuing its march across the Fiat Group range and the latest recipient is the Punto-based Alfa Romeo MiTo. Alfisti may be in shock at the thought of an Alfa Romeo with only two cylinders, but the lively engine certainly has the character and performance to win most over.

Initially, the turbocharged 875cc engine comes with 85hp, but we can expect more in the shape of the 105hp version before long. The TwinAir system is, not surprisingly, based on the MultiAir technology used on the larger 1.4-litre petrol engine. Instead of the more complex and expensive direct injection, TwinAir uses conventional petrol engine technology but with an electrohydraulic control system between the camshaft and the inlet valve that enables the inlet valve timing to be varied, helping to improve efficiency. The result in the MiTo is to give EU combined fuel consumption of 4.2l/100km and CO2 emissions of 98g/km, which offers tax advantages in some markets.

We’re familiar with the engine from the 500 and Panda, while both the Punto and Lancia/Chrysler Ypsilon, sharing the MiTo’s underpinnings have the engine too. The installation in the MiTo is arguably the best so far. Vibration at idling speed is almost impossible to smooth out, but thanks to the dual-mass flywheel and well-sorted engine mounting, it is better than we were expecting. Once the engine picks up speed it smoothes out, although the twin cylinder engine note gives the game away, but then again, that is part of its appeal.

Unique to the MiTo for the TwinAir is the Alfa ‘DNA’ selector for ‘Dynamic’, ‘Natural’ and ‘All Weather’. The system itself has been overhauled too, enabling the driver to select ‘Dynamic’ at any speed using the switch on the centre console ahead of the gear lever. Leave the system in ‘N’ and power output is limited to 78hp, with the full 85hp available in ‘D’. Because the steering and engine are more responsive in ‘D’, keen drivers will probably not stray far from the ‘D’ position. Even so, turbocharging ensures the engine is lively in ‘N’, which also adds more steering assistance. Perhaps Alfa was running out of space to fit the selector switch – the warning light to show which mode is selected is not easy to see in bright sunlight. 

As we’ve found before, low fuel consumption is possible from the TwinAir, if you don’t get carried away with the performance. We wouldn’t pretend that 85hp will give the last word in performance, but the boosted engine definitely has the fun factor. The power delivery is quite unique because the engine has a broad spread of torque and changing up at comparatively low engine speeds gives the impression that you might have changed up too soon. But the engine will pick up surprisingly quickly, thanks no doubt to the turbocharger. This characteristic also allows fairly tall gearing so it’s possible to cruise at motorway speeds at low revs, helping fuel consumption as well and ensuring reasonable refinement. If refinement is your priority, the MiTo’s four-cylinder engines would be a better choice.

The MiTo has tidy handling, but the Punto chassis is not the best starting point for enthusiastic drivers. The suspension feels a little soft for an Alfa – the ‘Dynamic’ setting does not affect the suspension on TwinAir models.

Is it a viable alternative to a diesel? That will depend on the use made of the car and the importance of fuel consumption to the driver.

Verdict

The charismatic TwinAir gets the added attraction of the Alfa ‘DNA’ system in the MiTo. Go easy on the throttle for good economy, but would you choose an Alfa for that?