Petaling Jaya, August 20, 2009 — Alfa Romeo’s unique combination of style and performance is now available to a whole new market segment in Malaysia with the launch of the all-new 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 launch of the stylish and playful MiTo by Sime Darby Auto Connexion Sdn Bhd (Auto ConneXion), which now manages the Alfa Romeo brand in Malaysia, means that Alfa enthusiasts in this country can now choose from a complete range of the latest Alfa Romeo models.
The model chosen for the Malaysian market is the MiTo 1.4T powered by a 155 bhp 1.4-litre turbo-charged petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. It is priced at RM153,888 excluding insurance, registration and road tax. The new MiTo is available for public viewing and test drive at the Auto ConneXion Alfa Romeo 3S Centre at Jalan 13/2 Petaling Jaya from tomorrow.
The MiTo is a unique compact performance car that sets new standards for style, performance and technology. It is inspired by Alfa Romeo’s fastest production car, the Alfa 8C Competizione, and shares a lavish level of equipment and technology with its larger siblings. The name MiTo is a conjunction of the Italian abbreviations of the cities of Milan and Turin.
Although Alfa Romeo has had small cars in the past, most famously the AlfaSud which started a line of cars that lead to the Alfa 147 in today’s range, the MiTo is significantly different in its positioning from previous models. While the MiTo’s compact size means it is categorised below these two models, every element of the MiTo places it firmly at the premium prestige end of its market segment.
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 segment.
A good example is the way the MiTo tapers 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.
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.
At the rear, small circular tail lights are a clear nod to the Alfa 8C and the history of Alfa Romeo.
Inside the MiTo’s cabin, the high quality interior feels premium in every way with wraparound seats that invite the driver to grip the steering wheel. The sporty dials are hooded and the central console comes with a satin finish. Careful sound-proofing helps create a quiet and refined environment that optimises enjoyment of the sound system.
The MiTo delivers an engaging and rewarding driver experience. The turbo-charged 1.4-litre powerplant capable of 155bhp delivers the type of power normally associated with a significantly larger engine. 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 per100 km.
Alfa Romeo’s innovative DNA system in the MiTo is another first for its 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 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.
The suspension system is configured for maximum safety and driving satisfaction. It uses coilover springs, combined with a McPherson configuration at the front and a torsion beam with semi-independent wheels at the back to provide unrivalled road-holding and sporting performance.
In addition to high levels of performance and handling, the MiTo also boasts top-notch safety. Designed and developed to achieve the highest possible scores in passive and active safety tests, the 5-star Euro NCAP-rated MiTo is one of the safest cars on the road, providing driver and passengers with a high level of protection.
In the MiTo, driver and occupant safety is paramount. Seven airbags including front airbags, window bags, side bags and driver’s kneebag, work with Alfa Romeo’s Self-aligning Head Restraint to protect occupants. The innovative system 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.
During emergency braking, the MiTo automatically operates its hazard lights to alert other road users. LED lights replace conventional bulbs in the tail lights for greater visibility and safety.
Some of the premium features found in the well-equipped MiTo include cruise control, climate control air-conditioning, remote locking and boot release, steering wheel audio controls, front armrest with locker, leather steering wheel, VDC with hill holder, the Alfa Romeo DNA system and a premium six-speaker audio system.
For more information on the all-new MiTo and latest Alfa models, please call the Auto ConneXion Alfa Romeo 3S Centre at 03-7960 8833 or Auto ConneXion Voice hotline at 1 800 88 3181 or visit www.autoitalia.com.my .
