'HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT' VALVE CONTROL

+ Click to Enlarge READY TO RUMBLE: The Alfa Mito's styling hasn't pleased everybody but the sporty 125kW Quadrifoglio model, complete with 17" alloys, looks like it's up for a fight.

July 29, 2010
By Denis Droppa

So, how to explain Alfa Romeo's new MultiAir engine in a way that won't patronise petrolheads but doesn't bore non-technical folk to tears? Let's give it a go.

Basically, it's a have-your-cake-and-eat-it valve control system that aims to give an engine the best possible power delivery with the best possible fuel consumption at all times. Rival systems such as Honda's V-Tec and BMW's Valvetronic have been doing much the same thing for years, but MultiAir is so clever it walks, chews gum and juggles balls all at the same time.

Its electro-hydraulic actuation has a greater number of valve timing and lift settings to exactly suit different engine speeds and loads, to ensure strong low and mid-range torque and vigorous top-end power combined with good economy and low emissions.

The important part is does it meet its claims? Well yes, some of them.

The Mito hatch was the first car to get the treatment, and two MultiAir versions of the 1.4-litre petrol turbo engine (100kW and 125kW) were launched recently in South Africa to complement the existing 114kW non-MultiAir derivative.

We got our hands on the most powerful version, the R264 000 Quadrifoglio Verde, bearing the famed four-leaf clover insignia denoting the sportiest Alfas (although the stuck-on plastic badge looks like a bit of an afterthought).

At nine litres/100km the new 125kW/250Nm Mito used exactly one litre more than the 114kW/230Nm Mito we tested earlier in 2010.

That would normally be spot on given the power increase, but we expected better given all the hype around Multiair, not to mention that the car also features a fuel-saving stop/start that kills the engine every time you stop at an intersection, then restarts it as soon as you press the clutch.

Alfa's six litres/100km fuel economy claim seems extremely optimistic so we'll just say the fuel consumption's OK without being a deal-clincher.

Performance, on the other hand, is quite lively, and the Quadrifoglio's 0-100km/h in 8.3 secs (at altitude) shaves a full second off the 114kW Mito's time. It has quicker overtaking too and a generally brisk and edgy feel. It's impressive how a fancy turbo and valve system can give a 1400cc engine some fangs.

However, the athletics are delivered without any histrionics. There's no torque steer from the driven front wheels even under flat-out acceleration and traction control chirps in not-too-obtrusively when you get over-enthusiastic with the throttle.

The Mito Quadrifoglio has a six-speed transmission designed for quick changes and (claimed) improved fuel efficiency, but doesn't entirely succeed as the gearshift action is sometimes sticky in first and second gear.

ROCKY RIDE

The Mito dances fleet-footed through turns, its mass well-centred, but the ride is very harsh on less-than-perfect roads with firmly-set suspension that jars like a jackhammer on any road with ripples or patched-up potholes.

You could say it's all part of the Alfa "charm" but other cars take corners just as well without the rocky ride - the new Golf being a prime example. The optional active suspension available for this Alfa, which allows the ride to be softened on rough roads, is therefore definitely worth considering.

Even though the Mito's styling isn't universally appreciated it has a design flair well matched to its sporty driving dynamics, especially in Quadrifoglio Verde trim with 215.45 tyres on 17" alloys, rear spoiler and smoked headlights.

There's a lot of inner charm too with faux-fibre weave on the fascia and retro-style circular air vents, nicely morphing tradition with modern tastes.

The Mito has a solid feel with good torsional rigidity but a loud rattle from the front passenger side of our test car's cabin proved to be a constant annoyance. A Mito we tested earlier in 2010 developed a similar problem but we hope these are just anomalies, not a return to the bad old days of dodgy Alfa build quality.

VERDICT

Clever technology doesn't always equate to huge benefits in the real world. MultiAir succeeds to an extent by giving the Mito very lively performance for a 1400 but fuel economy, while not bad for the power output, doesn't quite meet the company's claims.