Alfa Romeo Launches 2011MY MiTo in Europe

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

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Land Rover Celebrates Production Milestone of 250,000th Freelander 2

Today, Land Rover celebrates a new milestone in the life of its Freelander 2 as the 250,000th vehicle rolled off the production line at the Company's Halewood manufacturing plant in Merseyside. The 250,000th Freelander 2 is a 2.2 litre TD4 Diesel GS in Fuji White and is destined for a customer who lives in Scotland.

The production total includes all vehicles built from 2007 until today. The Freelander 2 received a subtle facelift in the fall of 2010. According to the British firm, retail sales for the Freelander 2 are up 22%, year to date (Apr 2010 – Feb 2011) compared with the same 11 month period in 2009/2010.

"This milestone achievement and the increasing sales for Freelander 2 highlights just how important this vehicle is, not just to Halewood but also for the regional and UK economy − around 70% of Freelanders produced at Halewood are exported overseas,” said Halewood operations director Richard Else.

Depending on the market, the 2011 Freelander 2 is available with either 2WD or 4WD and a 2.2 litre diesel engine offering two power outputs – the 190hp SD4 and the 150hp TD4.

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Loder1899 Gives the New Ford C-Max More Attitude and Power

It’s been a while since we last heard of Loder1899, but the German tuning house is back with a new proposal, this time for Ford’s new C-Max compact minivan. The tuner’s offerings include both performance tweaks and aerodynamic bits.

Engine modifications concern the 2.0-liter TDCi turbocharged diesel four-pot that produces 163-horsepower and 340Nm of peak torque in stock form for a 0-100km/h [62mph] sprint time of 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 210km/h [131mph]. Loder1899’s performance package lifts these numbers to 190HP and 390Nm respectively, allowing the C-Max to complete the standard sprint in 8.3 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 213km/h [132mph].

Additional changes include an aerodynamics kit complete with a front apron, rear apron with a diffuser, side skirts and a rear spoiler lip. A stainless steel sport exhaust system and a suspension kit that lowers the C-Max’s ride height by around 35mm are also available. The package is complemented by a choice of alloy wheels in sizes from 17- to 20-inches.

According to Loder1899, most parts are also suitable for the 7-seater version of the minivan called the Grand C-Max, which is slated to go on sale in the U.S. within the next year.

TECHNICAL DATA [from Loder1899]

Prices and parts for the “Loder1899” C-Max
Suitable for Ford C-Max and Ford Grand C-Max
Frontspoiler: 249 Euro
Rear diffuser: 290 Euro
Rear spoiler lip: 159 Euro
Stainless steel exhaust system two pipes: In Preparation
Lowering kit (-35mm): 169 Euro
Rims:
Wheel Porto 8x18 silver incl. tire 235/35R18 365 Euro/rim
Wheel W1 8.5x18 black/matte incl. tire 235/35R18 395 Euro/rim
Wheel Mauris 8x19 black/polish incl. tire 235/35R19 498 Euro/rim
Wheel Vertigo Viginti 9x20 black incl. tire 235/30R20 688 Euro/rim
Competitively priced wheel WP: 8.5x18 incl. tire 235/40R18: prices start at 324 Euro
Motor management/Performance increase: 849 Euro
“Loder1899” package: excluding paint job and assembly from 3.015 euro
List price: Ford C-Max (Gemany) from 25.100 euro
Ford C-Max with Loder1899 package: from 28.115 euro

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Geneva 2011: Subaru Brings its Trezia Toyota Clone to Europe

Daihatsu isn't the only Japanese brand to add a rebadged Toyota model to its European lineup as Subaru did the same with the Trezia which is nothing more than a Toyota Verso-S with different logos. With a length of just under four meters, the small MPV is Subaru's newest proposal in the European minivan B-segment.

Subaru's designers only made a few changes to the front of the car, adding the brand's signature grille, a revised bumper and rounding up the headlights. As for the rest, it is virtually identical to Toyota's Verso-S. On the inside, changes are hard to spot too, with only the logos differentiating the two models.

The Trezia offers 429 liters of boot space, which can be extended if the rear bench is folded (60/40). With all seats in place, the car can accommodate five passengers plus “three large suitcases” (Subaru's claim). Buyers have a choice of two engines, none of which being a boxer - a 1.3-liter petrol and a 1.4-liter diesel unit. Both are sourced from Toyota and offer 99 and 90 horsepower respectively.

The naturally aspirated gasoline engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox which enables it to post an average fuel consumption of 5,5 liters/100 km (42.7 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 127 g/km.

As expected, the turbo diesel is even more fuel-efficient, returning 4.3 liters/100 km (54.7 mpg) and 113 g/km. In base trim, the diesel is also linked to a six-speed manual, but on higher trim levels it gets the Toyota six-speed multi-mode automated manual gearbox (M-MT) which has the clutch operated by an electric motor fitted to the transmission. In manual mode, the driver can change gears from paddle shifters.

The Trezia will not replace the similarly-sized Justy, as Subaru says the two models target different customers.

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