2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo weight

134SAFETY
CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELY
For optimal protection in the event of a crash, all passengers must
be seated and wear adequate restraint systems. This is even more
important for children. This prescription is compulsory in all EC coun-
tries according to EC Directive 2003/20/EC. Compared with adults,
their head is proportionally larger and heavier than the rest of the
body, while the muscles and bone structure are not completely
developed. For this reason, they require restraint systems which
are different from those used by adults to protect them in the event
of an accident.
The results of research on the best child restraint systems are con-
tained in the European Standard EEC-R44. This Standard enforces
the use of restraint systems classified in five groups:
Group 0 up to 10 kg in weight
Group 0+ up to 13 kg in weight
Group 1 9-18 kg in weight
Group 2 15-25 kg in weight
Group 3 22-36 kg in weight
All restraint devices must bear the certification data, together with
the control brand, on a solidly fixed label which must absolutely
never be removed.
When over 1.50 m in height, from the point of view of restraint
systems, children are considered as adults and have to wear the
standard seat belts.
Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo includes child seats for each weight group.
These devices are recommended, having been specifically designed
for Alfa Romeo cars.
Do not arrange child seats facing backwards if the
front airbag on the passenger’s side is enabled. De-
ployment of the airbag in an accident could cause
fatal injuries to the baby regardless of the severity of the
collision. It is advisable to carry children in dedicated child
seats on the rear seat, which is the most protected posi-
tion in the event of an accident.
Should it be absolutely necessary to carry a child
on the front seat in a cradle seat facing away from
the direction of travel, the passenger’s front air bag
and Side Bag should be deactivated by using the
Set-Up Menu. Deactivation can be verified by
checking the
“warning light in the instrument panel.
Move the passenger’s seat as far back as possible to avoid
contact between the child seat and the dashboard.
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SAFETY135
2
FITTING “UNIVERSAL”
CHILD SEAT (with seat belts)
GROUP 0 and 0+ fig. 8
Children weighing up to 13 kg must be carried in cradle seats fac-
ing backwards, which by supporting the head, do not induce stress
on the neck in the event of sharp deceleration. The cradle is re-
strained by the car seat belts, as shown in the diagram and in
turn it must restrain the child with its own belts.
fig. 8A0J0097mfig. 9A0J0098m
The diagrams are indicative and provided for as-
sembly purposes only. Refer to the instructions sup-
plied with the child seat during assembly.
GROUP 1 fig. 9
Children from 9 kg to 18 kg in weight can be carried facing for-
wards if the child seat is fitted with a front cushion. Some types
of child seat have a front cushion through which the vehicle seat
belt restrains the child and the seat together.
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136SAFETY
GROUP 2 fig. 10
Children from 15 to 25 kg can be secured using the car seat belts
directly. The child seat is only needed to position the child correct-
ly with respect to the belts so that the diagonal section crosses
the child’s chest and never the neck and is snug on the hips, not
the abdomen.
GROUP 3 fig. 11
For children from 22 kg to 36 kg the child’s chest is so small that
a spacing seat back is no longer required. Figure 11 shows prop-
er child seat positioning on the rear seat.
fig. 10A0J0099mfig. 11A0J0100m
The diagrams are indicative and provided for as-
sembly purposes only. Refer to the instructions sup-
plied with the child seat when fitting.
Some child restraint systems for weight groups 0
and 1 have a rear attachment and seat belts for
securing the child. Due to their weight, they may
be dangerous if incorrectly mounted (e.g. if fastened to
the car seat belts with a cushion in between). Follow the
assembly instructions carefully.
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SAFETY137
2
PASSENGER SEAT COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS ON UNIVERSAL CHILD’S SEAT USE
The car complies with the new European Directive 2000/3/EC which governs the arrangement possibilities for child restraints on the
various seats of the car as shown in the following table:
Key:
U = suitable for child restraint systems of the “Universal” category, according to European Standard EEC-R44 for the specified “Groups”.
Passenger Passenger rear
Group Weight ranges front side and central
Group 0, 0+ up to 13 kg U U
Group 1 9-18 kg U U
Group 2 15-25 kg U U
Group 3 22-36 kg U U
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SAFETY139
2
“ISOFIX” CHILD RESTRAINT
ASSEMBLY SETUP
Provision has been made on the car to mount a Universal Isofix
child restraint system, a new European standardised system for car-
rying children safely.
It is possible to mount at the same time both the traditional re-
straint system and the Isofix one. Fig. 12 shows a child’s seat by
way of example. The Universal Isofix child’s seat covers weight
group: 1.
Other weight groups are covered by a specific Isofix child seat
that can be used only if specifically designed, tested and approved
for his vehicle (see the list of vehicles accompanying the child seat).
fig. 12A0J0093m
WARNING The centre rear seat is not certified for any type of child’s
seat.
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SAFETY141
2
PASSENGER SEAT COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS ON ISOFIX CHILD SEAT USE
The table below, according to ECE 16 European Directive, shows the different installation possibilities of Isofix restraint systems on seats
fitted with Isofix fasteners.
IUF:suitable for Isofix child restraint systems facing forwards, universal class (fitted with third upper fastener), type-approved for use in this weight
group.
IL: suitable for special child restraint systems, specific Isofix type, and type-approved for this type of car. The seat can be installed by moving the front
seat forward.
X: Isofix position not suited for child restraint systems in this weight group and/or in this size class
Weight group Orientation GradeFrontRear passenger
child seat Isofix size passenger left side right side
Portable baby seatFacing backwards F X X X
Facing backwards G X X X
Group 0 up to 10 kg Facing backwards E IL X X
Facing backwards E IL X X
Gruppo 0 + fino a 13 kg Facing backwards D IL X X
Facing backwards C X X X
Facing backwards D IL X X
Facing backwards C X X X
Group 1 from 9 to 18 kg Facing forwards B IUF IUF IUF
Facing forwards BI IUF IUF IUF
Facing forwards A IUF X X
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154STARTING UP AND DRIVING
SAVING FUEL
Here are some suggestions which may help you to save fuel and
lower the amount of toxic emissions released into the atmosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in accordance with the
“Scheduled servicing plan”.
Tyres
Check tyre pressure regularly, at least once every four weeks: ex-
cessively low pressure will increase fuel consumption because rolling
resistance will be higher.
Unnecessar y loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot. The weight of the car and
its ride setting greatly affect fuel consumption and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof after use. These
accessories decrease aerodynamic penetration of the car and have
a negative effect on fuel consumption. It is better to use a trailer,
particularly for transporting bulky objects.
Press the clutch pedal fully to change gears cor-
rectly. For this reason, there must be no obstacles
on the floor under the pedals: ensure that any rub-
ber mats are correctly positioned, and do not interfere
with the pedals
Do not drive with your hand resting on the gear
lever, because this pressure, even if light, can wear
out the gearbox internal components over time.
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156STARTING UP AND DRIVING
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-ups will prevent the en-
gine from reaching optimal running temperature. Consequently,
both fuel consumption (from +15 to +30% on an urban cycle )
and emissions will increase.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high fuel consumption is caused by heavy traffic, for instance
when travelling in a queue with frequent use of low gears or in
cities with many traffic lights. Mountain and rough roads also have
a negative effect on fuel consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (level crossings) the engine should be
switched off.
TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
The vehicle must be provided with a type-approved tow hook and
adequate electrical system to tow caravans or trailers. Installation
must be carried out by a specialist.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-view mirrors as specified
by law.
Remember that when towing a trailer, steep hills are harder to
climb, braking distances increase and overtaking takes longer de-
pending on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than constantly
using the brake.
The weight of the trailer reduces the load capacity of the vehicle
by the same amount. Consider the weight of the fully-laden vehi-
cle weight, including accessories and luggage, to make sure you
do not exceed the maximum towable weight (shown on the reg-
istration certificate).
Respect the speed limits specific to each country for vehicles tow-
ing trailers. In any event do not exceed 100 km/h.
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