2015 Alfa Romeo MiTo Owner's Manual

❒hold the bonnet up with one hand and with the other remove rod C
fig. 69 from housing D and fit it back into its locking device;❒lower the bonnet to about 20 cm from the engine compartment, then
let it fall and check, by trying to raise it, that it is completely closed
and not only attached in safety position. If it is not perfectly closed,
open the bonnet and repeat the procedure. Do not simply press it.
IMPORTANT Always check that the bonnet is closed correctly to avoid
it opening while the car is travelling.
For versions/markets where provided, the following plate is applied
inside the engine compartment fig. 70:
For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be
properly closed while driving. Make sure that the
bonnet is perfectly closed and that the lock is engaged.
If you discover during travel that the lock is not fully engaged,
stop immediately and close the bonnet in the correct manner.
Perform these operations only when the car is
stationary.
The bonnet may drop suddenly if the supporting rod is
not positioned correctly.
fig. 69A0J0086fig. 70A0J1520
85
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CLOSING
Proceed as follows:

ROOF RACK/SKI RACK
To fit the roof rack/ski rack, raise the dedicated tabs A fig. 71 using
the screwdriver provided to access the fixing housings B.
Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo includes a dedicated roof rack/ski rack for
this car.IMPORTANT Take the greatest possible care in following the
instructions on the bar kit to the letter.
After travelling for a short distance, check that the
fixing screws for the attachments are correctly
tightened.
Never exceed the maximum permitted loads (see chapter
"Technical specifications").
Evenly distribute the load and take into account, when
driving, the increased effect of side wind on the car.
Fully comply with the regulations in force concerning
maximum clearance.
fig. 71A0J0059
86
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

HEADLIGHTS
LIGHT BEAM DIRECTION
The correct orientation of the headlights is important for the driver's
comfort and safety as well as for all other road users. This is also
covered by a specific rule of the highway code.
The headlights must be correctly aligned to ensure the best visibility
conditions for yourself and others when driving with lights on. To check
and, if necessary, adjust, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
HEADLIGHT ALIGNMENT CORRECTOR
This device works with the ignition key in the MAR position and the
dipped headlights on.
Headlight alignment adjustment
To adjust, press the
andfig. 72 fig. 73 buttons. The adjustment
position is shown on the display.
Position 0: one or two occupants in the front seats.
Position 1: 4 people.
Position 2: 4 people + load in luggage compartment.
Position 3: driver + maximum permitted load stowed in the luggage
compartment.
IMPORTANT Check the alignment every time that the load carried
changes.
FOG LIGHT ALIGNMENT
(for versions/markets, where provided)
To check and, if necessary, adjust, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.
ADJUSTING THE HEADLIGHTS ABROAD
The dipped headlights are aligned to comply with the regulations of
the country of purchase. When travelling in countries with opposite
driving direction, to avoid dazzling the drivers on the other side of the
road, you need to cover areas of the headlight according to the
Highway code of the country you are travelling in.
fig. 72A0J0305fig. 73 - Versions with Start&Stop systemA0J0306
87
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

ABS SYSTEM
The car is fitted with an ABS braking system, which prevents the wheels
from locking when braking, makes the most of road grip and gives
the best control when performing emergency braking under difficult
road conditions.
The EBD system (Electronic Braking Force Distribution) completes the
system allowing the brake force to be distributed between the front and
rear wheels.
IMPORTANT To obtain the maximum efficiency of the braking system,
a bedding-in period of about 500 km is needed: during this period
it is better to avoid sharp, repeated and prolonged braking.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
It can be detected because the brake pedal pulsates slightly and the
system gets noisier: it means that the car speed should be altered
to suit the type of road surface.
MECHANICAL BRAKE ASSIST
(emergency braking assistance)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This system, which cannot be deactivated, recognises emergency
braking conditions (according to the brake pedal operation speed) and
provides an additional hydraulic braking pressure to support that
provided by the driver. This allows faster and more powerful operation
of the braking system.
IMPORTANT When the Mechanical Brake Assist intervenes, noises may
be heard from the system. This is normal. In any case, while braking
keep the brake pedal firmly depressed.
If the ABS system intervenes, this indicates that the
traction of the tyres on the road is nearing its limit.
Slow down to a speed compatible with the available
traction.
The ABS gets the most from the available grip, but it
cannot improve it; you should therefore take every
care when driving on slippery surfaces and not take
unnecessary risks.
When the ABS cuts in and you feel the brake pedal
pulsating, do not remove your foot, but keep the pedal
pushed down; in doing so you, will stop in the
shortest distance possible under the road conditions at the time.
88
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEM
This is an electronic system that controls vehicle stability in the event of
tyre grip loss, helping maintain directional control.
The system is capable of recognising potentially dangerous situations
in terms of the stability and intervenes automatically on the brakes in a
differentiated manner for the four wheels in order to provide a
stabilising torque.
The ESC system also includes the following systems:
❒Hill Holder
❒ASR
❒Brake Assist
❒MSR
❒CBC
❒“ELECTRONIC Q2” (“E-Q2”)
❒DST
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The ESC system switches on automatically when the engine is started
and cannot be switched off.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
It is signalled by the blinking of the warning lighton the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the car is in critical stability and grip
conditions.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the ESC system and facilitates starting
on slopes.
It is automatically activated in the following conditions:
❒uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient higher than 5%,
engine running, brake pedal pressed and gearbox in neutral or
gear (other than reverse) engaged;
❒downhill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient higher than
5%, engine running, brake pedal pressed and reverse gear
engaged.
When setting off the ESC system control unit maintains the braking
pressure at the wheels until the engine torque required for departure is
reached or for approximately 2 seconds, allowing your right foot to
be moved easily from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
If the vehicle has not departed after this time, the system will deactivate
automatically by gradually releasing the brake force. A sound may
be heard during this stage: this indicates that the vehicle is about
to move off.
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is not a handbrake. Do not leave
the vehicle without having engaged the handbrake, switched off the
engine and engaged a gear.
89
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

ASR (AntiSlip Regulation) SYSTEM
It is an integral part of the ESC system. It automatically operates in the
event of one or both drive wheels slipping, loss of grip on wet roads
(aquaplaning) and acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc.
Depending on the slipping conditions, two different control systems are
activated:
❒if the slipping involves both drive wheels, the ASR intervenes
reducing the power transmitted by the engine;
❒if the slipping only involves one of the drive wheels, the ASR
intervenes automatically braking the wheel that is slipping.
For the ESC and ASR systems to function correctly, all
four tyres must be the same brand and type, must
be in excellent condition and, above all, must be of the
prescribed type and size.
The ESC system operates even when the space-saver
wheel is being used. Always remember that the
space-saver wheel, being smaller than the original
wheel, provides less grip.
The performance of the ESC and ASR systems must not
encourage the driver to take unnecessary risks. Driving
style must always be adapted to road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any case, responsible for
safe driving.
BRAKE ASSIST (emergency braking
assistance)
The system, which cannot be turned off, recognises emergency braking
(on the basis of the brake pedal operating speed) and speeding up
the response of the braking system. The Brake Assist device is
deactivated if there is a ESC system failure.
MSR (Motor Schleppmoment
Regelung) SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the ABS, that intervenes, if there is a
sudden downshifting, restoring torque to the engine, thereby
preventing excessive drive at the drive wheels which, especially in poor
grip conditions, could lead to a loss in stability of the car.
CBC (Cornering Brake Control)
SYSTEM
This function improves the distribution of the braking pressure at the
four wheels (to fully exploit the grip available on the ground) when
braking on bends if the ABS intervenes. This improves stopping
distances and above all vehicle stability when cornering.
“ELECTRONIC Q2” SYSTEM (“E-Q2”)
The “Electronic Q2” system uses the braking system to create an effect
similar to a limited slip differential.
The front braking system, when accelerating around a curve, acts on
the inside wheel to increase the drive to the outside wheel (increased
load), dynamically and continuously distributing the torque between
the front drive wheels according to driving and road conditions.
The system, combined with MacPherson front suspension, allows
particularly effective and sports driving to be achieved.
90
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

DST SYSTEM (Dynamic Steering
Torque)
This function integrates Dual Pinion active steering into the operation of
ESC. For particular manoeuvres, the ESC system controls the steering
to actuate a steering torque and assist the driver in the best possible
way.
The system operates the brakes and steering in a coordinated manner
to increase the suspension and safety level of the car as a whole.
The steering provides additional torque on the steering wheel.
“Alfa DNA” SYSTEM (Car
dynamic control system)
This device allows, using lever A fig. 74 (on the central tunnel), three
car response modes to be selected according to driving style and road
conditions:
❒d = Dynamic (sports driving mode);
❒n = Natural (mode for driving in normal conditions);
❒a = All Weather (mode for driving in poor grip conditions, such as
rain and snow).
The device also acts on the dynamic car control systems (engine,
steering, VDC system, instrument panel).
fig. 74A0J0090
91
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

DRIVING MODES
Lever A is monostable type. In other words, it always remains in a
central position.
The selected driving mode is indicated by the corresponding LED
coming on in the panel and by an indication on the reconfigurable
multifunction display, as illustrated below:
❒Dynamic modefig. 75 (display image available for versions/
markets, where provided)
❒All Weather Modefig. 76
“Natural” mode
When “Natural” mode is selected, no messages or symbols are shown
on the display.
ESC and ASR systems:intervention thresholds aimed at comfort
and safety in normal grip and driving conditions.Steering wheel tuning:functions aimed at comfort in normal
conditions of use.
DST:braking standard control coordinated with ABS/ESC. Standard
control over lateral acceleration. Oversteer compensation: a slight
pulse on the steering wheel encourages the driver to carry out the most
appropriate manoeuvre.
Engine:standard response.
fig. 75A0J0227fig. 76A0J0290
92
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX