Alfa Romeo Mito, Giulietta QV hot-hatches switch from manual to auto

The improved four-cylinder petrol unit – now lighter than before and equipped with new intake and exhaust systems – produces 176kW of power at 6000rpm and 340Nm of torque between 2100-4000rpm. Power rises 3kW, and while peak torque is unchanged, it’s now available across the engine’s mid-range compared with the previous 1900rpm zenith.

Alfa Romeo claims the updated Giulietta QV sprints from 0-100km/h 0.2 seconds quicker than before (now 6.6sec), though unlike the old manual-only model, the new QV hot-hatch is available exclusively with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission – also lifted from the 4C.

Joining the new transmission is a set of paddleshifters on the steering wheel and the Italian car maker’s ‘DNA’ drive mode selector that allows drivers to switch between Dynamic, Normal and All Weather modes to alter the characteristics of the engine responsiveness, steering, and stability and traction control.

As our spy shots from earlier this week revealed, the facelifted Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV benefits from a sportier body kit that further differentiates it from the regular Giulietta grades. Additionally, 500 ‘Launch Edition’ models will uniquely feature carbonfibre intakes, mirror caps, side skirts and rear diffuser, and 18-inch ‘telephone dial’ alloy wheels.

The cabin gains new leather/alcantara sports seats, a leather steering wheel with white stitching, and the brand’s new Uconnect infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen.

Joining it on the stand at Geneva will be the updated Alfa Romeo Mito QV, which is now also available solely with a six-speed dual-clutch auto, abandoning the old car’s manual-only configuration.

Paired with the same turbocharged 125kW/250Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, Alfa claims the dual-clutch helps cut the Mito QV’s sprint time by 0.2sec to 7.3sec and improves combined cycle fuel consumption by 11 per cent, now rated at 5.4 litres per 100km.

The Mito QV features subtle styling revisions, the most obvious being new 17-inch telephone dial alloys like those of the Giulietta and an exclusive Magnesio Grey matt paint finish.

White contrast stitching binds the leather on the steering wheel, park brake and gear knob and gaiter, while standard features include dual-zone climate control and a 5.0-inch touchscreen with Alfa’s Uconnect system.

Fiat Chrysler Australia corporate affairs director Karla Leach told CarAdvice the QV duo was expected to arrive in local showrooms in late 2014. She said it was too early to say whether the shift from manual to automatic transmissions would force prices above their current $30,000 (Mito) and $39,150 (Giulietta) levels.