warning Alfa Romeo MiTo 2020 Owner handbook (in English)

ACTIVE SAFETYSYSTEMS
ABS SYSTEM
33) 34) 35) 36) 37) 38) 39)
This system, which is an integral part of
the braking system, prevents one or more
wheels from locking and slipping in all
road surface conditions, irrespective of
the intensity of the braking action,
ensuring that the vehicle can be
controlled even during emergency
braking and optimising stopping
distances.
System intervention
The driver can feel that the ABS system
has come into action because the brake
pedal pulsates slightly and the system
gets noisier: this is entirely normal with
the system operating.
ASR (AntiSlip Regulation)SYSTEM
40) 41) 42)
This is an integral part of the ESC system
and 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.System intervention
The system operates on the engine
power and brakes.
This is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light
on the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the car is in
critical stability and grip conditions.
BRAKE ASSISTSYSTEM (assistance
during emergency braking)
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
The system prevents the drive wheels
from possibly locking, which could
happen, for example, if the accelerator
pedal is released suddenly or in the case
of a sudden downshifting in conditions of
poor grip.
In this conditions, the engine braking
effect could cause the drive wheels to
slip, resulting in a loss of vehicle stability.
In these situations, the system
intervenes, restoring torque to the
engine in order to conserve vehicle
stability and increase vehicle safety.
DST SYSTEM (Dynamic Steering
Torque)
46)
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.
EBD SYSTEM
The EBD system is an integral part of the
ESC system and intervenes during
braking, distributing the brake force
optimally between front and rear wheels.
This guarantees greater braking stability
for the car, preventing sudden locking of
the rear wheels and the consequent
instability of the car.
ESC SYSTEM
28) 29) 30) 31) 32)
The ESC system improves the directional
control and stability of the car in various
driving conditions.
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SAFETY

The ESC system corrects the car’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by the
engine can also be reduced in order to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The ESC system comprises the active
safety systems such as: ABS, EBD, ASR,
HILL HOLDER, BRAKE ASSIST, MSR,
CBC, “ELECTRONIC Q2”, DST.
The ESC system switches on
automatically when the engine is started
and cannot be switched off.
System intervention
This is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light
on the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the car is in
critical stability and grip conditions.
CBC (Cornering Brake Control)SYSTEM
This system acts when braking on
corners, optimising the distribution of
brake pressure on the four wheels: the
system prevents the wheels on the inside
of the corner (less affected by the weight
of the car) from locking, ensuring better
stability and direction for the car.
HILL HOLDERSYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC system
and facilitates starting on uphill or
downhill slopes by operating the brakes:
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake; therefore, never
leave the car without having engaged the
handbrake, turned the engine off and
engaged first gear, so that it is parked in
safe conditions (for further information
read the "Parking" paragraph in the
"Starting and driving" chapter).
IMPORTANT There may be situations on
small gradients (less than 5%), with car
laden, in which the Hill Holder system
may not activate, causing a slight
reversing motion and increasing the risk
of collision with another vehicle or object.
The driver is, in any case, responsible for
safe driving.
“ELECTRONIC Q2”SYSTEM (“E-Q2”)
The "Electronic Q2" system intervenes
during acceleration on corners, braking
the inner drive wheel and thus increasing
the traction of the outer wheel (which
bears more of the car’s weight): the
torque is thus distributed optimally
between the drive wheels in accordance
with the driving conditions and road
surface, permitting particularly effective,
sporty driving.
WARNING
28)The ESC system cannot alter the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase grip,
which depends on the condition of the road.
29)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
30)The capability of the ESC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to compromise
personal safety and the safety of others.
31)For the correct operation of the ASR
system, the tyres must of necessity be the
same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
32)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with the ESC and ASR
systems. Your driving style must always be
suited to the road conditions, visibility and
traffic. The driver is always responsible for
road safety.
33)When the ABS intervenes and you feel
the brake pedal pulsating, do not reduce the
pressure, but hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will brake in the
shortest distance possible, depending on the
current road conditions.
34)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.
35)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates that
the grip of the tyres on the road is nearing its
limit: you must slow down to a speed
compatible with the available grip.
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36)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the grip
available according to the condition of the
road.
37)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
38)The capability of the ABS must never be
tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
39)For the correct operation of the ABS, the
tyres must of necessity be the same make
and type on all wheels, in perfect condition
and, above all, of the prescribed type and
dimensions.
40)The ASR cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the grip
available according to the condition of the
road.
41)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
42)The capability of the ASR must never be
tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
43)The HBA system can’t overrule the
natural laws of physics, and can’t increase
the grip available according to the condition
of the road.
44)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.45)The features of the HBA system must
never be tested in imprudent or dangerous
ways, with the possibility of putting the
safety of the driver, occupants or other road
users at risk.
46)DST is an aid for driving and does not
relieve the driver of responsibility for driving
the vehicle.TPMS (Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System)
(where provided)
47) 48) 49) 50) 51) 52) 53) 54) 55)
DESCRIPTION
The vehicle can be equipped with the tyre
pressure monitoring system T.P.M.S.
which informs the driver about the tyre
inflating condition through viewing on the
display specific warning messages.
This system comprises a radio frequency
transmitter fitted to each wheel (on the
wheel rim inside the tyre), which is able to
send information on the tyre inflation
pressure of each wheel to the control
unit.
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT THE TPMS
The fault indications are not stored and
will therefore not be displayed after the
engine has been switched off and then on
again.
If the fault conditions persist, the control
unit will send the relative indications to
the instrument panel only after the car
has been in motion for a short time.
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SAFETY

WARNING
47)The presence of the TPMS does not
permit the driver to neglect regular checks
of the tyre pressure, including for the spare
wheel.
48)Tyre pressure must be checked with
tyres cold. Should it become necessary for
whatever reason to check pressure with
warm tyres, do not reduce pressure even
though it is higher than the prescribed value,
but repeat the check when tyres are cold.
49)Should one or more wheels be fitted
without sensors, the system will no longer be
available and, in addition to the TPMS
warning light flashing for less than one
minute before becoming constant, a warning
message will be shown on the display, until
4 wheels with sensors are fitted again.
50)The TPMS cannot warn of sudden
decreases in tyre pressure (for example
when a tyre bursts). In this case, stop the car,
braking with caution and avoiding abrupt
steering.
51)Replacing standard tyres with winter
tyres (and vice versa) requires TPMS
adjustment that must only be performed by
a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
52)Changes in outside temperature may
cause tyre pressures to vary. The TPMS
system may temporarily indicate
insufficient pressure. In this case, check the
tyre pressure when cold and, if necessary,
restore the inflation values.53)When a tyre is removed, it is advisable
to replace the rubber valve seal as well:
contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
Tyre and/or rim fitting/removal operations
require specific precautions; to avoid
damaging or fitting the sensors incorrectly,
tyre and/or rim fitting/removal operations
should only be carried out by specialised
staff. Contact a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
54)Intense radio-frequency interference
may prevent the correct operation of the
TPMS. This condition will be indicated by a
message on the display. The message will
disappear automatically as soon as the
radio-frequency interference ceases to
affect the system.
55)The tyre repair kit (Fix&Go) provided
with the vehicle (for versions/markets,
where provided) is compatible with the
TPMS sensors; using sealants not equivalent
with that in the original kit may adversely
affect its operation. If sealants not
equivalent with the original one are used, it is
recommended to have the TPMS sensors
checked by a qualified repair centre.
SEAT BELTS
USING THE SEAT BELTS
56) 57) 58)
All vehicle seats are equipped with seat
belts with three anchor points and a
retractor.
The retractor mechanism operates
locking the belt in the event of sharp
braking or strong deceleration due to an
impact. This allows the belt strap to slide
freely and to adapt to the body of the
occupant. In the event of an accident, the
belt will lock reducing the risk of impact
inside the passenger compartment and
of being projected outside the vehicle.
The driver is responsible for respecting,
and ensuring that all the other occupants
of the vehicle also respect, the local laws
in force in relation to the use of the seat
belts.
Always fasten the seat belts before
setting off.
Using the seat belts
The belt should be worn keeping the
torso straight and rested against the
backrest.
To fasten the safety belts, hold the
tongue 1 fig. 43 and insert it into the
buckle 2, until it clicks into place. If the
seat belt jams during removal, let it
rewind for a short stretch, then pull it out
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SAFETY
again without jerking.

Press button 3 to release the belt. Guide
the safety belt while it is rewinding to
prevent it from twisting. Through the
retractor, the safety belt automatically
adapts to the body of the passenger
wearing it, allowing freedom of
movement.
The retractor may lock when the vehicle
is parked on a steep slope: this is
perfectly normal. Furthermore, the reel
mechanism locks the belt if it is pulled
sharply or in the event of sudden braking,
collisions and high-speed bends.
The rear seat is fitted with inertia seat
belts with three anchor points and a
retractor.
Wear the rear safety belts according to
the illustration fig. 44.
IMPORTANT IMPORTANT The backrest
is correctly secured when the red band 2
fig. 45 on the backrest folding handles
1 disappears. This red band indicates
that the backrest is not secured.
IMPORTANT When putting the rear seats
back to their normal position, make sure
the seat belts are positioned so they are
ready to use.
WARNING
56)Never press button 2 fig. 43 when travelling.57)Remember that, in the event of an
accident, the rear seat passengers not
wearing seat belts are exposed to a very
serious risk and also represent a serious
danger for the front seat occupants.
58)Make sure that the backrest is correctly
secured on both sides (red bands not visible)
to prevent it from moving forward in the
event of sharp braking, causing injuries to
occupants.
43A0J0101C
44A0K0921C
45A0J0182C
71

SBR SYSTEM (Seat Belt
Reminder)
It consists of an acoustic warning which,
switching on the
warning lights in the
trim located on the fig. 46 internal rear
view mirror, warns passengers in the
front and rear seats that their seat belts
are not fastened.
For long-term deactivation of the SBR
system, contact a Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
The SBR system can be reactivated at
any time through the Setup Menu only
(see “Menu Items” in “Knowing your
vehicle” section).
The warning lights may be red or green
and operate as follows:
1 = front left seat (driver status for
left-hand drive versions)
2 = rear left seat (passenger);
3 = rear centre seat (passenger)
4 = rear right seat (passenger);
5 = front right seat (passenger status
for left-hand drive versions).
NOTE On versions equipped with sport
front seats, the indication of passenger
side seat belt fastened (warning light
1 for right-hand drive versions or warning
light 5 for left-hand drive versions) will
never be displayed.
FRONT SEATS (warning light 1 = driver
and 5 = passenger)
Driver
If the driver is the only occupant and the
seat belt is not fastened, when 20 km/h
is exceeded or when travelling at a speed
from 10 to 20 km/h for longer than
5 seconds, a buzzer sequence will be
started (front seats) consisting of a tone
for 6 seconds followed by a 90 second
beep.The warning light will blink.
The warning lights will stay on constantly
at the end of the cycle until the engine is
stopped. The acoustic signal will be
interrupted immediately when the
driver’s seat belt is fastened and the
warning light will turn green.
The reminder cycle (acoustic and visual)
will be repeated as described above and
the red warning light will flash if the seat
belt is unfastened again while travelling.Passenger
A similar solution applies for the front
passenger, with the difference that the
warning light turns green and the signal is
interrupted also when the passenger
leaves the car.
It both front seat belts are unfastened
while the vehicle is travelling a few
seconds apart, the acoustic indication
will refer to the most recent event and
the two warning lights will proceed with
the visual indication independently.
REAR SEATS (warning light 2, 3 and 4)
The reminder cycle is run only when any
seat belt is unfastened (red blinking).
In this condition, the warning light for the
seat belt which has been unfastened will
start flashing red for approximately
30 seconds. An acoustic signal is also
emitted.
The visual indication (blinking red) will
start and end independently for each
warning light if several seat belts are
unfastened. The warning light will
become green when the relevant seat
belt is fastened again.
After about 30 seconds from the last
indication, the warning lights for rear
seats will switch off, irrespective of the
belt conditions (red or green).
46A0J0108C
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SAFETY

All warning lights will remain off if all
the seat belts (front and rear) are already
fastened when the key it turned to MAR.
All the warning lights will come on
when at least one belt changes from
fastened to unfastened status or vice
versa.
PRE-TENSIONERS
59) 60)
The vehicle is equipped with front seat
belt pretensioners, which draw back the
seat belts by several centimetres in the
event of a strong frontal impact. This
guarantees the perfect adherence of the
seat belts to the occupant's bodies
before the retention action begins.
It is evident that the pretensioners have
operated when the belt withdraws
toward the retractor.
This car is also equipped with a second
pretensioner (fitted in the kick plate
area). Its activation is signalled by the
shortening of the metal cable.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not harmful and
does not involve any fire hazard.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioner, wear the seat belt tight
to the torso and pelvis.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication: any changes
to its original conditions will invalidate its
efficiency. If, due to unusual natural
events (floods, sea storms, etc.), the
device has been affected by water and/or
mud, contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership
to have it replaced.
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger safety, the front
seat belt reels contain a load limiter
which allows the force acting on the chest
and shoulders to be modulated during the
belt restraining action in the event of a
frontal impact.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING
THE SEAT BELTS
61) 62)
Seat belts must also be worn by pregnant
women: the risk of injury in the event of
an accident is reduced for them and the
unborn child if they are wearing a seat
belt.
Pregnant women must position the lower
part of the belt very low down so that it
passes over the pelvis and under the
abdomen fig. 47.
The belt must not be twisted. The upper
part must pass over the shoulder and
47A0K0250C
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IMPORTANT NOTES

cross the chest diagonally. The lower part
must adhere to the pelvis
Each seat belt must be used by only one
person. Never travel with a child sitting
on the passenger's lap and a single belt to
protect them both fig. 49. In general, do
not place any objects between the person
and the belt.
SEAT BELTS MAINTENANCE
16)
always use the seat belt with the strap
well stretched and not twisted; make
sure that it is free to run without
obstructions;
replace the belt after an accident of a
certain severity even if it does not appear
to be damaged. Always replace the seat
belt if the pretensioners were deployed;
check seat belt operation as follows:
attach the seat belt and pull it hard;
prevent the retractors from getting
wet: their correct operation is only
guaranteed if water does not get inside;
replace the seat belt when it shows
wear or cuts.
WARNING
59)The pretensioner may be used only once.
After its activation, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership to have it replaced.
60)Removing or tampering with seat belt
and pretensioner components is strictly
prohibited. Any intervention on these
components must be performed by qualified
and authorised technicians. Always contact
a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
61)For maximum safety, keep the backrest
upright, lean back into it and make sure the
seat belt fits closely across your chest and
pelvis. Always fasten the seat belts for both
the front and rear seats! Travelling without
wearing seat belts will increase the risk of
serious injury and even death in the event of
an accident.
62)If the belt has been subjected to high
levels of stress, for example after an
accident, it should be changed completely
together with the attachments, attachment
fixing screws and the pretensioner. In fact,
even if the belt has no visible defects, it may
have lost its resilience.
IMPORTANT
16)Operations which lead to impacts,
vibrations or localised heating (over 100°C
for a maximum of six hours) in the area
around the pretensioner may cause damage
or make it deploy. Contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership should intervention be necessary
on these components.
49A0K0013C
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SAFETY

CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELY
For optimal protection in the event of an
impact, all occupants must be seated and
wearing adequate restraint systems,
including newborn and other children!
This prescription is compulsory in all EC
countries according to EC Directive
2003/20/EC.
Children below the height of 1.50 metres
and up to 12 years must be protected
with suitable restraint systems and be
seated on the rear seats. Statistics on
accidents indicate that the rear seats
offer greater safety for children.
Compared with an adult, a child's head is
larger and heavier in proportion to their
body and the child's muscular and bone
structures are not fully developed.
Therefore, correct restraint systems
other than adult seat belts are necessary
to reduce as much as possible the risk of
injuries in case of accident, braking or
sudden manoeuvre.
Children must be seated safely and
comfortably. Depending on the
characteristics of the child restraint
systems used, you are advised to keep
children in rearward facing child restraint
systems for as long as possible (at least
until 3-4 years old), since this is the most
protected position in the event of an
impact.
63) 64) 65) 66)
The choice of the most suitable child
restraint device depends on the weight of
the child; there are various types of child
restraint systems and you are advised
always to choose the one that is most
suitable for the child.
When over 1.50 m in height, from the
point of view of restraint systems,
children are considered as adults and
wear seat belts normally.
In Europe the characteristics of child
restraint systems are ruled by the
regulation ECE-R44, dividing them into
five weight groups:
Group Weight groups
Group 0up to 10 kg in
weight
Group 0+up to 13 kg in
weight
Group 1 9 - 18 kg
Group 2 15 - 25 kg
Group 3 22 - 36 kg
All restraint devices must bear the
certification data, together with the
control mark, on a label solidly fixed to
the child restraint system which must
never be removed.
Lineaccessori MOPAR® includes child
restraint systems for each weight group.These devices are recommended having
been specifically tested for Alfa Romeo
cars.
WARNING
63)SEVERE DANGER When a front
passenger airbag is fitted, do not install
rearward facing child restraint systems on
the front passenger seat. Deployment of the
airbag in an accident could cause fatal
injuries to the child regardless of the
severity of the collision. It is advisable to
always carry children in a child restraint
system on the rear seat, which is the most
protected position in the event of a collision.
64)On the sun visor there is a label with
suitable symbols reminding the user that it is
compulsory to deactivate the airbag if a
rearward facing child restraint system is
fitted. Always comply with the instructions
on the passenger side sun visor (see the
"Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) -
Airbag" paragraph).
65)Should it be necessary to carry a child on
the passenger side front seat in a rear facing
child restraint system, the passenger side
front airbag and side bag must be
deactivated through the display main menu
(see the "Display" paragraph, "Knowing the
instrument panel" chapter), verifying
deactivation by checking whether the
OFF LED has switched on in the trim
located on the dashboard. Move the
passenger's seat as far back as possible to
avoid contact between the child seat and the
dashboard.
75

PASSENGER SEAT COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS ON UNIVERSAL CHILD RESTRAINTSYSTEM USE
According to the European Directive 2000/3/EC the suitability of each passenger seat position for the fixing of universal child
restraint systems is shown in the following table:
Positioning the “Universal” child restraint system
Group Weight groupsFront passenger
(*)Rear passengers (side
and central)
Airbag enabled Airbag disabled
Group 0, 0+ up to 13 kg"X" U U
Group 1 9-18 kg"X" U U
Group 2 15-25 kgUUU
Group 3 22-36 kgUUU
(*) IMPORTANT NEVER fit a rearward-facing child seat in the front passenger seat if the airbag is active. If you wish to fit a rearward-facing child seat
in the front passenger seat, first deactivate the relative airbag (see instructions in the paragraph "Supplementary protection system (SRS) –
Airbag”).
"X"= Position not suitable for children in this weight category.
U= Suitable for child restraint systems in the "Universal" category, according to European Regulation EEC-R44 for the specified "Groups".
WARNING
67)Child restraint systems with Isofix attachments are available for a safe anchoring to the seat without using the car seat belts. See paragraph
"Isofix child restraint system setup" for the fitting instructions.
68)The diagram is indicative and for fitting purposes only. Fit the child restraint system according to the instructions, which must be included.
69)When the child restraint system is not used, secure it with the seat belt or with the ISOFIX anchorages, or remove it from the vehicle. Do not
leave it unsecured inside the passenger compartment. In this way, in the case of sudden braking or an accident, it will not cause injuries to the
occupants.
70)After installing a child restraint system, do not move the seat: always remove the child restraint system before making any adjustment.
71)Always make sure that the diagonal section of the seat belt does not pass under the arms or behind the back of the child. In the event of an
accident the seat belt will not be able to secure the child, with the risk of injury, including fatal injury. Therefore the child must always wear the seat
belt correctly.
72)Incorrect fitting of the child restraint system may result in an inefficient protection system. In the event of an accident the child restraint
system may become loose and the child may be injured, even fatally. When fitting a restraint system for newborns or children, strictly comply with
the instructions provided by the Manufacturer.
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SAFETY