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The Mito Cloverleaf is fitted with a turbocharged version of Fiat’s new 1.4-litre MultiAir engine, in this case producing 168bhp at 5,500rpm and 184lb-ft of torque at 2,500rpm. It’s certainly pretty peppy, with lots of power on tap, especially above 2,000rpm or so, when the turbo whistles into life and there’s even more urge. A 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds sounds unexceptional, but once it’s on the move it feels quick enough, if not exactly grin-inducing. However, the powerplant does produce a pleasing growl that rather devilishly digs you in the ribs and eggs you on, daring you to rev it and see just exactly how loud a noise you can provoke it into making. The engine is also mated to an equally decent six-speed manual transmission that has relatively short throws and a slick change to add to the sporty feel of the Mito Cloverleaf.

Alfa Romeo has sought to overcome the shortcomings of the standard Mito by fitting a system called DNA to the Cloverleaf. The system (which is short for the three settings – Dynamic, Normal and All-Weather) adapts the suspension, throttle response and steering to change its character, depending on the conditions. We drove the Cloverleaf on dry roads, so weren’t able to properly test the All-Weather setting, and we didn’t spend much time in the Normal setting either, as the throttle response is horribly woolly, the suspension is too bouncy and the steering pretty lifeless. Alfa could have dispensed with the electronics and just set the car up as it is in Dynamic mode, with a firm but perfectly acceptable suspension and the accelerator responding as it should. However, the steering is still lacking in feedback, although the turn-in is sharp and accurate enough, and there’s a perceptible body roll that should really be under greater control.

Alfa has a rather unfortunate reputation when it comes to reliability, showing poorly in customer satisfaction surveys (the brand doesn’t even make an appearance in the JD Power surveys) and also having a bad record in after-sales service. Alfa has become something of a watchword for cars that are poorly finished and tend to break down rather too often. This never seems to have too much of an adverse effect on the hardcore Alfisti, however, who put up with the brand’s foibles as a price worth paying for attractive cars with their particular heritage. However, the company has made a real effort to improve on all fronts in recent years and the Mito does seem to be a better-built car than previous Alfas, with a solid appearance, both inside and out. The materials in the (all-black) cabin are also of a fairly high quality, but some of the plastics don’t quite make the grade.

The Alfa Romeo Mito has been crash-tested by Euro NCAP under the previous star-based system (as opposed to the current system that produces a score out of 100, first introduced in 2009). It was awarded five stars for adult crash protection, three stars for child occupant protection and two for pedestrian impact protection. This result is due, in part, to the level of active and passive safety equipment, including seven airbags (front, window, side ‘bags, plus a driver’s kneebag); an anti-whiplash head restraint system; VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) Alfa Romeo’s version of ESP; ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), part of the VDC that optimises traction with the aid of the brakes and throttle; CBC (Cornering Brake Control), which comes into play when the car takes a corner while under heavy braking; DST (Dynamic Steering Torque) that interacts with the electric power steering (which generates torque at the steering wheel) and VDC; plus Alfa’s Q2 electronic differential, which improves the transfer of drive torque to the wheels to help it to remain sure-footed.

As the Mito Cloverleaf is a supermini, there’s nota great deal of interior space, so it’s pretty much of a muchness compared to most of its competitors (Fiesta, Corsa, Mini). The rear is therefore a bit of a squeeze for adults and the fact that the Mito only has three doors means that getting in and out can be a bit on the awkward side. Bootspace of 270 litres is a little less than its rivals, but not by much, so it’s enough for a couple of small cases or the weekly shop. However, you won’t want to put anything really heavy in there, as the aperture is placed quite high, requiring objects to be lifted over a lip quite a way from the ground. Space in the front is also average for its class, but the driving seat doesn’t lower enough, so tall drivers might find a lack of headroom. The steering wheel also doesn’t have enough movement in its rake adjustment, so an ideal driving position is elusive. The small back window also restricts rear vision.

The Mito Cloverleaf isn’t cheap to buy: £17,895 is quite pricey for a supermini, even a hot one like this (it’s also more than the Mini Cooper S). However, its official fuel consumption of 47.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 136g/km – which, thanks to the turbocharger fitted to the engine, makes it more economical than cars powered by the standard 1.4-litre MultiAir unit – means that it’s pretty economical for a hot supermini. A Start&Stop system that cuts the engine when stationary in traffic helps improve economy. The emissions place it in Band E for road tax, costing £110 a year. Insurance groupings are unknown at the moment, but expect them to be in the region of 14-15 under the old system, or 28-30 in the new 50-group system. Residuals, thanks to the Alfa image, tend to be fairly strong for the Mito, with this hotter version likely to be even more desirable to the Alfisti, and hence more in demand.

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