ALFA Romeo's new supermini - the MiTo - is designed to appeal to a young, image conscious audience that is not scared of spending a bit extra for one of the coolest cars on the road.
The Italians normally manage to produce automobiles with head-turning good looks and the MiTo is no exception with styling cues taken from the Alfa 8C Competizione supercar.
At the front, the shield-shaped grille is imposingly sited at the end of a sculpted V-shaped bonnet, flanked by stunning headlamps, while the pert rear and flared wheelarches hint at the performance available from the 155bhp, 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the car I tested.
The smart exterior is matched by a high quality interior featuring a carbon fibre-look dashboard with all of the central features are angled slightly towards the driver. The hooded dials are sporty and the centre console has a classy satin finish.
The MiTo is a refined beast thanks to careful soundproofing that ensures the outside world stays just that - outside.
Getting comfortable behind the steering wheel is easy and the driving experience is rewarding thanks to Alfa's innovative DNA system.
A three-position switch, situated beside the gearlever, alters the throttle response and steering set-up for different driving environments which Alfa calls Dynamic, Normal and All Weather.
In Dynamic mode, acceleration is quicker and the steering sharper while the handling is more direct. For icy and slippery surfaces the All Weather mode provides a more gentle response.
The interior is snug with access to the rear seats relatively easy thanks to front seats that slide and tip forward. The boot is a decent size at 270 litres although the high load lip makes it a little difficult to manoeuvre bigger items into it.
There are three petrol and two diesel engines to choose from. The 1.4-litre beauty in the car I tried takes the MiTo from 0-62mph in just eight seconds with the help of a smooth six-speed manual gearbox.
There are three trim levels - Turismo, Lusso and the top of the range Veloce versions which are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, sport red painted brake calipers and a satin effect on headlamp surrounds and door mirrors.
A rear spoiler and sports red bumper are also added while inside a leather steering wheel with remote audio controls, a leather gear knob and floor mats, plus sports seats complete the look. There's also a Blue&Me hands-free phone system with voice recognition and media player with USB port.
The ride is firm, especially with the larger alloys fitted, and the MiTo bangs into potholes - however grip is excllent and there is little body roll in corners.
Alfa ensure the MiTo is one of the safest superminis on the road as all versions come with electronic stability control, seven airbags and active anti-whiplash head restraints. Indeed the Mito has achieved the maximum five-star rating in crash tests conducted by Euro NCAP.
The MiTo is on the expensive side for a supermini but its good looks and general desirability should keep resale values at a decent level.
Running costs are reasonable with fuel consumption, emissions and insurance costs anything but excessive.
FAST FACTS
Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 TB Veloce 3dr
Price: £15,495
Mechanical: 155bhp, 1,368cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 134mph
0-62mph: 8 seconds
Combined mpg: 43.5
Insurance group: 10
CO2 emission: 153g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage