JANUARY of this year saw the launch of the Alfa Romeo MiTo, a three-door sporty hatchback, charged with a mission to challenge the likes of the BMW MINI.
MiTo? Yes, I can hear the puzzled hesitation, but you don't need rocket science to work out the heritage of the name. What else could it be for a car hailing from the Milano (Mi) Styling Centre and the Torino (To) factory but MiTo?
Set on a platform derived from the very well received Fiat Grande Punto, the MiTo has five engine options, a trio of punchy petrol units in the shape of 1.4-litre 95bhp, plus a pair of 1.4-litre turbo petrol engines developing 120bhp and 155bhp respectively, while turbo diesel urge comes in the form of 1.3-litre JTD 90bhp and 1.6-litre 120bhp engines.
A trio of generous levels is also available badged Turismo, Lusso and Veloce.
All MiTos feature the likes of manual air con, electric front windows, powered and heated door mirrors, six-speaker sound system with CD and MP3 reader, plus six airbags.The Lusso model driven here adds the likes of front fogs, leather covered steering wheel and chrome exhaust.
Aiming for maximum driver satisfaction, all MiTo models feature what Alfa calls a DNA dynamic control switch which alters the behaviour of the vehicle dynamics to create three different modes based on the driving style best suited to the conditions, terrain or the wishes of the driver.
With Dynamic, Normal and All Weather set-ups available at the flick of a switch, the MiTo can be 'something in the city' in Normal mode and deliver sportier driver involvement via the Dynamic setting while the All-Weather function boosts traction control to cope with wintry conditions.
All also come with a further stack of driver safety aids including keen ABS braking with electronic braking distribution, cornering brake control system and vehicle dynamic control, Alfa's version of electronic stability program, which includes anti-slip regulation designed to optimise traction.
A striking profile leaves observers in no doubt as to the MiTo's purpose in life, from the legendary shield-shaped front grille through the purposeful high waistline flowing over flared wheel arches to a hatchback rear with short overhang featuring LED lights.
This latest Alfa certainly communicates power, performance and agility while the well put together cabin looks quality, featuring some top drawer plastics and fabrics.
Sufficient movement from the seating and steering wheel helps to find an agreeable driving position while a thoughtfully set out, carbon fibre effect, dashboard tops out the interior.
However, space in the rear may prove a little tight in head and legroom for some while the 270-litre luggage bay is perhaps more for weekenders than family use.
Paired with a sporty slick-switching manual gearbox, the 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine gives a good account of itself on the tarmac using its 120bhp to good effect. The 0-62mph milestone comes in under 10 seconds and there is a top speed of 123mph, on tap while over the combined driving cycle, not far short of a very wallet friendly 60mpg is available.
Linking together a series of corners, the MiTo proves well balanced, composed, grippy and agile on its low centre of gravity set-up while Alfa's clever suspension also features coil-over springs set within the dampers.
This helps to reduce roll while delivering some impressively sharp turn-ins to corners and, despite a firmish feel to the suspension, the MiTo also cruises comfortably over the long haul.
Overall, the Alfa Romeo MiTo is a lovely little mover, a fun car which adds Italian charm, sporty looks and agreeable running costs, all of which go quite some way to justifying the Alfa chiefs' proud boast of being the sportiest compact car ever.
FAST FACTS
Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.6 JTDm Lusso
Price: £14,045
Mechanical: 120bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 123mph
0-62mph: 9.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 58.9
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 126g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage