There are some differences in a sense an evolution of the 159 design. The MiTo headlamps are rounded shape and this coupled with the raised centre in the bonnet gives it a distinctive look. The test car was a red MiTo and I believe that this is the best colour for the MiTo as you won't mistake its Alfa heritage for anything else.

The entry level Turismo models come with electric power assisted steering and a Vehicle Dynamic Control system, which Alfa claim is an mix of ABS, Anti Slip Regulation and Brake Assistant, plus Hill Holder, all as standard. That's considered a good specification deal.

The standard pack also includes electrically adjustable and heated colour-coded door mirrors and bumpers. The standard deal includes manual air conditioning, electric one-touch window operation plus an RDS radio with CD and MP3 reader.

All Alfa MiTo Turismo versions come with 16” wheels with unique design trims and 195/55 tyres, all adding that dashing look. There's a choice of cabin colours for what is a modern interior design. I found that there was some distracting reflection in the recent strong sunlight.

The safety features include driver, passenger, front side, window and driver's knee airbags, along with fast-reaction LED rear lights and a fire prevention system. The front passenger airbag can also be de-activated for a baby seat. The driver's knee airbag is a first in this car size and it added to the MiTo success in securing a 5 star safety rating in the Euro NCAP crash test.

The Mito test car that I had was powered by a lively 1.4 litre turbo-petrol engine. This powerful and tidy size engine achieved a power output of 155bhp. I found that it needed high revs to get there. Even with the matched six speed gearbox you end up revving to well over the 2,500 rpm mark to achieve a 120km/hr cruising speed on a motorway. The fact that the test car was fitted with a speedo in miles rather than kilometres almost caught me on the hop more than once.

High revs always compromises fuel economy. This was not as severe as I had expected in the MiTo. I found that the car achieved a fuel consumption figure of close to 6.5 litres/100km (43.5mpg) across a range of driving conditions.

While that's poorer than many other modern small car, you have to consider the level of power and the fact that the MiTo can achieve a 0 to 100km/hr acceleration time of just 8 seconds. In the case of the Mito, the higher fuel consumption figure is just part of a power compromise in a car that can accelerate so well.

If you want to blend thrift with style then you should consider the diesel powered versions of the MiTo. Alfa offers 1.3 litre and 1.6 litre diesel powered versions of the MiTo, both of which deliver impressive economy.

With the same MiTo look, the entry diesel model can cut the top range 1.4 litre turbo-petrol model's fuel consumption figures in half. You will have to be prepared to lose three seconds from the acceleration pace.

The other benefit of diesel power is that it cuts the CO2 rating and lowers road tax costs. The CO2 rating for the petrol powered MiTo that I drove was 153g/km and you can drop this to 119g/km, dropping two notches in the CO2 Band rating scale by taking the diesel option.

While the MiTo might seem pricey with an entry price of €18,995 but there is little to separate it from the Fiat Grande Punto, other than acceleration pace. The MiTo is simply faster and much better looking.

This new Alfa good looker is more expensive than the rest of the competition, apart from the Mini One. It can match the Mini in many respects; it's stylish, fast and distinctive. And unlike the Mini, the MiTo has a spare wheel in the boot, if only a compact one.

The MiTo is not short in terms of star features, characterised by good looks and an impressive safety system, lovely cabin and good seating with lots of adjustment. It has a lot going for it; it just simply needs to be more value.

Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4T - Specifications

Top speed  216 km/hr

0 - 100km/hr  8.0 seconds

Economy  6.5 l/100km (43.5 mpg)

CO2 emissions 153 g/km

Road Tax Band C (€302)  

Entry Price  â‚¬18,995

Caption: Alfa Romeo has impressed with the styling and look of the new compact MiTo three door small car. There are enough engine options to suit most buyers, even if the entry price seems a little steep at €18,995.

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