Alfa Romeo MiTo hatchback

Drive

All MiTos come with Alfa Romeo's DNA switch, which selects between Dynamic, Normal and All-weather settings. These change the throttle response and steering depending on the setting, and it works to an extent. The sporty Dynamic mode makes the steering heavier and accelerator more sensitive, but that means the MiTo is more of an effort to drive than it is in Normal mode. All-weather mode is designed to work when road conditions are icy or slippery, but the ride still feels uncomfortable. The engine range is spot on, though: apart from the 78bhp 1.4-litre petrol and 95bhp 1.3-litre diesel engines, which both lack power, the range is quiet, smooth and peppy. The 135bhp MultiAir petrol engine is great, with effortless acceleration that makes the MiTo feel agile.

Comfort

It's easy to find a good driving position, but comfort isn’t the MiTo's strong suit. There's lots of wind and tyre noise, especially in sportier versions like the Veloce and Cloverleaf with the bigger 17-inch wheels. Rear visibility is poor because of the shallow back windows, and taller adults will find the rear seats a squeeze - although it's still better than in a MINI. The sporty Cloverleaf flagship adds adaptive dampers to the suspension, which are controlled via the DNA switch. Select Normal mode, and the MiTo Cloverleaf is the most comfortable car in the line-up.

Reliability

Safety is a real strong suit for the MiTo. It gets a five-star Euro NCAP rating, and all versions have seven airbags, anti-whiplash head restraints and electronic stability control. In contrast to the Italian company's slightly blotted reliability copybook, the MiTo seems trouble-free. Cabin quality is acceptable, with soft-touch materials across the bulk of the dash, but the lower level plastics lack the quality look and feel of those higher up.

Practicality

There's a decent-sized boot for the class and useable rear seats given the MiTo's small dimensions – even if it's awkward to get into the back. The 270-litre boot will comfortably swallow a week's shopping for most owners, although the floor is set very low, which makes loading things over the high boot lip awkward at times. A split-folding rear bench is a cost option, but it doesn’t improve practicality much. In the cabin there are precious few storage spaces, although the glovebox is big enough for a few CDs or an MP3 player. If you want to play the latter through the stereo, you’ll need to find an extra £300 to pay for the optional connection.

Value for money

No MiTo is cheap, but they’re well equipped. Even base versions get manual air-conditioning, electric windows and remote central locking. The four other trim levels – Turismo, Lusso, Veloce and Cloverleaf – get sportier as they go up in price, with alloy wheels, climate control and various design tweaks inside and out. Buyers can also choose from a host of personalisation options, such as body kits, different wheels, stickers and colour-coded trim.

Running costs

Even the thirstiest 170bhp petrol Cloverleaf MiTo offers 47.1mpg economy, and the 1.3-litre diesel returns 65.7mpg combined – although it's worth bearing in mind that the MINI Cooper D offers an equivalent 72.4mpg. The best engine is the 135bhp MultiAir petrol, which boasts 50.4mpg. All engines come with stop/start that cuts power at a standstill, which saves fuel. Depreciation is less of an issue than for Alfas of the past as well.