Alfa MiTo 1.4 TB Veloce

If you lust after the Alfa Romeo 8C, but don’t have the wallet for it, then this pocket rocket might fill the gap. With looks inspired by the exclusive supercar, and a racy turbocharged engine, the baby of the Alfa range has plenty of promise.

The 155bhp 1.4-litre isn’t as powerful as some of the units in hot hatch rivals, but its free-revving nature makes it a joy to work hard. The turbo also means it feels incredibly flexible, with plenty of punch in every gear. Crucially, as with Alfas of old, the tiny powerplant is a willing companion and sounds great when extended.

The MiTo’s DNA system allows drivers to select from three modes: Dynamic, Normal and All Weather. For fun on the track, Dynamic is best – this sharpens the steering and throttle response, and raises the threshold of the stability control system. While it undoubtedly improves the reactions of the accelerator pedal, it can’t mask the numb and lifeless steering. A long-throw gearbox also takes some of the fun out of proceedings.

But there’s still plenty of amusement on offer, even though the MiTo posted one of the slowest lap times. Throw the little Alfa hard into a corner and its front wheels will push on, but this understeer can be countered by coming off the throttle. This has the effect of tucking the nose in, and you frequently find the MiTo cocking its inside rear wheel on the way into tight corners.

On the road, where you’re unlikely to push the car so hard, the Alfa is just as much fun, as the flexible engine and safe handling allow you to cover ground at a surprising rate. And while it might not have thrilled our team quite as much as the 8C Competizione, the MiTo is entertaining and desirable at a fraction of its bigger brother’s price.

CLICK HERE FOR AN EXCLUSIVE ON BOARD HOT-LAP IN THE ALFA MITO