KEY to the latest quick Mito is the name change; gone is the old familiar ‘Cloverleaf’ tag, replaced by the more flamboyant-sounding ‘Quadrifoglio Verde’ name. In truth, it’s the same thing but, like everything else in life, it sounds a lot more impressive in Italian.

The changes are a little more than just window dressing, however. New bumpers, more kit and a spruced up cabin are the obvious improvements, while the Mito gains the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox from the more powerful Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde.

Alfa Romeo’s designers have refrained from making any major changes to the Mito’s exterior for this performance update. In truth, the car’s distinctive look is hardly a prime candidate for a wholesale facelift, and its oversize headlights and trademark shield grille ensure that it stands out in the supermarket car park. And that’s the point: you buy an Alfa because you want to make a statement, not shy away from the public’s gaze.

The Mito is a small car and its three-door layout ensures that it’s not hard to find a parking space in town, but the trade off is limited room in the back for anyone over primary school age. That said, the car does boast a deep boot - although the load lip is high - and there’s ample oddment storage space in the cabin. It’s also snug up front for two adults, but that’s part of the car’s charm and enhances the Mito’s touchy-feely character.

With its 1.4-litre turbo motor pushing out 170 horsepower, the little Mito certainly feels brisk. Factor in the car’s semi-auto dual clutch gearbox, and it’s easy to make rapid progress without exerting much effort. The car’s chunky flat bottom steering wheel adds a welcome tactile layer to proceedings, while the car’s chuckable nature ensures plenty of fun when tackling corners.

That dual clutch gearbox is a generous addition to the Mito’s kit list, and although you don’t get the Giulietta’s fancy launch control function, you do get a swift-action gearbox plus steering wheel paddle shifters. Leave the ‘box in ‘D’ and it copes well with the unpredictable nature of urban commuting, too.

At this price point the Mito is in good company, with the likes of Ford’s Fiesta ST and Mini’s Cooper models also keen to grab your attention. In the Alfa’s favour is a long list of standard kit plus that two-pedal gearbox. And the little Alfa isn’t such a thirsty beast, either. Modest CO2 and fuel consumption should help ease the pain of the monthly payments.

For hardcore fans of the brand this hot Mito is an ideal entry into Alfa’s sporty sub-brand. It’s not short of character yet is competent enough to please most people. Its distinctive looks are another plus if you’re not a fan of the generic design of some of the rival offerings out there. And there’s the heritage to consider; that bold cloverleaf badge on the wing is no marketing gimmick - the firm’s sporting history is equal to that of many German premium brands.

At a glance

Alfa Romeo Mito Quadrifoglio Verde

Price: £20,210

Engine: 1.4-litre petrol unit producing 170bhp and 184lb/ft of torque

Transmission: Six-speed dual clutch gearbox driving the front wheels

Performance: Top speed 136mph, 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds

Economy: 52.3mpg combined

Emissions: 124g/km of CO2