ALFA Romeo has been the butt of many jokes as well as the object of much admiration over many years. After all, nearly every one of them is a real looker. The beauty of the design was offset by reliability problems, but has always remained a desirable car. That has changed substantially. That the models are still desirable is a given, but the reliability issues and build quality problems seem firmly consigned to the past. No model demonstrates this better perhaps that the baby of the range MiTo. The supermini is a stylish, fun car that sits in a highly competitive sector of the market and up against excellent cars like the MINI and Audi A1. With a starting price of £12,250 it is not the cheapest to purchase, but there's a range of engines that offer economy and performance and even the entry level is well equipped. Practicality is sacrificed for Italian styling, which probably will not deter potential buyers. It’s coupe like shape and three doors mean it is right in the rear and boot is not that large, but that probably not the point with this type of car. Strangely for a hatchback, split folding rear seats are an option that will set you back another £450. For those who want more practicality a five-door is on the way later this year. But it is a pretty car that has a sleek, yet muscular appearance. It is also hard to mistake with its distinctive oval shaped headlamps signature shield grille and offset number plant and the eye-catching circular rear lights. The interior is a world away from previous Alfas with a solid, quality feel topped off with classy soft-touch plastics. Instrumentation detailing is first class with all controls legible and logical. Seats are supportive, if small in the rear and the car has a solid, premium feel to it. There is a good range of engines including a two 1.4 petrol engines, one turbocharged and a 1.3 and 1.6-litre diesel. The 1.3 diesel claims a whopping 78mpg and road tax-free motoring with CO2 emissions of 99g/km. This model featured the sporty 135bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged Multiair engine that has bags of pace and is surprisingly economical with the aid of the stop/start system, with, on a rare occasion, the claimed official 50-odd mpg seeming right near the mark. It races from 0-60mph in just 8.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 129mph. That’s plenty of power in a small car and it has the handling to match, which can be varied by the driver. The suspension is on the firm side, but it grips tightly on corners and weighted, direct steering and the slick five-speed gearbox means the driver can have plenty of fun. Even at high speed the car feels settled although the road noise can become quite intrusive with the bigger wheels. The car comes with the so-called DNA drive system that allows three settings. N as you would guess is normal, D lifts it into sporty mode by tightening up the engine and suspension dynamics, while A is for all-weather which delivers greater grip in inclement, particularly icy, conditions. Standard equipment is good with the base model Progression offering air conditioning, electric windows, immobiliser. Move up the range to get MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity together cruise control and traction control, the Distinctive adds sports pedals and other sporty styling touches. The MiTo also scores five stars on the EuroNCAP safety rating and includes seven airbags, ABS and ISOFIX child seating as standard. FAST FACTS Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 Multiair Distinctive Price: £15,950 Mechanical: 135bhp, 1,368cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox Max speed: 129mph 0-62mph: 8.4 seconds Combined mpg: 50.4 Insurance group: 19 CO2 emissions: 129g/km BiK rating: 15% Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles | 
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