Alfa Romeo: Zippy Mito with pedigree

Alfa Romeo has designed this car to ooze style. Photo / Supplied

I've just had a blast in Alfa Romeo's Mito, hurling it along the demanding country road I live on and thoroughly enjoying the little red hooligan. But not all my time with it has been so invigorating.

Alfa Romeo has designed this car to ooze style; to recall the brand's design and racing heritage; to deliver a premium performance persona in a pocket-sized package.

To a great extent it's succeeded. This 1.4-litre turbo-charged engine's a goodie, especially in dynamic mode, which sharpens the steering, throttle and stability control for maximum response. It pulls like the proverbial schoolboy and it's nimble enough to make the most of it, though the steering isn't quite as sharp as I'd like.

But the step down to "normal" on the pretentiously named "DNA" switch is a little too great, that mode's delivery is a little too relaxed. Yes, "normal" lets you womble around at a relaxed urban pace without using a lot of fuel. But it also means you notice the Mito's performance compromises - most notably an over-firm ride and rather more tyre noise than expected. Firm suspenders are appropriate when you're in "woo-haa" mode; not so good at the end of a long day at the office. For the car's $44,990 price tag you do get a fair bit of kit for your money. A Suzuki Swift Sport will arguably deliver as much driving fun from a slightly more sorted steering-ride-handling package, but it can't deliver the aura or extras this Mito packs as standard.

I love its looks, reminiscent as they are of the truly gorgeous Competizione 8C. The cabin's wrap-around sports seats feature a 3D fabric weave and visible stitching that oozes class. There are bells and whistles aplenty, including voice-controlled Bluetooth, seven airbags, climate air and very sharp Brembo brakes. Of course you also get similar kit, history and performance from the Mini Cooper S at an almost identical price - but that car has some fairly pedestrian siblings, whereas the only way to get a more affordable Mito is on special order. But the Mito Sport will always be an unusual piece of automotive jewellery, bought by those who'll happily make the day-to-day comfort compromise in order to access its style - and its manic edge.

Alfa Romeo Mito Sport

We like
Its looks, high specification, and manic performance edge

We don't like
Ride too firm; steering insufficiently precise

Powertrain
1.4-litre turbocharged four, 114kW at 5500rpm, 230Nm at 3000rpm, six-speed manual drives front wheels

Performance
0-100km/h in eight seconds, 6.5l/100km

Safety
Seven airbags, ABS and stability control

What it's got
Climate control air, cruise control, USB port

Vital stats
4063mm long, 270-litre boot, 45-litre fuel tank