The UK public caught its first glimpse of the newest Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde – the one that used to be known as the Cloverleaf – at last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed before it goes on sale here at the end of the month.

Described by Alfa as “a full Italian thoroughbred”, the sporty compact will be priced at £18,755 OTR.

This latest range-topping version with the four-leaf clover badge has new looks and new kit all aimed at making the most of the car’s agility, handling, safety and driving experience. Even the badge itself has been given a sprucing-up with sleek micro-brushed aluminium. The clover design is seen in relief style above the front wheel arches.

Design inspiration at the front of the car comes from the Alfa 8C Competizione supercar. The new valance under the Alfa shield widens the lower front end giving it a ground-hugging appearance, the fog lights have black surrounds and the air intakes are down low, just like the 8C.

Exclusive 18-inch alloy rims are an upgrade from the last model’s 17-inch wheels and low profile 215/40 tyres add to the MiTo’s sporty looks. A luxurious pearlescent satin effect material has been used on the wing mirrors, front and rear light surrounds and door handles. Other sexy exterior additions include the always-fun red brake callipers, sports bumper with extractor, rear spoiler and a chrome exhaust pipe.

Inside, MiTo sports seats feature a central column of Alcantara suede with the black interior complemented by two-tone green and white seams on the seats, steering wheel, handbrake and gear knob. Other interior features incude aluminium kickplates and pedals and sports dials on the dash with white illumination.

As an option, you can swap the standard seats for carbon fibre-backed Sabelt bucket seats which are lighter and more supportive. After all, who wants to be seen getting out of such a sexy car clutching one’s back with lumbago? Never a good look.

As well as looking the goods, the Quadrifoglio Verde MiTo has as standard the 1.4 TB MultiAir 170bhp engine with combined fuel consumption at 47.1mpg and CO2 emissions at 139g/km. The power-to-weight ration is 6.7kg/hp giving it acceleration of 0-62mph in just over 7 seconds.

With a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating, the newest MiTo has an adaptive electronic suspension, seven airbags and plenty of other acronyms to keep you safe such as ABS brakes, EBD and Brake Assist as well as a Hill Holder function (now that would have come handy in the driving test…).

By Georgia Lewis

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