Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifolgio Verde arrives

Alfa Romeo's go-fast brand, Quadrifoglio Verde (translated: four leaf clover), has worked its magic on the MiTo compact hatch, installing a beefier 125kW engine, bigger Brembo brakes and active suspension.

Now available in Alfa Romeo dealerships, the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde (QV) is priced relatively sharply; it's $30,500 (ex on-road costs) cost putting it within striking range of European favourites, such as the Volkswagen Polo GTI ($29,540), Peugeot 208 GTi ($29,990) and Renault Clio RS200 ($29,290).

However the above trio are still significantly more costly than the class-leading European-sourced Ford Fiesta ST ($25,990). The MiTo QV is a six-speed manual-only proposition, like the Fiesta.

Alfa Romeo will be looking to entice customers to the MiTo QV not only with its uprated 1.4-litre MultiAir four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, that generates 125kW/250Nm making for a 7.5 seconds 0-100km/h dash, but also via improved luxury and technology. The Italian car-maker has fitted a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, leather hand brake lever with white and green QV stitching, sports seat with white piping and embossed logos, alloy pedals, QV floor mats, aluminium QV scuff plates, a "competizione" carbon-look dashboard and sports instruments with white graphics.

Other standard features on the new $30.5K three-door sports hatch  include a five-inch touch-screen infotainment system, Bluetooth streaming with verbal commands, USB and aux ports and a text message reader.

In terms of outright power the MiTo QV falls behind the current crop of compact hot hatches, its 125kW no match for the Fiesta ST's 149kW or the Renault Clio RS200's 147kW.

However the Alfa Romeo MiTo QV weigh 1145kg, around 50kg lighter than the Renault, which results in a 219km/h top speed, while maintaining low (claimed) fuel economy of 6.0L/100km.

Unlike many of its rivals the MiTo QV comes with Alfa Active Suspension, which is designed to improve the car's handling when driving enthusiastically, while improving ride comfort when cruising or commuting. The shock absorbers "actively and continuously change the chassis response depending on road conditions and the driver's needs" says the Italian company.

The Alfa Active Suspension is linked to the can's D.N.A. interface, a three mode system that adjusts the responsiveness of the engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox. In Dynamic mode it also reduces the intervention of electronic traction control.

Other chassis upgrades include Brembo brakes with red calipers to reduce braking distances, and bigger 18-inch alloy wheels, dubbed 'Titanium Quadrifoglio Verde'.

Exterior changes to the MiTo QV comprise twin chrome-plated exhaust outlets, Titanio Grey burnished finishes for the headlights, taillights exterior mirrors, grille and door handles, and a new rear spoiler and sport bumper.