ALFA Romeo's souped-up version of its smallest car the MiTo has gone all Italian with a new name that is pure poetry in motion.

Unlike some name changes - and I'm thinking here of the artist formerly known as Prince changing his name to a bizarre symbol - Alfa mst be on to a winner be rechristening the Cloverleaf the Quadrifoglio Verde.

In fact it's hard to imagine a more Italian sounding name - even if it does just mean ‘green fourleaf clover' .

The latest hot hatch MiTo which was launched last year has undergone a few changes too with an updated exterior and an all new sports interior,

A new valance under the Alfa Romeo shield aims to reinforce the car's sporting identity, its foglights are finished with black surrounds and there are new Quadrifoglio Verde badges above the wheel arches.

Another enhancement is a striking set of  new 18 inch alloy wheels which are an upgrade from the previous 17 inch ones, come with low profile tyres and really look the part.

On the inside the sporty feel has been further enhanced.

A new central column on the sport seats is in Alcantara suede, and an all black interior is complemented by green and white seams on the seats, steering wheel, handbrake lever and gearstick knob.

The car comes with the 1.4 TV MultiAir 170bhp engine which delivers a decent blend of performance and economy - a combined fuel economy figure of 51.4mpg and a 0-62mph sprint time of seven-and-a-half seconds. Fuel efficiency is enhanced by a stop/start system.

Alfas has an enviable sporting heritage and are perhaps one of the finest fusions of style and performance going.

The Quadrifoglio Verde continues this tradition in that it looks good but also offers impressive performance and handling.

A Synaptic Damping Control and Active Suspension system are behind its agile handling. The system actively and continuously controls the electronic shock absorbers. The Active Suspension provides three control systems for everyday use, sporty driving and bad weather conditions.

If you want to have fun in it then the first thing you'll do when you take off is engage the sporty Dynamic mode.

The normal mode feels a tad ponderous and unexciting but push the Dynamic switch and it is transformed in an instant into something completely different. Just how different it is has to be experienced to be believed.

The MiTo is a stunning looking small car, every bit an Alfa with an inimitable sense of Italian style.

Price-wise this model might be up there in compact hatch rather supermini territory but in this particular package it's worth every penny.