ALFA Romeo is about to launch two new high performance motors with the historic cloverleaf decals indicating the top specifications of its Giulietta and MiTo hot compact range.

Starting in the 1960s, the four-leaf clover symbol began to appear on performance versions of road-going Alfa Romeos, and the latest Quadrifoglio Verde versions of MiTo and Giulietta have assumed a rightful place in the tradition of the best Alfa Romeos, and the latest offerings will be on sale here next month.

The new Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde (Italian for four leaf clover) has taken on a more striking and sporty look and in addition it features the high performance engine from the Alfa Romeo 4C supercar -  the new 240bhp direct injection 1,750cc Turbo Petrol unit combined with an all-new six-speed twin dry clutch Alfa TCT  transmission which works in either all-automatic or sequential mode plus paddle shifts behind the new flat-bottomed steering wheel.

The new Giulietta Verde can hit 62mph in just 6 seconds, thanks to its newly-introduced launch control system and fuel consumption is down by 10 per cent from the previous Cloverleaf model with CO emissions down from 177 to 162 g/km. Top speed is 152mph and Alfa Romeo claim fuel consumption on a mixed run is 40.4mpg.

It also sounds great. A new fuel intake unit and changes to the exhaust system give the Giulietta Verde a truly distinctive Alfa Romeo engine roar.

On a mixed route I found the handling of the new Alfa Romeo excellent with bends taken at speed showing little hint of body roll and despite its sports suspension there was little jarring on bumpy surfaces which can often be the case the case in high performance motors and the new Giulietta Verde has all-new, body-hugging sports seats which hold you firmly in place.

The interior has the same sporty feel and features a black dashbord, aluminium sports pedals, leather and Alcatara upholstery, a moulded steering wheel with red or white stitching and kick plate with the Quadrofoglio Verde logo.

Price on launch in the UK is £28,120.

The new MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde hot hatch, which will cost £20,210,also offers thrilling driving with a new 4-litre MultiAir turbochared petrol engine that offers 170bhp and has swift acceleraton to 62mph in just 7.3 seconds.

The exterior now features a rear spoiler, a sports bumper, bburnished finish for mirror fairings, front grille, door handles, front and rear headlight frames and 17" alloy wheels with red brake callipers standing out. I liked the new all-matt Magnesio Grey body colour for the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde which  gives it a more aggressive look.

Like the Giulietta Verde the smaller Alfa Romeo hot hatch has had an interior makeover featuring black leather contrasting stitching for steering wheel, handbrake and gear lever boot, instruments with QV logo, plus a dashboard with carbon look finish and new special mats.

The Giulietta Verde three-door MiTo is fun to drive with plenty of power although I did find a bit of lag when kicking down hard on the pedal.

Steering is light but positive and once again Alfa Romeo has come up with decent suspension settings which offer a smooth drive even over rough surfaces.

Driving position is excellent with good all-round vision and all switches and dials are easy to reach plus once again the seats are firm and supportive for sporty driving.

But I would feel a bit sorry for lanky rear seat passengers. Leg room is tight.

Overall, both new sporting Alfa Romeos, although up against stiff opposition in this sector of the market, should do well.