WITH its matte Magnesio Grey exterior finish and Green Cloverleaf badging the latest Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde certainly looks ready for action.

And its ability lives up to its racy looks with higher levels of performance, efficiency, specification and not forgetting Alfa's traditional strength - driver satisfaction.

You can hardly call this latest MiTo modest with distinctive burnished finish on the headlight surrounds; front grille; door mirrors; door handles and tail-light surrounds, as well as its rear spoiler; sports rear bumper; twin chrome exhaust pipes; 18-inch alloy wheels; red Brembo brake callipers and, of course, the unmistakable Quadrifoglio Verde emblem on the front wings.

This is a state-of-the-art hot hatch and is brimming over with the dynamic spirit symbolised by the Green Clover badge that has been borne by some of the great Alfas of the past.

But this is no exercise in retro grandeur because it sports an interior which is bang up to date with a new flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, trimmed in leather with contrasting white stitching and paddle-shifters for the ALFA TCT transmission, as well as the new instruments with integrated Quadrifoglio Verde logo.

Black leather with white stitching also trims the handbrake lever and the gear lever while the Competizione 'carbon look' dashboard, and aluminium kick plate add to the special feel of the interior.

Seats are height adjustable on the driver's side and with lumbar adjustment for both front occupants - both supportive and comfortable for long trips. The easy to operate lift handles of the seat backs make entry and exit to and from the rear seats exceptionally easy.

The icing on the cake lies under the bonnet an advanced 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo Petrol engine, which develops a maximum power output of 170hp at 5,500rpm and maximum torque of 184lb/ft / 250Nm at 2,500 rpm (in Dynamic mode).

By combining MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve management with Alfa Romeo's six-speed TCT twin dry clutch transmission, engineers have managed to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions dramatically compared to the outgoing model - by 10 percent to 52.3mpg (combined cycle) and 11 percent to 124g/km, respectively.

This is an object lesson in just what can be achieved with a modern engine. Thinking back to some of the stodgy and sluggish old 1.4s of some other manufacturers that were on the market in the 1980s, this engine is a true revelation.

And it proves itself on the road with 136mph top speed and 0-62mph sprint of just 7.3 seconds.

Another feature is the Uconnect^™ five-inch touchscreen multimedia system in addition to Bluetooth connectivity, Text Reader, Audio Streaming, Voice Controls, MP3, USB and Aux-In. This system is also equipped with DAB digital radio and satellite navigation by TomTom as standard.

Amongst the most interesting options available for the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde are the lightweight Sabelt seats which feature a prominent Alfa Romeo logo in the central part of the Alcantar material and wraparound carbon fibre backrests made from the innovative RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding) technology.

Of particular note are the four-piston Brembo brakes which offer stopping power worthy of a much more expensive car.