Skip advert
Advertisement

Alfa Romeo MiTo Cloverleaf

Is 170bhp hot hatch worthy of the legendary badge?

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Alfa Romeo MiTo
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The new Cloverleaf doesn’t quite live up to the legendary badge. But the most powerful MiTo’s smooth and punchy MultiAir turbo engine serves up useful performance, and the noise it makes will be enough to convince many buyers. Add in a decent ride, and the newcomer begins to look like a contender in the hot hatch market. However, questionable steering feedback and a dated interior ensure it just falls short of the class leaders.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Alfa Romeo is hoping to race to success with its latest model – the MiTo Cloverleaf. The legendary badge first appeared on the brand’s competition cars in 1923, when a four-leaf clover was presented to a driver at the start of the Targa Florio race as a good luck token.

Initially, the name was reserved for Alfa track cars, before being used on high-spec and high-powered versions of modern production models.

The MiTo Cloverleaf upholds this tradition, as the brilliant 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo engine delivers 170bhp – to make it easily the most powerful variant of the supermini. Peak torque of 250Nm doesn’t arrive until 2,500rpm, but the engine loves to be revved, with the linear power delivery fooling you into thinking it’s naturally aspirated.

It’s mated to a slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox, while the exhaust emits a pleasing growl that inspires you to press on. Do so and the Cloverleaf will cover 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

M240i

2021 BMW

M240i

16,531 milesAutomaticPetrol3.0L

Cash £23,990
View M240i
Jazz

2020 Honda

Jazz

23,327 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £13,595
View Jazz
e-C4

2023 Citroen

e-C4

43,031 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £11,397
View e-C4
C3 Origin

2022 Citroen

C3 Origin

21,845 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £10,797
View C3 Origin

Around town, a smooth stop-start system boosts combined fuel economy to 47mpg-plus – a terrific figure for such a quick hatch. On back roads, though, the Alfa isn’t the most involving car. Select Dynamic mode from the DNA adaptive damper system, and the suspension and steering weight up. The wheel could provide more feedback, and body control isn’t as sharp as in some rivals, either. And while the Q2 electronic differential works hard to tighten the nose’s line, the car still doesn’t provide the agility of a MINI or even the new Citroen DS3.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Outside, the Cloverleaf is set apart by alloys and stick-on badges – the latter look cheap and too big for the wings they are glued to. As with all MiTos, the styling is at its best from the rear or along the flanks, showing off the aggressive flared wheelarches. The front end still divides opinion: some will love the way the face takes cues from Alfa’s 8C Competizione; others won’t.

Inside, the headlining, plastics, carpets and seats are all black, making the cabin feel quite claustrophobic. Occupants over six foot tall will find their head skims the roof, while it’s even more cramped in the rear.

The driving position is good, though, and the standard equipment tally generous. Initially, the interior design looks exciting, with its cowled dials and metal-finished centre console. However, the large steering wheel, poor quality plastics, exposed screws and dated switchgear let it down.

So, is the new MiTo Cloverleaf worthy of its famous name? Well, it’s no hardcore hatch in the mould of those illustrious racers of the past  – but it still sounds great, and is a fast and agile choice.

Rival: Citroen DS3 DSport
While the French contendertrails in terms of power, it has better gearing than the MiTo, plus it’s lighter – so it’s a stronger performer. The Citroen doesn’t sound as good as the  MiTo, but offers a great interior and costs around £2,000 less. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,895
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,362 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,591
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025