What's the news?

The revised Alfa Romeo MiTo has now gone on sale with a refreshed look, changes to the interior, more standard equipment and a new engine under the bonnet. Four trim levels are available - Sprint, Distinctive, Sportiva and Quadrifoglio Verde (QV) - and prices start from £14,350.

Exterior

On the whole, not a lot has changed for the 2014 model. The front grille now contains more chrome, the headlight and taillight surrounds are now finished in titanium grey and the rear bumper looks a tad sportier. In addition, Alfa Romeo has introduced a new range of exterior colours including Matte Magnesio Grey, and all models now come with tinted rear windows. Distinctive versions come with 17-inch alloys as standard, while larger 18-inch items are found further up the range. Top-spec QV models also come with red brake callipers and badging on the wings.

Interior

The latest MiTo comes with a higher quality interior than the outgoing model according to Alfa Romeo, as well as more equipment as standard. Every model now comes with a new Uconnect five-inch touchscreen infotainment system complete with voice recognition, Bluetooth, USB and aux-in connectivity; and with the additional option of satellite navigation. Those opting for the Distinctive model will also enjoy parking sensors and cruise control; while Sportiva customers gain a QV sports steering wheel and leather-bound handbrake with contrasting stitching. The top-of-the-range QV model has all this as well as a better quality of hide on its bespoke sports seats.

Mechanicals

Alfa Romeo likes turbochargers. This fact is demonstrated nicely by the MiTo, as all six engines available feature forced induction. One of these units is a new 105hp TwinAir engine that develops 20hp more than the previous generation. This translates to a 0-62mph time that's more than a second quicker than its predecessor, as well as being comparably efficient with a 67.3mpg combined cycle figure and emissions of just 99g/km. Two more turbocharged petrol engines are available as well as two diesels; all of which can be specified with manual or TCT automatic gearboxes. The flagship engine of the range is a 170hp petrol unit fitted exclusively to the QV version. The sporty QV model also benefits from SDC active suspension and Brembo brakes.

Anything else?

Orders for the 2014 MiTo are being taken now, with the £14,350 starting price getting you behind the wheel of a 105hp TwinAir Sprint version with a six-speed manual gearbox. Prices climb up to the flagship QV model that demands £18,995.