In order to keep up with the newfound sportiness of the brand, brought about by the release of the highly-anticipated 4C mid-engined sports car, Alfa Romeo is announcing an updated version of the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde, QV or Cloverleaf, depending on which you think sounds best.

However, being Alfa and in the state that it currently is, there’s absolutely nothing major going on under the skin, except for the striking matte silver paint (known as Magnesio Grey), and the update focuses on minor changes, most of which are purely cosmetic.

The engine is the same 170 PS 1.4-liter turbo that it had before, so its acceleration time to 100 km/h or 62 mph is the exact same 7.3 seconds, as is the top speed of 219 km/h or 137 mph.

Thankfully, the MultiAir engine itself was built with efficiency in mind, along with outright performance to boot, so it’s claimed to use 5.4 l/100 km which equates to about 52 Imperial mpg and 124 g/km CO2; all very good numbers for the performance, fuel type and displacement.

Setting this QV model apart from lesser MiTos are the revised rear spoiler, brushed aluminum (-effect) details and 17-inch rims that poorly conceal red brake calipers.

For driver and passengers, the black leather interior with contrasting red stitching will probably be the highlight, since Alfa knows a thing or five about making a beautiful looking seat that almost cossets you; these are complimented by customary special badging, new instruments and “carbon look” trim pieces.

By Andrei Nedelea

PHOTO GALLERY

Alfa-MiTo-QV-1Alfa-MiTo-QV-2Alfa-Romeo-2[3]Alfa-Romeo-1[3]