I've just had a blast in Alfa Romeo's Mito, hurling it along the demanding country road on which I live and thoroughly enjoying the little red hooligan - but not all my time with it was so invigorating.
Alfa Romeo has designed this car to ooze style; to recall the brand's design and racing heritage; to deliver a premium performance persona in a pocket-sized package.
To a great extent it's succeeded. Its turbocharged,1.4-litre, 114kW/230Nm engine and six-speed manual gearbox drive the front wheels and the engine's a goodie, especially in dynamic mode which sharpens the steering, throttle and stability control for maximum response.
It pulls amazingly and is nimble enough to make the most of it - though the steering isn't quite as sharp as I'd like. Alfa claims 0-100km/h in eight seconds and 6.5 litres/100km The tank holds 45 litres.
The step down to "normal" on the pretentiously named "DNA" switch is a little too big, its delivery is a little too relaxed. Yes, "normal" lets you womble around at a relaxed urban pace without using a lot of fuel, but it also means you notice the Mito's performance compromises - most notably an over-firm ride and rather more tyre noise than expected.
Firm suspenders are appropriate when you're in "woo-haa" mode; not so good at the end of a long day at the office. For the car's NZ$44 990 price tag (it costs R241 000 in SA) you do get a fair bit of kit for your money. A Suzuki Swift Sport will arguably deliver as much driving fun from a slightly more sorted steering-ride-handling package but it can't deliver the aura or extras the Mito packs as standard.
I love its looks, reminiscent as they are of the truly gorgeous Competizione 8C. The cabin's wraparound sport seats have a 3D fabric weave and visible stitching that oozes class. There are bells and whistles aplenty, including voice-controlled Bluetooth, seven crash bags, aircon and very sharp Brembo brakes
Of course you also get similar kit, history and performance from the Mini Cooper S at an almost identical price - but that car has some fairly pedestrian siblings, whereas the only way to get a more affordable Mito is on special order.
But the Mito Sport will always be an unusual piece of automotive jewellery, bought by those who'll happily make the day-to-day comfort compromise to access its style - and its manic edge.
I liked its looks, high specification and manic performance edge but the ride was too firm, the steering insufficiently precise but the car comes with seven crash bags, anti-lock brakes and stability control.