The Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde MY2011 will be on sale in the UK either at the end of this month or the beginning of August, with its UK public debut taking place at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend. Alfa Romeo didn't re-jig the pricing of the MiTo for the MY2011 version, rather choosing to improve its specifications, and the price of the new model is £18,755 OTR in the UK, although consumers can expect the traditional dealer discounting.

The cosmetic enhancements to the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde MY2011 come on both the exterior and interior. Starting with the outside, there is a new valance trim under the Alfa Romeo shield which aims to widen the appearance of the lower part of the front while the fog lights are now finished with black surrounds, helping to enhance the appearance of the lower air intakes. Creating a wider visual effect will help the MiTo, which is a reskinned Fiat Grande Punto and consequently it is gifted with a somewhat awkward profile.

From the side there are new Quadrifoglio Verde badges in micro-brushed aluminium, with the four-leaf clover design in relief, which are situated above the front wheel arches. In addition, the Quadrifoglio Verde's 17-inch rims are replaced by 18-inch versions in the same pattern which is exclusive to this model. Low profile 215/40 tyres are standard. Other external cosmetic enhancements include the wing mirrors, headlight (and rear light) surrounds, and door handles finished in a pearlescent, satin effect material.

Moving into the cabin, and as standard on the Quadrifoglio Verde trim, the seats now feature a central column in Alcantara suede for increased style and comfort. The totally black interior is now complemented by two-tone (green and white) seams on the seats, steering wheel, hand brake lever and gear knob - echoing the trim’s green four-leaf clover credentials. There are new carbon fibre backed Sabelt bucket seats which have been specifically styled and designed for the MiTo. With a wraparound backrest in TWILL 200 carbon fibre – so as to match the carbon fibre effect on the MiTo dashboard – and made using RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding) technology, these Sabelt seats reduce weight and also increase driver support. The seats are trimmed in Alcantara  suede and leather with an embossed Alfa logo in the middle and Alfa branded backrest controls. All stitching maintains the green and white cloverleaf theme.

All additional equipment and features added to the 2011 model year Quadrifoglio Verde MiTo have been included to upgrade the trim level where possible. This means the Quadrifoglio Verde MiTo still features, as standard, the award winning, 1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp engine which offers increased performance with lower fuel consumption (combined cycle 47.1 mpg) and emissions (139 g/km CO2) – figures you would expect from an economy car rather than a compact sports car that accelerates from 0 - 62 mph in just over 7 seconds. This engine features a good weight/power ratio, which has always been one of the key factors behind Alfa Romeo's success on the road and the racetrack. It is at the top of its category with 6.7 kg/HP. At 124 HP/litre, this engine is also one of the world leaders in specific power relative to its cubic capacity.

The innovative SDC (Synaptic Damping Control) Active Suspension system, which actively and continuously controls the electronic shock absorbers, is retained. The Active Suspension system interacts with the three different dynamic control settings of the Alfa D.N.A system (Normal, All Weather and Dynamic) – which also controls the other systems that the car features, such as Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), power steering, the electronic Q2 differential and engine electronics. Safety is integral to the MiTo, so as well as a Euro NCAP five star crash safety rating, the Quadrifoglio Verde MiTo also features seven airbags and Vehicle Dynamic Control (ABS, ASR, EBD and Brake Assist) with Hill Holder, 

Additional equipment to come as standard on the Quadrifoglio Verde includes a new USB and AUX-in socket allowing connection of an MP3 player directly to the Blue&Me Bluetooth hands-free system; cruise control; aluminium kickplates and sports pedals; sports dials with white illumination; red painted brake callipers; sports rear bumper with extractor; rear spoiler; chrome exhaust pipe and rear parking sensors.