We drove the 1.4-litre Veloce version, which despite its modest engine capacity, packs a 155bhp punch. And that results in satisfying performance – 0-60mph in 7.7sec

The Octane team travelled to this year's Le Mans 24 Hour in an Alfa Romeo MiTo. We know what you're thinking, but we needed something small, quick and, most importantly, cool - and the recently launched Veloce version seemed perfect for the task.

Alfa Romeo's new supermini is a genuine step into the unknown, as its previous small car efforts were confined to the larger (in contemporary terms) Alfasud and 33. The best-forgotten ARNA was smaller, being based on the Nissan Cherry, but it proved an unadmirable flop thanks to combining all that was bad about (then) Japanese design and Italian build quality. So, in effect, the MiTo is ploughing uncharted territory for Alfa Romeo, being a geniune MINI rival.

What sets it apart from the similarly priced opposition is the styling of the MiTo. Deliberately sculpted to ape the gorgeous 8C, it's a high-style option in a crowded market sector. As it happens, it's a perfect car for our times, and if it sells as well as the early indicators suggest, it will guarantee Alfa Romeo's long term survival - something we should all be very thankful for.

We drove the 1.4-litre Veloce version, which despite its modest engine capacity, packs a 155bhp punch. And that results in satisfying performance – 0-60mph in 7.7sec is class competitive, although you need to ensure, you select Dynamic on the three-way DNA driving control. We left it there for the entire trip...

In dynamic terms, the MiTo is satisfying, but someway short of the MINI Cooper in terms of tactility. We can live with the long gearing, but the stiff suspension and inadeqate damping do take the edge off what is potentially a great B-road companion. The steering, too, in Dynamic mode is just not there in terms of feel – all of which disappoint considering the dynamic prowess of the legendary Alfasud.

The rest of the MiTo is spot on, though. The interior and exterior design are superb, and are good enough to transcend the car's dynamic shortcomings. There are some issues with the materials used in the cabin, but at the price (£14,995 at the time of testing), we're certainly able to forgive. And on those smooth French B-roads, it was certainly entertaining.

And because of that, and its undeniable cool factor, we can't help but like it. It's imperfect, but as a tool for a quick and relatively economical dash to Le Mans, it was more than up to the task...