What is the Alfa Romeo MiTo like to drive?

Alfa Romeo brand is known for sporty, engaging driving dynamics and MiTo was an attempt to offer some portion of that experience at an attainable price. Car people regularly argue about whether the MiTo really lives up to the Alfa Romeo heritage, and how it compares to the MINI Cooper or Audi A1 for fun to drive. The car and its handling characteristics, steering feel, and performance are mostly what is discussed. The MultiAir engine options also creates interest in how the different engine options influence the driving experience. On one side there are those who say the MiTo combines Italian flair with accessible performance, the other that it fails to deliver the driving thrills you expect from an Alfa Romeo badge. It's a conversation that often centers around whether the MiTo manages to straddle the divide between the every day practicality and the sporty character that Alfa Romeo is famous for.