If you’ve read our article detailing the new Morgan Plus Four, you’ll have read this line: “While chatting with RUSH founder, editor and supreme leader Craig about the new Alfa Romeo Milano compact (and optionally electric) SUV, I pointed out my love for the retro wordmark within the grille, in spite of being bored with retro stuff - excluding the new Renault Twingo Concept.”

It may not surprise you to learn that RUSH founder, editor and Lord of all he surveys Craig is not the biggest fan of the new model from the resurgent Italian brand. It turns out too that the Italian Government isn’t either. So what is there not to like about the smartly styled compact crossover that has great Alfa Romeo design touches scattered all over it?

Well, it’s difficult to tell from first glance as the B-segment model maintains the shield-shaped grille synonymous with the brand which can have the Alfa Romeo wordmark in classic script within it, or a close-up of the cross of Milan and the grass snake that feature within the Alfa Romeo badge, depending on the exterior styling package chosen. It could be the narrow, multi-segment running lights at each end with an additional LED strip underscoring the headlight cluster and a triple-stacked signature next to it, but I think these are nicely done, and there’s no way that the cloverleaf-style wheels based around a three or four-spoke design could be causing such outcry - they look epic.

I asked His Craig-ness for his thoughts on the exterior styling and he said: “I don’t actually mind the serpent infused grille, but the retro one is a hard pass for me. It just looks unbalanced and clashes against the futuristic headlights - like a statement is being made rather than something cohesive.”

I see where Craig is coming from, but I still don’t sense major outrage yet. So how about the interior? Can we find some middle ground there?

The two-piece Sabelt seats look excellent and they also feature the Alfa Romeo shield shape owing to a cutout beneath the headrest - itself featuring the logo stitched into the material. There are two 10.25” displays with one angled screen for the infotainment and another for the driver’s display which sits behind a small-rimmed multifunction steering wheel. The outer air vents have a cloverleaf design with an illuminated snake sitting on the adjuster dial and there’s generous amounts of microfibre to be found on the lower dashboard, seat inserts and the steering wheel.

There’s a three-seat bench in the rear complete with two ISOFIX anchor points and a boot behind that which Alfa Romeo say is the best in class owing to its 400 litre capacity and hands-free access. It’s a thumbs up from me - especially with the filament-style red lighting that finds its home in the instrument display shroud. It’s time for Craig to have his say:

CT: “I appreciate how Alfa Romeo have at least integrated the touchscreen display into the dashboard rather than plonking it on top. It’s the air vents that I don’t like - they call to mind the Toyota GR 86 and their sharp, rectangular form jars with the cowled instrument binnacles and the rest of the swoopy interior. The seats look smart, however again I don’t understand why such an unsporting car needs buckets with slots for racing harnesses. Give me some proper tan leather and stitched Italian craftsmanship. Don’t try and sell me the illusion of a sportscar.