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This is a second verdict on the new Alfa Romeo Mito, because the first press Mitos were incorrectly set up. This iteration is much better, if hardly flawless.

Whether undergoing the rigours of the Autocar road test or battling amid the white heat of comparison, we have so far found Alfa Romeo’s Mito wanting. The 153bhp Veloce version scored a disappointing 2.5 stars in our road test, and it came last in a face off against the Mini Cooper S and the Ford Fiesta Zetec S...Read the full article

I woudnt agree with Richard on that the Fiesta is a better car as I am a massive alfa fan and I have been for years.I know that there is a difference of 1000 pounds in the price but if it was me I know what I would rather have... The Mito is faster and crucially better looking and will be a less common sight on British and Irish roads which is better also!

Does anyone else out there agree with me?

How to shoot yourself in the foot Alfa style ... send out press cars with the wrong settings!!!

 You couldn't make it up!

timmmmy:

I woudnt agree with Richard on that the Fiesta is a better car as I am a massive alfa fan and I have been for years.I know that there is a difference of 1000 pounds in the price but if it was me I know what I would rather have... The Mito is faster and crucially better looking and will be a less common sight on British and Irish roads which is better also!

The Alfa's aimed at the Premium end of the market, the Fiesta is mainstream, and isn't releasing an ST version any time soon, so it's a lot cheaper. I don't think many will be making the Mito vs Fiesta decision, so hardly worth mentioning, but the Mito vs Mini comparison is a relevant one, and perhaps the forthcoming Audi A1 / A2 models.

timmmmy, as a self confessed Alfa fan, I'm not sure your views can exactly be taken as unbiased!

 I dunno most press reviews on Mito were positive only Autocar gave the bashing, a mostly typical Autocar Alfa bashing, doubt there was much wrong with the car in the first place just the reviewer.

 
 If Alfa did send the wrong car was it also one that had adjustable suspension, no just an arse review.

Autocar:

This is a second verdict on the new Alfa Romeo Mito, because the first press Mitos were incorrectly set up.

How does a company like Alfa Romeo, in this day and age, let its press cars out on the "wrong set up"?  This is just incompetent, especially considering first impressions last and no where more so than the motoring world.

The next question has to be, if they are capable of making this bigger balls up, what else do they get wrong on a customer level?

Agree about the incompetence, tis a bit worrying, but this does at least explain the disparity between the road test review and comments made to defend the MiTo by people who'd booked test drives. Looking forward to seeing the MultiAir system put into practice on this car at the end of the year, and whether or not the GTA will cope with the power through its front wheels and/ or ruin your spine

WOW! Do i detect actual criticism of Mini Cooper's handling? "busy" That must be a first.

TegTypeR:

How does a company like Alfa Romeo, in this day and age, let its press cars out on the "wrong set up"?  This is just incompetent, especially considering first impressions last and no where more so than the motoring world.

Could it be that there wasn't a balls up after all but stung by the wide press criticism of the car Alfa carried out a quick re-jig of the suspension set up?

Lee23404:

Could it be that there wasn't a balls up after all but stung by the wide press criticism of the car Alfa carried out a quick re-jig of the suspension set up?

Possibly, but if that's the improvements they can do in that shorter period of time, just imagine what they could do if they really put their mind to it!

Does anyone out there own a Mito?  I want to replace my 18-month old A3 2.0TDi (good nick, open to offers etc) with something more funky and have been drawn to a Cooper S.  I used to sell and race Alfas (Alfasuds) in the 80s, so I quite like the idea of a return, but have been put off by the less than complimentary road test reports (and the fact that my nearest dealer ignored my presence in his showroom, despite my climbing all over the Mito on show!)

TegTypeR:

Possibly, but if that's the improvements they can do in that shorter period of time, just imagine what they could do if they really put their mind to it!

Maybe a Prodrive special?