RE: Driven: MINI JCW Coupe

RE: Driven: MINI JCW Coupe

Author
Discussion

s m

23,164 posts

202 months

Friday 27th April 2012
quotequote all
KMB said:
I haven't driven the new Mini Coupe but despite throwing in some sporty versions, my opinion is that the styling and sale pitch isn't aimed at people that frequent PH and read EVO etc

It's for the fashion conscious, ladies (sorry for the sexist generalisation), and people who probably think they like driving; although in reality don't really care for much other than friends opinions and the badge on the nose.

I want more driver orientated cars that are fun to drive, not funny to look at!

Anyway, I did manage to find secret pictures of their prototype...

I think you'll find that's a pic of a BMW 130i wink

Another car that's better to drive on non-runflats

KMB

254 posts

222 months

Friday 27th April 2012
quotequote all
It does put a whole new spin on 'booting it', but I secretly want the 1M Coupe so could not possibly agree redface

agent biscuit

92 posts

152 months

Friday 27th April 2012
quotequote all
get a cooper s for a lot less wedge and spank it up a bit with a sports exhaust and quaife diff then thrash it like u want to thrash ur 13 year old spliff taking,cider drinking son!!
happy days

s m

23,164 posts

202 months

Friday 27th April 2012
quotequote all
KMB said:
It does put a whole new spin on 'booting it', but I secretly want the 1M Coupe so could not possibly agree redface
1M Coupe - ooh, I like the M-department's "bowler hat" too ...... but I like short stubby cars like the 309 Gti, Alfa 75 and SZ so it looks great to me smile

dandarez

13,244 posts

282 months

Saturday 28th April 2012
quotequote all
KMB said:
I haven't driven the new Mini Coupe but despite throwing in some sporty versions, my opinion is that the styling and sale pitch isn't aimed at people that frequent PH and read EVO etc

It's for the fashion conscious, ladies (sorry for the sexist generalisation), and people who probably think they like driving; although in reality don't really care for much other than friends opinions and the badge on the nose.

I want more driver orientated cars that are fun to drive, not funny to look at!

Anyway, I did manage to find secret pictures of their prototype...

Ha bloody ha.

You sure it ain't because it might make you look stupid when that tiny 1.6 turbo pees off your 2-litre Clio Cup?




Pig Skill

1,368 posts

202 months

Sunday 29th April 2012
quotequote all
Not a fan. No matter how many people say they are great to drive, I just could not bear to be seen in it. I drove our neighbours after his insistence and it didn't do it for me. Steering far too twitchy and the exhaust note was too loud. Inside is just a comical as outside with the UFO speedo cluster and the MINI styled buttons.

No wonder you don't see many about. Even the trendy twentysomethings have limits!

Numeric

1,393 posts

150 months

Sunday 29th April 2012
quotequote all
Don't know about the coupe and maybe it's a press fleet thing but the standard suspension on the new JCW hatch seems a lot more giving than the standard we had on the three year old "S" we had before. It loses a tiny bit of bite but does make the car far more liveable with. My instict is that they have softened the standard suspension as an "S" I drove also felt softer

I have always suspected that the press cars are getting sports suspension, which I've always heard is way too hard for the cart tracks we all seem to have for roads these days, and can have a nasty effect of creating a lot of traction etc problems when trying to get the power down on bumpy roads. This is only what I have heard though as I guess you'd need to try the two set ups back to back.

As for the coupe I can't say I like it but the roadster looks a lot of fun and is clearly what the design was all about me thinks.

One final thought - we adored our S and stuck 60k miles on it - but the JCW is a clear step further on so well worth it for us as it does move the game on.

KMB

254 posts

222 months

Thursday 3rd May 2012
quotequote all
dandarez said:
Ha bloody ha.

You sure it ain't because it might make you look stupid when that tiny 1.6 turbo pees off your 2-litre Clio Cup?
I think you may have confused Pistonheads with the playground.

Ahh but wait, maybe you're a Mini driver and felt the need to reinforce your purchase and brand loyalty. I'll check.. How sweet wink