RE: Driven: MINI JCW Coupe

RE: Driven: MINI JCW Coupe

Author
Discussion

JohnoVR6

690 posts

212 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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Codswallop said:
Not surprising that a body shell with fewer large openings is stiffer than one with more openings. Saloons/ non-hatchback style coupes are generally always stiffer than their hatchback counterparts where a large part of the bodyshell lifts away.
I understand what you are saying, but that's not to say that a significant part of this doesn't lift away also. The boot lid and aperture is huge.

For what it's worth, I actually really like the car in principle. I even quite like the way it looks. But if it was a more focused, driver orientated car, with less equipment and a cheaper price it would makes sense to me, say a FWD alternative to the GT86 et al. It's just the whole variation on a theme I don't agree with.

toppstuff

13,698 posts

247 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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Johnboy Mac said:
Really? Pray tell us why.
Because it is not a white household appliance like the Golf is.

I like VW's, don't get me wrong, but the adulation heaped on the Golf GTI completely escapes me.

Golfs are appliances. Very good appliances, but that is all they are.

The Mini in contrast, is a grossly overstyled, ugly, quite ridiculous little thing. But I prefer those qualities in a car with pretence to be sporting, to the bland all-rounder qualities of the Golf.

My Mum would prefer the Golf. She would dislike the Mini. That is all, really.

I would still happily own a Golf ( and I am thinking of doing so ) but it would be a diesel SE. And I would be under no illusions that it is an object of desire anymore than owning the latest AEG tumble dryer.


macajc88

112 posts

161 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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Why didn't BMW give this model a different rear end? Think they had an opportunity here to introduce consumers to a fresher design direction. Something sleeker.
Always liked Minis from the front, could live with the baseball cap if the car was solid black, but think the backend is looking dated.

Johnboy Mac

2,666 posts

178 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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toppstuff said:
Johnboy Mac said:
Really? Pray tell us why.
Because it is not a white household appliance like the Golf is.

I like VW's, don't get me wrong, but the adulation heaped on the Golf GTI completely escapes me.

Golfs are appliances. Very good appliances, but that is all they are.

The Mini in contrast, is a grossly overstyled, ugly, quite ridiculous little thing. But I prefer those qualities in a car with pretence to be sporting, to the bland all-rounder qualities of the Golf.

My Mum would prefer the Golf. She would dislike the Mini. That is all, really.

I would still happily own a Golf ( and I am thinking of doing so ) but it would be a diesel SE. And I would be under no illusions that it is an object of desire anymore than owning the latest AEG tumble dryer.
Cool. It's good that we're not all the same.

AlexRWD

1,254 posts

237 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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That does look a pretty good colour combo for the car!

I'm glad there are quirky cars like this, clearly not for everyone, but cars that are designed for everyone tend to be compromises.

DeltaEvo2

869 posts

192 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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It looks like it's got a cap on... smile

TheOrangePeril

778 posts

180 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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sinbaddio said:
BMW have a knack of selling cars that don't look great (X6 etc) - it'll be intersting to see how many of these get out on the roads. Personally I don't mind it, it's different and quirky. I wouldn't buy one tho!
But the X6 does look great...

Maybe they should get that in the Dakar next time along with the Countryman!

nickfrog

21,095 posts

217 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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I have become a big fan of Cooper S or JCW Mini "normal" hatches when bought second hand as they're a hoot to drive and oh so neutral.

But this against a new £24K (after discount) GT86 which has 4 seats, a 5-year warranty and RWD with LSD ?

WillBrumBrum

607 posts

198 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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Almost looks as good as the Suzuki X90!

nosuchuser

837 posts

216 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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TheOrangePeril said:
But the X6 does look great...

The Danimal

178 posts

155 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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WillBrumBrum said:
Almost looks as good as the Suzuki X90!
Ooooooh... I quite liked those....

enroz

98 posts

165 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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Hateful car.

The Only Way Is Essex crowd will LOVE IT.

Seriously, if you had £29k, why in the name of Buddesus would you want to get this roller skate????

edwheels

256 posts

146 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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I think the styling is just a little bit off - I can't help but think that a little but less fussy detailing at the back would transform it.

It is also very colour specific. I think an all-black might one might look OK.

For my money, though I would stick the the 3 door Mini.... having said that perhaps we just need to get used to it! It'll sell, no doubt about that....

edwheels

256 posts

146 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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The Danimal said:
WillBrumBrum said:
Almost looks as good as the Suzuki X90!
Ooooooh... I quite liked those....
Remember reading about the XC90 - it has all the disadvantages of a 2 door, all the disadvantages of a 2 seater, all the disadvantages of an off-roader, all the disadvantages of a van.... none of the advantages of any! You couldn't recreate that if you tried!


Dr Interceptor

7,773 posts

196 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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Do you know... sometimes I read a review, and I think the tester dislikes the car before he/she drives it. This comes across strongly in this case - you don't like the looks or the marketing, so almost hated it before driving it.

I've driven one... it's much sharper to drive than a standard hatch, and given I'm 6ft5 there's still a surprisingly good amount of room inside!

RemyMartin

6,759 posts

205 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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enroz said:
Hateful car
This x 1,000,000

Harry Flashman

19,332 posts

242 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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ths car is my guilty pleasure.

I really like it.

I know I shouldn't.

frown

Negative Creep

24,965 posts

227 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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LuS1fer said:
DAVEVO9 said:
yuck
Ah,in the tyre-tracks of Datsun/Nissan Bluebirds.*


  • according to Vera Lynn.
weeping

arkenphel

484 posts

205 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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Dr Interceptor said:
Do you know... sometimes I read a review, and I think the tester dislikes the car before he/she drives it. This comes across strongly in this case - you don't like the looks or the marketing, so almost hated it before driving it.

I've driven one... it's much sharper to drive than a standard hatch, and given I'm 6ft5 there's still a surprisingly good amount of room inside!
How do you fit?


I think I have a long body. Or a really huge arse. Headroom was just ok, but the seating position was perfect!

I don't think my helmet would fit hehe

NGK210

2,912 posts

145 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
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Allegedly, that Katie Price creature has ordered one in pink and BMW's signed her as the Coupe's "brand ambassador".*
[*Actually, I'm lying - but it's a lie that's all-too feasible.]