RE: VW Up GTI vs Mini Cooper
Discussion
andrewparker said:
LuS1fer said:
It's a city car...
Why is that a bad thing?The Polo GTI is already the "new old Golf GTI" so why dilute it when they could have perhaps invented something fresh.
I don't think the badge works on a small box, however good it may be.
It's like Ford making a Ka ST or RS.
While Fiat have got away with it, with the 500, that has a bit of upmarket fashion to it and a strong engine, even if I remain a little unconvinced by even that.
The new Swift is looking at weighing in around 970kgs. The platform for the Swift is shared with the Baleno and Ignis as far as I know. These are even more featherweight cars; the Ignis winning real world MPG test (probably) due to its light weight. So, the 1070kg UP does look a bit heavy for its size and I’d still rather have my 1040kg Swift Mk2 over the UP.
Apparently, the Swift uses a high strength steel underbody that reduces weight. I love the idea of building in lightness, it seems a great way to make a car go well. The Mini and Up are not really great examples of light cars. I’m sure they are good but to me a small car has to be sub 1000kgs.
Apparently, the Swift uses a high strength steel underbody that reduces weight. I love the idea of building in lightness, it seems a great way to make a car go well. The Mini and Up are not really great examples of light cars. I’m sure they are good but to me a small car has to be sub 1000kgs.
LuS1fer said:
It isn't. A GTI used to be top notch, superior, quality and something special, over and above most hot hatches.
The Polo GTI is already the "new old Golf GTI" so why dilute it when they could have perhaps invented something fresh.
I don't think the badge works on a small box, however good it may be.
It's like Ford making a Ka ST or RS.
While Fiat have got away with it, with the 500, that has a bit of upmarket fashion to it and a strong engine, even if I remain a little unconvinced by even that.
Sorry I didn't realise this was about marketing rather than function.The Polo GTI is already the "new old Golf GTI" so why dilute it when they could have perhaps invented something fresh.
I don't think the badge works on a small box, however good it may be.
It's like Ford making a Ka ST or RS.
While Fiat have got away with it, with the 500, that has a bit of upmarket fashion to it and a strong engine, even if I remain a little unconvinced by even that.
cheddar said:
Anyone else question how the much bigger Swift Sport is claimed to weigh 100kgs less than the Up?
Or how a five door car crammed with kit is only 70kgs heavier than an Elise?
Maybe best to look at official data sources that might measure things more consistently - perhaps the kerb weight from Euro NCAP or the 'mass in service' from V5C.Or how a five door car crammed with kit is only 70kgs heavier than an Elise?
Euro NCAP 'kerb weight' show 855kg for both the Up and the latest Swift.
The Up GTi and latest Swift Sport are likely to be slightly heavier than standard models and the V5C mass in service will be heavier still.
BeirutTaxi said:
My issue with the Mini is that I found the ride annoying. Even on the M27 which is fairly smooth bumps were transmitted into the cabin.
Suzuki Swift Sport Gen 2 on the other hand was excellent.
It's interesting that you should say that.....Suzuki Swift Sport Gen 2 on the other hand was excellent.
......firstly a friend of mine parted with their Mini because the ride was too harsh.....
.....secondly I find my 65-reg Swift Sport to be a decent ride on the motorway, albeit quite noisy.....
JTN358AT said:
The new Swift is looking at weighing in around 970kgs. The platform for the Swift is shared with the Baleno and Ignis as far as I know. These are even more featherweight cars; the Ignis winning real world MPG test (probably) due to its light weight. So, the 1070kg UP does look a bit heavy for its size and I’d still rather have my 1040kg Swift Mk2 over the UP.
Apparently, the Swift uses a high strength steel underbody that reduces weight. I love the idea of building in lightness, it seems a great way to make a car go well. The Mini and Up are not really great examples of light cars. I’m sure they are good but to me a small car has to be sub 1000kgs.
Yeah, if the Swift Sport comes in at 970kg I'll regard that as pretty lightweight. Roughly the same weight as my old Saxo VTS and that felt to be a nimble, lightweight car - "on its toes",so to speak, through the cornersApparently, the Swift uses a high strength steel underbody that reduces weight. I love the idea of building in lightness, it seems a great way to make a car go well. The Mini and Up are not really great examples of light cars. I’m sure they are good but to me a small car has to be sub 1000kgs.
daveco said:
And you also have the Seat Ibiza with the FR kit with the 115hp to contend with as well. 6 gears, about c.1150kg weight and £16k, one of the nicest handling hatchbacks you can buy if Parkers are to believed.
And for a little bit more you have the 1.5 with the 150hp engine, 0-60 time of 7.6.
I haven't driven the latest FR but have briefly driven the very slightly older 1.2 FR. It will be interesting to see what the new one is like as the one I drove was nice but lacking driver engagement for a 'warm' hatch. The engine wasn't 'raw' enough and the steering was sharp but totally lacking any sort of depth. Felt more like a small GT car. And for a little bit more you have the 1.5 with the 150hp engine, 0-60 time of 7.6.
Edited by daveco on Friday 16th March 09:25
Edited by BeirutTaxi on Friday 16th March 20:30
cheddar said:
s m said:
Yeah, IF the Swift Sport comes in at 970kg
Looking forward to an independent weigh in.Yes, hopefully Autocar will get one to run the numbers on.
They're doing the UP Gti next Weds, the Yaris Gremlin soon after perhaps ....and then hopefully the Swift Sport and Fiesta ST.
EVO are reviewing the Gremlin next month
up! GTI vs Abarth 595 – https://www.whatcar.com/news/abarth-595-vs-volkswa...
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