Mini GP3 lost its way?
Discussion
I can't put my finger on what it is.. but the GP3 just isn't doing it for me this time. It was one car I was realllly looking forward to this year, but now the spec, details and pics are out, it's almost turned me off it. Bit of a damp squid (IMO). The performance stats for a little hot-hatch are enough for anyone, but I can't help thinking the previous GPs sounded more exciting. Of course.. I haven't driven the GP3 and it might be bloody mega, but it's just not floating my boat like I hoped it would. Congrats to all those buying one though, and I'm genuinely looking forward to hearing owners views. Hopefully it will be a grower, and if so I'll look at one in 6 months or so. Meanwhile I think I'm going to look at a Golf TCR or Megane Trophy for a bit of 'hot hatch' fun 
I dunno Phooey, as much as I hate MINI they did make absolutely awesome driving cars-out if the current auto mega hatches I’d bet that this one is the best to drive.
The Megane did nowt for me in its current guise, the TCR reviews as boring.
Haven’t you tried the Type-R? Or can you not get away with the looks? If you can get past them, it’s the best hot hatch of the last ten years at least.
As an out and out hot hatch, it’s easily better than the R26.R (if only because it wasn’t really a hot hatch!).
The Megane did nowt for me in its current guise, the TCR reviews as boring.
Haven’t you tried the Type-R? Or can you not get away with the looks? If you can get past them, it’s the best hot hatch of the last ten years at least.
As an out and out hot hatch, it’s easily better than the R26.R (if only because it wasn’t really a hot hatch!).
LaurasOtherHalf said:
I dunno Phooey, as much as I hate MINI they did make absolutely awesome driving cars-out if the current auto mega hatches I’d bet that this one is the best to drive.
The Megane did nowt for me in its current guise, the TCR reviews as boring.
Haven’t you tried the Type-R? Or can you not get away with the looks? If you can get past them, it’s the best hot hatch of the last ten years at least.
As an out and out hot hatch, it’s easily better than the R26.R (if only because it wasn’t really a hot hatch!).
Hi mate,The Megane did nowt for me in its current guise, the TCR reviews as boring.
Haven’t you tried the Type-R? Or can you not get away with the looks? If you can get past them, it’s the best hot hatch of the last ten years at least.
As an out and out hot hatch, it’s easily better than the R26.R (if only because it wasn’t really a hot hatch!).
I'm with you all the way on the CTR - if looks weren't an issue I'd of had one a year ago. I've been twice to my local Honda garage and sat in a CTR (I love the interior/seats/gearbox) but can't get passed the rear end of it. I think from the front it looks really good and aggressive looking so it's a shame (IMO) that the same form didn't follow through to the rest of the exterior. For what it is though it's a bargain, and totally agree it's the best of the best (If all the reviews are to go by though - and I'm sure they are)
I like the look of the Golf, and whilst I was disappointed the reviews weren't as glowing as I think they could of been (FWIW I think VW were lazy with the TCR) I still think it's (IMO) the best looking hot-hatch. Build quality is good too, and the missus would happily drive a Golf so I think for me it would be a wise buy.
The Megane (Trophy) appeals. I don't think it's quite what the old RSs were about but the Trophy with the auto gearbox emits some pretty good sounds out of the exhaust - I reckon it'd still be fun to drive. I'd like to try one. I love the Recaro seats but the rest of the interior / dashboard looks pretty tacky for a £30k+ car. I'm probably going to sound a fussy bugger, but I hate the wheel choices of the new Megane, and also the chrome strip around the window, so if I bought one I'd have to mod it.
The Mini (without AC) should have the highest power-to-weight output so you'd hope it will be a quick bit of kit. I think it's disappointing there wasn't a manual option, and them wheel arches are absolutely bloody embarrassing (IMO). I'm going to watch this space with the GP3 - hopefully it will grow on me - especially if the reviews are good / better than the competition. The good thing is, with 535 UK cars, there will always be plenty for sale at any given time, so picking one up at below list will be easy, and FWIW I think I'd prefer a standard JCW hatch when they put the 306hp engine in it.
GaryF said:
Will they do that though, and if they did, it would most likely still be auto-only so would still be a 'no'.
I've got no problem with it being auto... if it's a *good* auto. By that I mean it needs to have some character and not just some quick soulless change. I would prefer to have an option of a manual box, but as we know, these are becoming rare. The standard JCW hatch wouldn't have the pissflap arches either, which to me is a BIG deciding factor. I see no reason why the 306hp engine won't make it into the JCW hatch (once all GPs have been sold)WRT the Type-R, how about a lightly used previous model? A lot had the 5 year service plan on and you can extend the manufacturer's warranty to 5 years too. I absolutely loved mine and as for looks, I think it trounces the new one completely.
It's actually bigger inside and more practical than the new one too.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
^^ It's a long read but my diary of life with it gives an idea.
It's actually bigger inside and more practical than the new one too.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
^^ It's a long read but my diary of life with it gives an idea.
LaurasOtherHalf said:
Nice one. I'll have a read of that later mate - cheers 
Looks so much better without the flaps https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9c63AkN5a4
Sounds like a manual?
Sounds like a manual?
The black pi$$ flapless car looks just like a Cooper S but with the GP wing on the back (in all black). It does though also have some interesting blue front brake calipers (red on the back), neither of which come on the S.
Could not detect if manual. Sounded quite nice though even at low revs. What is it? Neither fish nor fowl...
Could not detect if manual. Sounded quite nice though even at low revs. What is it? Neither fish nor fowl...
MINI GP press release, a long read but very informative
https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/deta...
https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/deta...
GaryF said:
The black pi$$ flapless car looks just like a Cooper S but with the GP wing on the back (in all black). It does though also have some interesting blue front brake calipers (red on the back), neither of which come on the S.
Could not detect if manual. Sounded quite nice though even at low revs. What is it? Neither fish nor fowl...
That black car is actually the GP3 test mule from over a year ago, so its old footage. Could not detect if manual. Sounded quite nice though even at low revs. What is it? Neither fish nor fowl...
Was in my local bmw dealer last week, overheard about the gp3 slot being cancelled. I went and enquired and have just been told I've got an allocation for one.
I've currently got an M140i and quite fancy a change. Not 100% sure the gp is the perfect change but from what I've seen I like it. It's a weekend car and not used much.
What does everyone think? Swap or keep the 140. It's annoying I haven't got any figures to look at until they're released so not sure how that's going to look.
I've currently got an M140i and quite fancy a change. Not 100% sure the gp is the perfect change but from what I've seen I like it. It's a weekend car and not used much.
What does everyone think? Swap or keep the 140. It's annoying I haven't got any figures to look at until they're released so not sure how that's going to look.
Bigwod said:
Only asked as once the option is in the system it can’t be changed apparently,I’ve gone with the pack option so if I was to cancel then the slot for someone else would include touring pack
I'm getting a call tomorrow so will clarify. Hopefully the finances will work out for itFlabbyMidgets said:
Was in my local bmw dealer last week, overheard about the gp3 slot being cancelled. I went and enquired and have just been told I've got an allocation for one.
I've currently got an M140i and quite fancy a change. Not 100% sure the gp is the perfect change but from what I've seen I like it. It's a weekend car and not used much.
What does everyone think? Swap or keep the 140. It's annoying I haven't got any figures to look at until they're released so not sure how that's going to look.
Flabby, I’m making the exact same change. Love the M140i - I’ll miss the twitchy rear end and the 6 cylinders but looking forward to the change and something equally as powerful but in a totally different way!I've currently got an M140i and quite fancy a change. Not 100% sure the gp is the perfect change but from what I've seen I like it. It's a weekend car and not used much.
What does everyone think? Swap or keep the 140. It's annoying I haven't got any figures to look at until they're released so not sure how that's going to look.
gravy13 said:
Flabby, I’m making the exact same change. Love the M140i - I’ll miss the twitchy rear end and the 6 cylinders but looking forward to the change and something equally as powerful but in a totally different way!
I think the M140i is maybe more of a blunt instrument (big firepower and noise) in comparison to a GP which is more about grip, handling and turn in imo. I don't think either of you will regret the decision with the exception of the lack of noise!
Alpinestars said:
O dear O dear O dear 
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