MINI Hatch 2.0 John Cooper Works Sport or ?

[CAH706]

Thinking of buying one of these as a replacement for our Golf R.

Don't do loads of miles and the size seems right for what is our second car / school run car with some motorway runs every now and again. Performance is fine.

Main use has adult and young child in the car, sometimes 3 of us.

Would look to buy used to try to source one with a few toys added.

Other car is currently A6 Allroad. Also due to be replaced shortly with similar load lugging sized car (maybe Volvo V90 but that's another thread!)

So....

Any thoughts on the car? I'd be going auto so any comments on that welcome.

Any other cars to consider?. Budget £20 to 25k. Used up to 3 years old. Similar or better performance, similar size, decent kit levels. Not a Golf R as had one

Thanks

[Andy665]

Obvious contender is M135i

[tonyb1968]

Seat Leon 290?

[CAH706]

I came close to getting the M135i a couple of cars ago but in the end went for the 335d xdrive as I needed the size. Will have another look though as this is now the small car in the family.

Undecided on the Seat (had 3 previously so not a problem with the brand) but not sure if too similar (but not as good?) as the Golf we have now.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[Mo28]

Could save yourself some money and get an Up! GTi.

[CAH706]

That is a decent shout and I’m watching the current thread with interest . A black 3 door looks smart.

[ecsrobin]

If you’re considering the UPgti then you should be looking at an Abarth 595/695 lots more character.

I commute in mine daily and have done 2,000miles round Europe with the better half and no issues on luggage space. Back seats can be annoying if you have a child seat that you need to get in and out but otherwise there’s plenty of space of below 6ft in the back.

Models range from 135bhp upto 180bhp and you can also get an optional mechanical LSD.

Here’s my thread on it that does need updating. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=16...

[TJC46]

Scirocco R. Not too many of them knocking around and now out of production.

Only a bit behind the Golf performance wise and a very good car to drive.

I may be a bit bias as I have an R at the moment, and previously had the 2.0ltr TSI 210 bhp.

[Skosh]

I've got a 2016 John Cooper Works but it's a manual. Great fun to drive but if subtlety is your thing then shy away from one, I have to be careful with the throttle when pulling into the street as if you have it sport mode or you've just given it a thrashing then the pops and bangs are hilarious (to me, not my neighbours). I would get one with the adjustable damping if you can as the standard ride is decent but can be a bit crashy on bumpy roads.

In terms of practicality, I can average about 38mpg quite easily if I'm behaving but even mid 30s are achievable if you have a spirited drive once in a while. With the parcel shelf and false floor intact, the boot is laughable. I'm a size 10 in shoes and the boot is literally as wide as a pair of my shoes but take the parcel and false floor out and it's liveable.

If you've driven any other minis then you might be surprised by this one. I had the previous version Cooper S tuned to about 220bhp and it felt a lot rawer. The new ones are much more refined and a much nicer place to be. If I wasn't about to start a family and needed more space I'd probably hang on to it but I think it will be going shortly.

Short answer, I love it.