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ste1234 · Jan 3rd, 2002, 06:46 AM

Cheers jonw,

Yeah I admit I need to study the 147 a bit more, but on the whole I think the 147 interior seems much higher quality than the Mini. 1.6 might be a bit weak, really needs revving like most Alfa engines. Rumour is that the Alfa engines will get direct injection in March/April, so 1.6 could go to 140-145 bhp. I have a 156 2.0 Selespeed at the moment...Selespeed can be jerky if you insist on your own changes at full throttle, but in city mode it can be 80% of a true Auto with v.smooth changes. Down changes are a true delight, as is left foot braking once mastered - well nothing else to do with my left foot!

Leon Cupra was on our list, but the looks are a bit bland and neither me nor misses (who this car would be for) like the back - too bulbous, otherwise a truely great car, and a bargain. New Ibiza with 147 like styling looks interesting, but could be some time before a Cupra appears.

Big problem for my misses is insurance, anything over about grp.13 would be too much, so rules out lots of good cars...Leon Cupra, Civic Type R, 2.0 147, Clio 172 Sport, etc. hence our shortlist at the moment and current (although changes weekly) order would be : 147 1.6 Lusso, Mini Cooper, Toyota MR2, new Ibiza 130TDi (as no Cupra yet)

If BMW can sort the niggles at source then it would be top of our list, but at the moment there is just too much to worry about, that even an Alfa seems a better proposition!

Jan 3rd, 2002, 06:46 AM	#19
ste1234 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: nr.Wolverhampton Local Time: 09:39 PM Posts: 19 Offline	Cheers jonw, Yeah I admit I need to study the 147 a bit more, but on the whole I think the 147 interior seems much higher quality than the Mini. 1.6 might be a bit weak, really needs revving like most Alfa engines. Rumour is that the Alfa engines will get direct injection in March/April, so 1.6 could go to 140-145 bhp. I have a 156 2.0 Selespeed at the moment...Selespeed can be jerky if you insist on your own changes at full throttle, but in city mode it can be 80% of a true Auto with v.smooth changes. Down changes are a true delight, as is left foot braking once mastered - well nothing else to do with my left foot! Leon Cupra was on our list, but the looks are a bit bland and neither me nor misses (who this car would be for) like the back - too bulbous, otherwise a truely great car, and a bargain. New Ibiza with 147 like styling looks interesting, but could be some time before a Cupra appears. Big problem for my misses is insurance, anything over about grp.13 would be too much, so rules out lots of good cars...Leon Cupra, Civic Type R, 2.0 147, Clio 172 Sport, etc. hence our shortlist at the moment and current (although changes weekly) order would be : 147 1.6 Lusso, Mini Cooper, Toyota MR2, new Ibiza 130TDi (as no Cupra yet) If BMW can sort the niggles at source then it would be top of our list, but at the moment there is just too much to worry about, that even an Alfa seems a better proposition! Steve R.