MINI2

Lawrothegreat · Jan 6th, 2008, 12:50 PM

I couldn't see this posted by anyone else.

It looks as though the MCS is to gain a few more rivals (in the UK at least, I guess the same for Europe too):

Fiat 500 Abarth SS 155bhp (20bhp more than the standard Abarth)
Fiat 500 Abarth SS 180bhp (later rumoured kit)

Ultimate Fiat 500 | Auto Express News | News | Auto Express

Ford Fiesta ST185 185bhp (37bhp more than standard ST150)
Ford Focus ST260 260bhp (38bhp more than standard ST 2.5)

Fast Ford | Auto Express News | News | Auto Express

Regardless of your opinions on these cars, they look like interesting competition. The Fiat will give the MCS a real run for its money, and its cute looks will win over some buyers. It will be interesting to see how the two compare together in future road tests. The Fords will no doubt be quick especially the focus which will probably out run every other hot hatch, but I also doubt they'll match the style of either the Fiat or the MINI.

msh441 · Jan 6th, 2008, 01:57 PM

Competition betters the breed.

Bring 'em on.

Scrogg · Jan 6th, 2008, 02:02 PM

Despite it's image, I still stand by my opinion that the current/previous Focus ST is one of the best cars I have ever driven.

I will certainly be getting my name down to drive the new 260 version as soon as it comes out

popey · Jan 6th, 2008, 03:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Scrogg (original)

Despite it's image, I still stand by my opinion that the current/previous Focus ST is one of the best cars I have ever driven.

I will certainly be getting my name down to drive the new 260 version as soon as it comes out

I quite fancy the new Focus RS next year, word is it could be all wheel drive to cope with the estimated 280bhp

Scrogg · Jan 6th, 2008, 04:24 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by popey (original)

I quite fancy the new Focus RS next year, word is it could be all wheel drive to cope with the estimated 280bhp

It almost certainly will be, along with being a twin-clutch semi-auto 6 speed with flappy paddle shift.

Good to see you on here Dave, haven't seen you in ages

popey · Jan 6th, 2008, 06:15 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Scrogg (original)

It almost certainly will be, along with being a twin-clutch semi-auto 6 speed with flappy paddle shift.

Good to see you on here Dave, haven't seen you in ages

I pop up every now and then

Sounds like it could have one over the S3 (which i love, mrs hates). And all for around £25k?????

Tara&Paul · Jan 6th, 2008, 09:34 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Scrogg (original)

Despite it's image, I still stand by my opinion that the current/previous Focus ST is one of the best cars I have ever driven.

I will certainly be getting my name down to drive the new 260 version as soon as it comes out

I considered one of these, but 18mpg!!!

Ant FR · Jan 6th, 2008, 09:43 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by popey (original)

I quite fancy the new Focus RS next year, word is it could be all wheel drive to cope with the estimated 280bhp

110 % not going to be 4wd, still gonna be 2wd with a fancy LSD like the last one, and also could have the new ford Direct-shift gearbox.

Jost has already confirmed the 2wd,

Oh and the ST185 is a load of baloney too, Ford will not be doing anything with this mk6 fiesta until the all new Mk7 is released early 2009. Another autoexpress ******** story i am afraid, they tend do a lot around crimbo time as news is thin on the ground as the auto industry shuts down

Scrogg · Jan 7th, 2008, 09:34 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tara&Paul (original)

I considered one of these, but 18mpg!!!

It wasn't quite that bad...

I regularly returned 22, and I'm not exactly a 'careful' driver

colink24 · Jan 7th, 2008, 11:04 AM

I think the look on the Fiat is pretty snazzy, and the est price is way below a low-end R56 MCS. However, even with the tuning kit, it looks like the est. 0-60 times fall slightly below the MCS, and its very debtable it will be as good a drive (unlikely imho)

Ant FR · Jan 7th, 2008, 11:28 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by colink24 (original)

I think the look on the Fiat is pretty snazzy, and the est price is way below a low-end R56 MCS. However, even with the tuning kit, it looks like the est. 0-60 times fall slightly below the MCS, and its very debtable it will be as good a drive (unlikely imho)

easiest thing to do though is have a look at the 500 in real life, my mate had one it at work a few weeks back, was a lHD car and i have to say that the Fiat Panda wins on build quality, its still and always will be a Fiat at the end of the day, too many borrowed parts and not enought pased the cutesy image to keep people there for too long.

My guess is after the initial excitement it will just end up like a the VW beetle as an almost but not quite Mini. the mini is still the only retro redo that has made it as a good car

Tommo · Jan 8th, 2008, 12:43 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Ant FR (original)

Oh and the ST185 is a load of baloney too, Ford will not be doing anything with this mk6 fiesta until the all new Mk7 is released early 2009. Another autoexpress ******** story i am afraid, they tend do a lot around crimbo time as news is thin on the ground as the auto industry shuts down

See todays new Feb copy of EVO page 57. Looks like Fiesta 185 will be a joint Ford / Roush sanctioned kit through selected Ford dealers on sale soon.

Nath316 · Jan 8th, 2008, 01:01 PM

What we are talking here is wacking a big engine in a small car

the rules of front wheel drive and limits to power have not changed

Did Ford not learn anythin from the RS Focus?

I know there are people on here with HUGE powers in their Minis and they drive fine but I am wondering if it is the driver not the car

As for the 500 NO THANKS

Gimme a Mini anyday

Lawrothegreat · Jan 8th, 2008, 11:14 PM

I wouldn't buy a 500 anyway, as it's probably a bit too 'cute' for my masculine image

but I'm going to reserve judgement until the Abarth is released on how good it is. It might well be an absolute steal for the money.

I'm also sceptical about more than 230-240bhp from front wheel drive cars. The original Focus RS was supposed to be a handful, and the current Astra VXR is supposed to have bad torque steer (mind my R56 MCS suffers too). I have friend with the Focus ST who says it's very good, but having sat in one it does have a cheap interior (dash not seats) - certainly has a great sounding engine.

Fin · Jan 9th, 2008, 08:47 AM

Regarding the Fiesta the article is quite speculative with regard to performance gains. The quoted figure would knock about a second of the current ST 0-62 time. By the looks of it, the current ST weighs about 40kg less than the R56 S. Could be a contender.

The new shape Focus looks quite nice.

Woody'sCooper · Jan 9th, 2008, 08:52 AM

I've driven the Astra VXR and it torque steers like mad, but when you can point it where you want it, it's a fantastic drive. The seats are some of the best, most supportive i've ever sat in. Unfortunately its a Vauxhall, and is going to lose more money than Northern Rock, and will only ever look at home in a McDonalds car park

Matthew Boocock · Jan 10th, 2008, 04:19 PM

Interesting read chaps....guess i need to get the JCW coversion sorted them soon!!! Dont want some Fiesta ST arse up my rear window for long!!!

CC07ERS · Jan 10th, 2008, 04:38 PM

The new puggy 308 ,TT lookalike

Arnbut · Jan 10th, 2008, 05:24 PM

Can you get the MazdaSpeed-3 over in GB?
That car is a hoot with about 285whp. Talk about torque-steer.

Ant FR · Jan 10th, 2008, 05:44 PM

yep do you mean the Mazda 3 MPS, only has 250bhp though. As bland as you can get a car

Jan 6th, 2008, 12:50 PM	#1
Lawrothegreat Mini Design Philosopher Join Date: May 2004 Location: Berkshire, UK Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 776 Offline	New Cooper S Rivals I couldn't see this posted by anyone else. It looks as though the MCS is to gain a few more rivals (in the UK at least, I guess the same for Europe too): Fiat 500 Abarth SS 155bhp (20bhp more than the standard Abarth) Fiat 500 Abarth SS 180bhp (later rumoured kit) Ultimate Fiat 500 \| Auto Express News \| News \| Auto Express Ford Fiesta ST185 185bhp (37bhp more than standard ST150) Ford Focus ST260 260bhp (38bhp more than standard ST 2.5) Fast Ford \| Auto Express News \| News \| Auto Express Regardless of your opinions on these cars, they look like interesting competition. The Fiat will give the MCS a real run for its money, and its cute looks will win over some buyers. It will be interesting to see how the two compare together in future road tests. The Fords will no doubt be quick especially the focus which will probably out run every other hot hatch, but I also doubt they'll match the style of either the Fiat or the MINI.

Jan 6th, 2008, 01:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
msh441 MINI2 Senior Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Pacific NW Local Time: 05:43 AM Posts: 439 Offline	Competition betters the breed. Bring 'em on. Founding member of R56 Anonymous: "Hello. My name is Mike. I'm a driving enthusiast... and I still like the R56"

Jan 6th, 2008, 03:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
popey Wants an Audi My Classifieds Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Blackpool Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 1,429 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Scrogg (original) Despite it's image, I still stand by my opinion that the current/previous Focus ST is one of the best cars I have ever driven. I will certainly be getting my name down to drive the new 260 version as soon as it comes out I quite fancy the new Focus RS next year, word is it could be all wheel drive to cope with the estimated 280bhp Now With Toyo Rubber!!

Jan 6th, 2008, 06:15 PM	#6 (permalink)
popey Wants an Audi My Classifieds Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Blackpool Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 1,429 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Scrogg (original) It almost certainly will be, along with being a twin-clutch semi-auto 6 speed with flappy paddle shift. Good to see you on here Dave, haven't seen you in ages I pop up every now and then Sounds like it could have one over the S3 (which i love, mrs hates). And all for around £25k????? Now With Toyo Rubber!!

Jan 7th, 2008, 11:04 AM	#10 (permalink)
colink24 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2007 Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 32 Offline	Hmm I think the look on the Fiat is pretty snazzy, and the est price is way below a low-end R56 MCS. However, even with the tuning kit, it looks like the est. 0-60 times fall slightly below the MCS, and its very debtable it will be as good a drive (unlikely imho)

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Jan 6th, 2008, 02:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
Scrogg YLYP Reclamation Squad Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gloucester Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 15,246 Offline	Despite it's image, I still stand by my opinion that the current/previous Focus ST is one of the best cars I have ever driven. I will certainly be getting my name down to drive the new 260 version as soon as it comes out

Jan 6th, 2008, 04:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
Scrogg YLYP Reclamation Squad Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gloucester Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 15,246 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by popey (original) I quite fancy the new Focus RS next year, word is it could be all wheel drive to cope with the estimated 280bhp It almost certainly will be, along with being a twin-clutch semi-auto 6 speed with flappy paddle shift. Good to see you on here Dave, haven't seen you in ages

Jan 6th, 2008, 09:34 PM	#7 (permalink)
Tara&Paul MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Hertfordshire Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 474 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Scrogg (original) Despite it's image, I still stand by my opinion that the current/previous Focus ST is one of the best cars I have ever driven. I will certainly be getting my name down to drive the new 260 version as soon as it comes out I considered one of these, but 18mpg!!!

Jan 6th, 2008, 09:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
Ant FR MINI2 Master My Classifieds Join Date: Oct 2006 Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 1,891 Online	Quote: Originally Posted by popey (original) I quite fancy the new Focus RS next year, word is it could be all wheel drive to cope with the estimated 280bhp 110 % not going to be 4wd, still gonna be 2wd with a fancy LSD like the last one, and also could have the new ford Direct-shift gearbox. Jost has already confirmed the 2wd, Oh and the ST185 is a load of baloney too, Ford will not be doing anything with this mk6 fiesta until the all new Mk7 is released early 2009. Another autoexpress ******** story i am afraid, they tend do a lot around crimbo time as news is thin on the ground as the auto industry shuts down

Jan 7th, 2008, 09:34 AM	#9 (permalink)
Scrogg YLYP Reclamation Squad Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gloucester Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 15,246 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Tara&Paul (original) I considered one of these, but 18mpg!!! It wasn't quite that bad... I regularly returned 22, and I'm not exactly a 'careful' driver

Jan 7th, 2008, 11:28 AM	#11 (permalink)
Ant FR MINI2 Master My Classifieds Join Date: Oct 2006 Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 1,891 Online	Quote: Originally Posted by colink24 (original) I think the look on the Fiat is pretty snazzy, and the est price is way below a low-end R56 MCS. However, even with the tuning kit, it looks like the est. 0-60 times fall slightly below the MCS, and its very debtable it will be as good a drive (unlikely imho) easiest thing to do though is have a look at the 500 in real life, my mate had one it at work a few weeks back, was a lHD car and i have to say that the Fiat Panda wins on build quality, its still and always will be a Fiat at the end of the day, too many borrowed parts and not enought pased the cutesy image to keep people there for too long. My guess is after the initial excitement it will just end up like a the VW beetle as an almost but not quite Mini. the mini is still the only retro redo that has made it as a good car

Jan 8th, 2008, 12:43 PM	#12 (permalink)
Tommo twin scroll Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Up North Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 177 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Ant FR (original) Oh and the ST185 is a load of baloney too, Ford will not be doing anything with this mk6 fiesta until the all new Mk7 is released early 2009. Another autoexpress ******** story i am afraid, they tend do a lot around crimbo time as news is thin on the ground as the auto industry shuts down See todays new Feb copy of EVO page 57. Looks like Fiesta 185 will be a joint Ford / Roush sanctioned kit through selected Ford dealers on sale soon.

Jan 8th, 2008, 01:01 PM	#13 (permalink)
Nath316 I'm avin 'oops Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Rugby Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 944 Offline	What we are talking here is wacking a big engine in a small car the rules of front wheel drive and limits to power have not changed Did Ford not learn anythin from the RS Focus? I know there are people on here with HUGE powers in their Minis and they drive fine but I am wondering if it is the driver not the car As for the 500 NO THANKS Gimme a Mini anyday More Air + More Fuel = More Power!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jan 8th, 2008, 11:14 PM	#14 (permalink)
Lawrothegreat Mini Design Philosopher Join Date: May 2004 Location: Berkshire, UK Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 776 Offline	I wouldn't buy a 500 anyway, as it's probably a bit too 'cute' for my masculine image but I'm going to reserve judgement until the Abarth is released on how good it is. It might well be an absolute steal for the money. I'm also sceptical about more than 230-240bhp from front wheel drive cars. The original Focus RS was supposed to be a handful, and the current Astra VXR is supposed to have bad torque steer (mind my R56 MCS suffers too). I have friend with the Focus ST who says it's very good, but having sat in one it does have a cheap interior (dash not seats) - certainly has a great sounding engine.

Jan 9th, 2008, 08:47 AM	#15 (permalink)
Fin Giggity-goo! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Cloudbase Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 2,548 Offline	Regarding the Fiesta the article is quite speculative with regard to performance gains. The quoted figure would knock about a second of the current ST 0-62 time. By the looks of it, the current ST weighs about 40kg less than the R56 S. Could be a contender. The new shape Focus looks quite nice.

Jan 9th, 2008, 08:52 AM	#16 (permalink)
Woody'sCooper I get my kicks in an R56 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Tunbridge Wells Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 351 Offline	I've driven the Astra VXR and it torque steers like mad, but when you can point it where you want it, it's a fantastic drive. The seats are some of the best, most supportive i've ever sat in. Unfortunately its a Vauxhall, and is going to lose more money than Northern Rock, and will only ever look at home in a McDonalds car park www.kaesminiclub.com

Jan 10th, 2008, 04:19 PM	#17 (permalink)
Matthew Boocock Matt Boocock Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Claypole, Notts Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 44 Offline	Interesting read chaps....guess i need to get the JCW coversion sorted them soon!!! Dont want some Fiesta ST arse up my rear window for long!!! Matt Boocock

Jan 10th, 2008, 04:38 PM	#18 (permalink)
CC07ERS TYPE R GT VTEC POWERED My Classifieds Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Type R GT Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 2,743 Offline	The new puggy 308 ,TT lookalike

Jan 10th, 2008, 05:24 PM	#19 (permalink)
Arnbut Manic Hill-Dweller Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Canton, Georgia Local Time: 08:43 AM Posts: 205 Offline	Can you get the MazdaSpeed-3 over in GB? That car is a hoot with about 285whp. Talk about torque-steer. Safety fast, Bill

Jan 10th, 2008, 05:44 PM	#20 (permalink)
Ant FR MINI2 Master My Classifieds Join Date: Oct 2006 Local Time: 01:43 PM Posts: 1,891 Online	yep do you mean the Mazda 3 MPS, only has 250bhp though. As bland as you can get a car

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