[MINIAC]

I thought I'd start a thread on the subject of Paul's latest article in the News.

Here's the only cars I've owned since 1968 ...

< 1967 Austin Cooper S >< 1973 BMW 2002 tii >< 2002 MINI Cooper S >

I drove my 2002 tii for almost 30 years, purchasing it after my 1967 Mini was stolen and selling it 2 months after getting my current MINI.

With a a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm there could be a BMW 135i in my future.

It will be interesting to compare pricing on the 135i and R56 factory JCW.

[AprilWhine]

I don't know, I would at least test drive a one series before buying another MINI.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

I'm sorry to say that even a 1 Series hatch would look good parked next to the coupe and that's an amazing achievement

I'm not talking about MINI's here, but what has went wrong with BMW's own designs? They have occasionally made some dull looking cars, but usually they've been pretty and distinctive. Where did it all go so very wrong?

There are plenty of outside design houses that could be contracted in to help out if they really are having design problems.

[monkeynuts]

as part of our trip through Europe in May Shaz Ball 1000 - Europe 2007 - a photoset on Flickr

we saw a 1 series coupe being tested at the nurburgring

got the thumbs up from us

[Paul]

This conversation I think is more relevant to the North American markets, as the small "executive" car segment is no where near as crowded as ours, and I believe, like MINIAC, many MINI owners are or have been BMW owners, and with the rumoured pricing of the 1 Series in the US and Canada, I think it could eat into top end MINI sales.

[Kaine]

the 1 series coupe does look very nice imo - unlike its hatchback equivalent that is just wrong (again imho )

[mister.t]

Its alright. Rear end lights are very wrong, but the rest of the car looks OK. Interior is smart too. But would I buy one with money? Apart form the fact I can't, I still wouldn't.

[Scrogg]

Am I missing something?

Why would a 1 Series Coupé be more of a threat to MINI sales than a 1 Series 3dr Hatchback?

[Kaine]

cos the 3 door is fugly and coupe isn't too bad ????

[Scrogg]

True, but surely a 3dr Hatchback is a more logical competitor to the MINI than a 2dr Coupé?

[Paul]

Have you read the article? The 1 Series Coupe will go on sale in North American markets next year, they don't get the 1 Series Hatchback, or indeed many of our little "hot hatches", which is why this is relevant news.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

... in the US and Canada, I think it could eat into top end MINI sales.

And the bottom end of 3-series sales

[JG.26]

Being a Coupe driver I like that very much, think it looks a tad more sophisticated and grown up than the R56 but not really a suitable comparison. I think a fairer comparison against the MINI is the Corsas, Polo's and Pugs of this world !!!!

Where do I sign

[MINIAC]

YouTube - BMW 1 series Coupe

[Nath316]

lol competition my ****

is in a completely differnt bracket

it reminds me of the offspring of a vw passat and e36 3 series

no thanks will stick with my mini when it arrives

[LMB]

Quote: Originally Posted by Kaine (original)

cos the 3 door is fugly and coupe isn't too bad ????

Nail on head. This is the car many people have been waiting for and it's definitely going to sway some from buying a Mini.

[OttoMannS]

I would have been very interested in the 1 series, had they decided to bring over the hatchback versions. While the Coupe is not a ba dlooking car, I have no interest in 3 box designs as they lack the practicality of any hatchback.

Clearly, the 1 series Coupe was engineered to appeal to the North American market, but still, a lousy move in part of BMW not to import the 5 door hatchback which would have been a serious contender to the Clubman.

[SteveM3]

If the R56 had been styled better I would stick to Mini but at this moment the 1 series
coupe has caught my attention. I don't suppose BMW care as long as they get my
money for one of their products.

dhdfi

[msh441]

The 1-series looks like a terrific car. Particularly with the 3-liter turbo. It's going to be a fun car and a great driver for sure.

I would assume however, that the longer wheelbase and real wheel drive will give it a distinctivly different driving experience than what's conveyed with the FWD short wheelbased MINI. I would also be curious to see the power-to-weight figures of the 1.

If you want the go-cart handling of a MINI... your not going to go looking for a larger (albeit small) RWD sedan IMO.