[JG.26]

Just been thumbing through January's issue of What Car and looks like the new Cooper lost out a little to the new Pug 207

Suprised they commented on the quality of the interior being somewhat of a step down from the previous model and that the New MINI has lost some of it drivers edge, upside was the ride was classed as being better than the pug, something at least

Interesting comparison between the Cooper and the 207 GT as I was looking to replace the S with the Pug..........just can't bring myself to do it

[Restyle]

I was reading that review earlier today as well.
Unfortunatly, I find myself agreeing with what they say about the quality issues & loosing its edge when it comes to performance , although not in their conclusion that you should fork out the extra £1000 for the 207.

As they concluded, the MINI will retain around 64% of its value after 3 years as opposed to the Peugeots 47%
(I think I remembered the figures correctly)

[JG.26]

Hi Restyle,

It's a little unfortutate that MINI are still stingy with standard equipment ie air con, but upside is it will be worth much more than the pug in 3 years, thats what's putting me off, I reckon my 03 S will still be worth more than the 207 after 3 years

[appmacguy]

WhatCar? readers, 4 out of the six MINI owners also rate the new mini in the January issue on page 92. Interestingly the two non-MINI people there had already ordered their R56's. The guy in the suit getting rid of his BMW 525 for a Cooper S! Smart man!

[Restyle]

Quote: Originally Posted by JG.26

I reckon my 03 S will still be worth more than the 207 after 3 years

...if not the R56 as well

[smartbomb]

Having seen a few 207s at close range and sat in a few there seems to be a gulf between it and the R56. The interior looks clumsy and made by Betterware. The exterior is little better and the huge gaping grille is just plain silly.
Drive the deal are knocking 000s of the 207s and 0 off the MINI and when it's time to change I know what I'd rather be swapping in.

[Olly.]

Its interesting because in Autocar the Cooper won hands down - http://www.mini2.com/forum/mini-medi...ar-review.html

[smartbomb]

At a recent car show there was the MINIs direct compettion availaible to check over. Although this was prior to the MINI lauch I did pore over the alternatives just to see what else I could get for my money.
I checked out Peugeot, Seat, VW, Renault, Citroen, Ford, Vauxhall, and Suzuki. Of all of those I preferred the Swift Sport the most ! Value for money was jut outstanding and is a decent looking car and superbly made. By comparison the rest are very plasticky indeed ! Anyhow, having see the R56 I'm still delighted that one will be on my driveway soom as the quality is a different league entirely. It'll hold it's value better and the road ! and whilst the others are great value, the amount of factory fit options allows such personalisation I'm getting my car and not just the next one of the line !

[MyNameIsEarl]

Suzuki Swift - is that the mini wannabe that I see around with bonnet stripes and chequered roof?!!!

[JG.26]

Quote: Originally Posted by smartbomb (original)

At a recent car show there was the MINIs direct compettion availaible to check over. Although this was prior to the MINI lauch I did pore over the alternatives just to see what else I could get for my money.
I checked out Peugeot, Seat, VW, Renault, Citroen, Ford, Vauxhall, and Suzuki. Of all of those I preferred the Swift Sport the most ! Value for money was jut outstanding and is a decent looking car and superbly made. By comparison the rest are very plasticky indeed ! Anyhow, having see the R56 I'm still delighted that one will be on my driveway soom as the quality is a different league entirely. It'll hold it's value better and the road ! and whilst the others are great value, the amount of factory fit options allows such personalisation I'm getting my car and not just the next one of the line !

Would agree with you entirely Smartbomb, I look at other makes and feel so glad I have my S, looks like I will be keeping it for a very long time, touch wood

[JG.26]

Quote: Originally Posted by MyNameIsEarl (original)

Suzuki Swift - is that the mini wannabe that I see around with bonnet stripes and chequered roof?!!!

Don't get me started my little Suzuki Swift compliments my Cooper S perfectly Great little car in it's own right albeit minus stipes and roof graphics

[smartbomb]

Quote: Originally Posted by MyNameIsEarl (original)

Suzuki Swift - is that the mini wannabe that I see around with bonnet stripes and chequered roof?!!!

Have seen only a couple with bonnet stripes, none with roof graphics yet. Would say that the Swift Sport at under 12K wtih twin rear pipes, unique front and rear bodywork, aircon, sport seats, MFSW and 17" wheels is superb value ! Add those to a MINI and see what it costs !
Anyhow am sticking with my MINI, but see the Swift's appeal.

[mab01uk]

Surely most people on a forum like MINI2 are enthusiasts for the MINI (a fun car with a unique heritage & identity based on an icon) and would not be considering replacing their MINI with ordinary euro-boxes like pugs & swifts?
Maybe its because I come from a classic Mini background....................

[smartbomb]

I would consider spending a few K less for maybe a Swift as it's better value. However there's no London-Brighton Swift run so that's a no-go !
I've had classics and new, and just love them both. The classics were a total blast, but at least with the new I can still join in the club events.
I joined here whilst still driving my classic and went to the MINI2 Gaydon meet some years back in it, so am kinda converted.

[JG.26]

Quote: Originally Posted by mab01uk (original)

Surely most people on a forum like MINI2 are enthusiasts for the MINI (a fun car with a unique heritage & identity based on an icon) and would not be considering replacing their MINI with ordinary euro-boxes like pugs & swifts?
Maybe its because I come from a classic Mini background....................

Hear what your saying, but Corrr Blimey of all cars I have ever owned and participated in their associated forums I do find some MINI owners a little narrow minded where other makes are car are discussed Yes the new MINI has a kinda heritage attached to it blah blah blah, etc but it's not THE best car out there, yupp it's great little hatch I wouldn't have bought one otherwise but it ain't the best and the reason many peeps will go for a Euro Box is they want good value for money, depends on how you quantify good value. The MINI gives you smiles and a good drive but at a price. Many people will buy a Euro hatch simply as they rate good value and maybe just don't like a MINI.

I love participating on the Swift forums as it's members are enthusiasts too, just a different make of car

[mab01uk]

Your right, some MINI owners can be a little narrow minded when it comes to other makes of car but thats the strong brand loyalty coming out I suppose.
Bit off topic but did you know a popular engine swap on classic Minis is to fit the earlier Suzuki Swift GTI 16v engine & gearbox, you can even buy a special Mini front subframe off the shelf to make the conversion easy. Makes a fun classic car with modern engine........the best of both worlds.
Heres a nice one 16v Mini Club Gallery - Suzuki GTi Mini/Engine bay finsihed

[Paul]

Does the "better value" take into account depreciation? I have no idea how well Swifts et al do in those stakes, but does it really cost more to buy, own, and sell MINIs than Swifts?

[mab01uk]

What Car? depreciation calculator
http:///www.whatcar.com/depreciation-index.aspx

(but does'nt list Swift Sport yet)

[smartbomb]

The Swift Sport has keyless entry, metallic paint, 17" alloys, sport seats, sports suspension, MFSW and aircon as standard all for under 12K. Add that lot to a MINI and you'd be adding a K or 2,even 3 !
So I would say it does cost more to buy a MINI ! If I wasn't such a MINI enthusiast the Siwft would get my nod. I could save myself 4K and visit my Suzuki dealer, but nope. Wait 3 months+, get wet waiting for trains, get annoyed waiting for rail replacement bus, get in to work late, get numerous lifts where possible, get MINI eventually !

[Prowse]

What's interesting here is people are now considering other options to the MINI, I don't recall this when it was first launched.

The other thing is: It's true, the MINI does seem to hold on to it's value for longer, but you get a stripped-out car unless you spend a lot on options. The other car manufacturers give you heavy discounts when you price the car new but give you plently of kit. Horses for courses?