MINI2

R1 · Jan 10th, 2002, 03:38 PM

Good test on Driven tonight. Made up for the "shopping trolley woman" test! All those miles and not a pull or drift to be seen!

And the windows stayed up!
Good to see it win on the track AND they were impressed with the engine

DiamondGeezer · Jan 10th, 2002, 03:58 PM

It was a good programme tonight and a welcome return to the screen.

For those interested, the MINI was voted overall best by 1 of the presenters and 2 seemed to plump for the Alfa 146 - very close though.

I think they should have utilised their usual marking system which they seemed to have done away with for tonights programme.

I feel the MINI would have come out on top had they used this system.

smartbomb · Jan 10th, 2002, 05:05 PM

I think the MINI won the fun-factor vote, but lost out practicality - wise. The Alfa was the 5 door version tho'...
.Have done nearly 700 miles across UK/France in a weekend in a clasic mini, I fitted in 3 passengers, tent, 3 sleeping bags, 2 airbeds, camping gas, gas stove, luggage, 3 pillows, groundsheets, food, and numerous other bits ! The people next to us at the campsite couldn't believe how much we got out of such a small car ! neither could I ! So you can fit in plenty of gear if it ain't boxed !
Will be doing some runs in France in the MINI ! bring it on !!

LMB · Jan 10th, 2002, 05:14 PM

Was it me or did he crash the Mini

I definitely heard a crunch

But miraculously the Mini seemed unscathed. Do you think they made a quick call to BMW, asking for a new Mini to finish the test drive?

LMB

smartbomb · Jan 10th, 2002, 05:19 PM

There was definitely a loud cruching noise ! But apparently the car was OK ! Sure ! No doubt Mr Brewer was having so much fun at the wheel he forgot to look where he was going ! Not sure about the Beaujolais Nouveau tho' surely the opera singer woman stocked up on that at Tescos last year ? I reckon he's a MINI man at heart as he appeared at mini in the park in 2000 wearing 'that shirt' !

rich · Jan 10th, 2002, 05:24 PM

We don't get Driven in Aus - What was in the test line-up with the MINI & 147?

Jakx · Jan 10th, 2002, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LMB
Was it me or did he crash the Mini

I definitely heard a crunch

But miraculously the Mini seemed unscathed. Do you think they made a quick call to BMW, asking for a new Mini to finish the test drive?

LMB

It wasn`t you LMB it was Mike Brewer - I think he all but backed over the foot of a Frenchman who was simply going about his everyday business.

Jakx · Jan 10th, 2002, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rich
We don't get Driven in Aus - What was in the test line-up with the MINI & 147?

MGF 1.6 !

pob · Jan 10th, 2002, 05:27 PM

Wish I'd paid more attention to what was on TV tonight and watched it. Alfa 147.... my sister's new one seems to particularly like it's weekly visits back to the dealer. As for practicality - isn't that what the other half's car is for?!

smartbomb · Jan 10th, 2002, 05:32 PM

I reckon that a car is as practical as you make it ! My MINI will be force fed the usual camping gear and then some ! if it fits in my mini then it'll fit into a MINI ! besides I'm only interested in tacky souvenirs not plonk !
Seriously tho' the Alfa 147 has more room, but most of that space will be just that space ! better to fill a MINI than to have gaps in a 147 ! Besides the 147 is one weird looking car ! As for rear views it makes the MINI look e-type-esque !

Red & White Cooper 2 · Jan 10th, 2002, 05:56 PM

pob - Driven is repeated on Sunday.

dcfkan · Jan 10th, 2002, 05:57 PM

smartbomb (and anyone else interested in going to France),

Please keep an eye on the Meeting and Event section of the forum - a trip to France in June is being planned at the mo. Euro Disney is winning just in case you are interested.

No doubt I shall go to France soon after I take delivery of Apple

smartbomb · Jan 10th, 2002, 06:09 PM

dckfan,
Nice one ! I hadn't looked at the threads there, not being a MINI owner yet !
Had thought about Disneyland Paris as a possible destination ! I could add that ferrysavers.com are superb for gettiing across ! Planning to go to Brugge again..European city of culture for 2002 oh and meet up with a few French pals sometime ! Phew gonna rack up some miles !
Put me down for a meeting or trip or whatever ! The French mini owners are a top bunch, and a lot friendlier than a LOT of English owners !

LMB · Jan 10th, 2002, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dcfkan
smartbomb (and anyone else interested in going to France),

Please keep an eye on the Meeting and Event section of the forum - a trip to France in June is being planned at the mo. Euro Disney is winning just in case you are interested.

No doubt I shall go to France soon after I take delivery of Apple

I would definitely be up for a trip to Euro Disney. It would be well cool turning up in a convoy of Mini's.

LMB

S_600 · Jan 11th, 2002, 03:21 AM

I hope you enjoy your trip to Paris, if it's in June it's all too close to SSSS time.

Back to the original thread

They said at the start of the program that they were using 3 fun cars under £15K.
I agree that any car bigger than the mini could be more comfy and roomy on a long run and any 2 seater open top sports car is going to be great fun when the sun shines.
But the Mini covers both areas and fits in the middle of the other cars - pretty comfy and definitely fun.
Also, what is the price of the others, the basic Cooper is well under the mentioned £15K.
Does any one know what that flashing light was on the bottom of the screen. It always seemed to show Mini - 1%, MGF - 97% and Alpha - 2%. If it was a phone in then I don't believe it (unless it was to vote off the most unpopular car)

regards

blade929 · Jan 11th, 2002, 03:31 AM

Who cheered when the MINI crossed the line first. I did.

Good review though, although it did blow my theory out of the water about women drivers and reversing. Come on Mike, must try harder.

rascal · Jan 11th, 2002, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skewer

Does any one know what that flashing light was on the bottom of the screen. It always seemed to show Mini - 1%, MGF - 97% and Alpha - 2%. If it was a phone in then I don't believe it (unless it was to vote off the most unpopular car)

regards

It was the answers to their competition question ("which car is rear wheel drive?"). Good episode of Driven - my mate picks up his 147 tomorrow so we watched with interest!

MiniMayhem · Jan 11th, 2002, 06:41 AM

I only saw the second half of Driven last night, and being an Alfa 147 (1.6, 3 door) owner myself this test was particularly interesting. I have considered the MGF in the past but the build quality of early models seemed to be shockingly bad - even the Rover 25 was subjectively better built (though the MGF has probably improved since then!) and I haven't driven an MGF so cannot comment on its handling.

From my experience the Alfa 147 1.6 is a good car but is subjectively duller to drive in terms of both acceleration and handling compared with the Cooper but more practical if you have loads of luggage. The standard Cooper (Pepper pack) handling seems so much more direct compared with the standard suspension Alfa and when the engine is run in properly the Cooper feels far livelier than the 147 (1.6), so in driving terms the Cooper wins. On paper the 147 1.6 is halfway between the One and the Cooper in terms of performance, though as mentioned before a well run-in Cooper feels much livelier. I would certainly have ordered a MINI instead of the 147 if it had been available a year ago, and I had to change my car at that particular time - I knew the MINI was coming in six months but couldn't wait any longer for a car anyway.

rascal · Jan 11th, 2002, 07:33 AM

For our overseas friends who don't get channel 4:-

www.4car.co.uk

S_600 · Jan 11th, 2002, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rascal

It was the answers to their competition question ("which car is rear wheel drive?"). Good episode of Driven - my mate picks up his 147 tomorrow so we watched with interest!

Rascal
Thanks for that

Jan 10th, 2002, 03:38 PM	#1
R1 Addicted to Speed!! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: ..."B" roads!! Local Time: 01:12 PM Posts: 4,915 Offline	Driven test on tv Good test on Driven tonight. Made up for the "shopping trolley woman" test! All those miles and not a pull or drift to be seen! And the windows stayed up! Good to see it win on the track AND they were impressed with the engine

Jan 10th, 2002, 05:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
LMB Toon Toon.. My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Up North Local Time: 01:12 PM Posts: 24,876 Offline	Was it me or did he crash the Mini I definitely heard a crunch But miraculously the Mini seemed unscathed. Do you think they made a quick call to BMW, asking for a new Mini to finish the test drive? LMB Global Moderator

Jan 10th, 2002, 06:50 PM	#14 (permalink)
LMB Toon Toon.. My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Up North Local Time: 01:12 PM Posts: 24,876 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by dcfkan smartbomb (and anyone else interested in going to France), Please keep an eye on the Meeting and Event section of the forum - a trip to France in June is being planned at the mo. Euro Disney is winning just in case you are interested. No doubt I shall go to France soon after I take delivery of Apple I would definitely be up for a trip to Euro Disney. It would be well cool turning up in a convoy of Mini's. LMB Global Moderator

Jan 11th, 2002, 03:21 AM	#15 (permalink)
S_600 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Maidenhead, Berks Local Time: 01:12 PM Posts: 44 Offline	I hope you enjoy your trip to Paris, if it's in June it's all too close to SSSS time. Back to the original thread They said at the start of the program that they were using 3 fun cars under £15K. I agree that any car bigger than the mini could be more comfy and roomy on a long run and any 2 seater open top sports car is going to be great fun when the sun shines. But the Mini covers both areas and fits in the middle of the other cars - pretty comfy and definitely fun. Also, what is the price of the others, the basic Cooper is well under the mentioned £15K. Does any one know what that flashing light was on the bottom of the screen. It always seemed to show Mini - 1%, MGF - 97% and Alpha - 2%. If it was a phone in then I don't believe it (unless it was to vote off the most unpopular car) regards The beast has landed

Jan 11th, 2002, 03:31 AM	#16 (permalink)
blade929 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 12:12 PM Posts: 154 Offline	OK ! Come on Admit it....... Who cheered when the MINI crossed the line first. I did. Good review though, although it did blow my theory out of the water about women drivers and reversing. Come on Mike, must try harder. - Red/White Cooper, Silver wheels, Climate Control, Chili Pack, heated mirrors, CD Boost, Alarm, Heated seats, Factory Tint Windows. Now gone (but not forgotten)

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Jan 10th, 2002, 03:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
DiamondGeezer MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2001 Location: uk Local Time: 12:12 PM Posts: 51 Offline	It was a good programme tonight and a welcome return to the screen. For those interested, the MINI was voted overall best by 1 of the presenters and 2 seemed to plump for the Alfa 146 - very close though. I think they should have utilised their usual marking system which they seemed to have done away with for tonights programme. I feel the MINI would have come out on top had they used this system.

Jan 10th, 2002, 05:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
smartbomb Bring the noise My Classifieds Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Trancentral Local Time: 12:12 PM Posts: 2,437 Offline	I think the MINI won the fun-factor vote, but lost out practicality - wise. The Alfa was the 5 door version tho'... .Have done nearly 700 miles across UK/France in a weekend in a clasic mini, I fitted in 3 passengers, tent, 3 sleeping bags, 2 airbeds, camping gas, gas stove, luggage, 3 pillows, groundsheets, food, and numerous other bits ! The people next to us at the campsite couldn't believe how much we got out of such a small car ! neither could I ! So you can fit in plenty of gear if it ain't boxed ! Will be doing some runs in France in the MINI ! bring it on !!

Jan 10th, 2002, 05:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
smartbomb Bring the noise My Classifieds Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Trancentral Local Time: 12:12 PM Posts: 2,437 Offline	There was definitely a loud cruching noise ! But apparently the car was OK ! Sure ! No doubt Mr Brewer was having so much fun at the wheel he forgot to look where he was going ! Not sure about the Beaujolais Nouveau tho' surely the opera singer woman stocked up on that at Tescos last year ? I reckon he's a MINI man at heart as he appeared at mini in the park in 2000 wearing 'that shirt' !

Jan 10th, 2002, 05:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
rich MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Sydney, Australia Local Time: 10:12 PM Posts: 1,586 Offline	We don't get Driven in Aus - What was in the test line-up with the MINI & 147?

Jan 10th, 2002, 05:24 PM	#7 (permalink)
Jakx MINI2 Senior Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bedfordshire ENGLAND Local Time: 01:12 PM Posts: 632 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by LMB Was it me or did he crash the Mini I definitely heard a crunch But miraculously the Mini seemed unscathed. Do you think they made a quick call to BMW, asking for a new Mini to finish the test drive? LMB It wasn`t you LMB it was Mike Brewer - I think he all but backed over the foot of a Frenchman who was simply going about his everyday business.

Jan 10th, 2002, 05:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
Jakx MINI2 Senior Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bedfordshire ENGLAND Local Time: 01:12 PM Posts: 632 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by rich We don't get Driven in Aus - What was in the test line-up with the MINI & 147? MGF 1.6 !

Jan 10th, 2002, 05:27 PM	#9 (permalink)
pob MINI2 Regular Join Date: Dec 2001 Local Time: 01:12 PM Posts: 236 Offline	Wish I'd paid more attention to what was on TV tonight and watched it. Alfa 147.... my sister's new one seems to particularly like it's weekly visits back to the dealer. As for practicality - isn't that what the other half's car is for?!

Jan 10th, 2002, 05:32 PM	#10 (permalink)
smartbomb Bring the noise My Classifieds Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Trancentral Local Time: 12:12 PM Posts: 2,437 Offline	I reckon that a car is as practical as you make it ! My MINI will be force fed the usual camping gear and then some ! if it fits in my mini then it'll fit into a MINI ! besides I'm only interested in tacky souvenirs not plonk ! Seriously tho' the Alfa 147 has more room, but most of that space will be just that space ! better to fill a MINI than to have gaps in a 147 ! Besides the 147 is one weird looking car ! As for rear views it makes the MINI look e-type-esque !

Jan 10th, 2002, 05:56 PM	#11 (permalink)
Red & White Cooper 2 MINI2 Senior Join Date: Dec 2001 Local Time: 12:12 PM Posts: 372 Offline	pob - Driven is repeated on Sunday.

Jan 10th, 2002, 05:57 PM	#12 (permalink)
dcfkan In exile, down SOUTH! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: London WC1 Local Time: 01:12 PM Posts: 13,580 Offline	smartbomb (and anyone else interested in going to France), Please keep an eye on the Meeting and Event section of the forum - a trip to France in June is being planned at the mo. Euro Disney is winning just in case you are interested. No doubt I shall go to France soon after I take delivery of Apple

Jan 10th, 2002, 06:09 PM	#13 (permalink)
smartbomb Bring the noise My Classifieds Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Trancentral Local Time: 12:12 PM Posts: 2,437 Offline	dckfan, Nice one ! I hadn't looked at the threads there, not being a MINI owner yet ! Had thought about Disneyland Paris as a possible destination ! I could add that ferrysavers.com are superb for gettiing across ! Planning to go to Brugge again..European city of culture for 2002 oh and meet up with a few French pals sometime ! Phew gonna rack up some miles ! Put me down for a meeting or trip or whatever ! The French mini owners are a top bunch, and a lot friendlier than a LOT of English owners !

Jan 11th, 2002, 05:35 AM	#17 (permalink)
rascal MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Birmingham, UK Local Time: 12:12 PM Posts: 35 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Skewer Does any one know what that flashing light was on the bottom of the screen. It always seemed to show Mini - 1%, MGF - 97% and Alpha - 2%. If it was a phone in then I don't believe it (unless it was to vote off the most unpopular car) regards It was the answers to their competition question ("which car is rear wheel drive?"). Good episode of Driven - my mate picks up his 147 tomorrow so we watched with interest!

Jan 11th, 2002, 06:41 AM	#18 (permalink)
MiniMayhem MINIless MINI2 Master Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: A long way from Jenn Local Time: 01:12 PM Posts: 883 Offline	Alfa 147 versus MINI Cooper I only saw the second half of Driven last night, and being an Alfa 147 (1.6, 3 door) owner myself this test was particularly interesting. I have considered the MGF in the past but the build quality of early models seemed to be shockingly bad - even the Rover 25 was subjectively better built (though the MGF has probably improved since then!) and I haven't driven an MGF so cannot comment on its handling. From my experience the Alfa 147 1.6 is a good car but is subjectively duller to drive in terms of both acceleration and handling compared with the Cooper but more practical if you have loads of luggage. The standard Cooper (Pepper pack) handling seems so much more direct compared with the standard suspension Alfa and when the engine is run in properly the Cooper feels far livelier than the 147 (1.6), so in driving terms the Cooper wins. On paper the 147 1.6 is halfway between the One and the Cooper in terms of performance, though as mentioned before a well run-in Cooper feels much livelier. I would certainly have ordered a MINI instead of the 147 if it had been available a year ago, and I had to change my car at that particular time - I knew the MINI was coming in six months but couldn't wait any longer for a car anyway.

Jan 11th, 2002, 07:33 AM	#19 (permalink)
rascal MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Birmingham, UK Local Time: 12:12 PM Posts: 35 Offline	For our overseas friends who don't get channel 4:- www.4car.co.uk

Jan 11th, 2002, 07:36 AM	#20 (permalink)
S_600 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Maidenhead, Berks Local Time: 01:12 PM Posts: 44 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by rascal It was the answers to their competition question ("which car is rear wheel drive?"). Good episode of Driven - my mate picks up his 147 tomorrow so we watched with interest! Rascal Thanks for that The beast has landed

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