Topic: Big Guy, Small Car Test Drive: 2015 Mini Cooper S 5-door

[OliverD]

Just picked up a 2015 GTI with stick and I'm lovin' it.  I didn't consider Cooper because of reliability issues and noisier, harsher ride.

Congrats, what color did you get? Love my GTI. 

[CAS]

White, 5-dr.  Also got leather and nav but didn't upgrade to Performance.  How about you, OliverD?

[OliverD]

White, 5-dr.  Also got leather and nav but didn't upgrade to Performance.  How about you, OliverD?

Red, also leather/nav/manual and no performance package.

[chignectohead]

The original Cooper S was just under $30k when it was launched. I know because I bought one, and my wife did, too, although before I met her (she still has hers). Xenons were standard on all Canadian cars, but optional in the US market.

I think the Cooper S engine is pretty much what you get in a BMW 320i (i.e. the 328i engine in detuned state). The base Cooper is much more fun to drive, with the added character of the fizzy three cylinder.

I'll start the usual banter...

At $36k, why not get a GTI instead?  It's literally better in every way and yet, not even listed as a competitor.  Too big?  Fine, whatever.

I've never understood these 'fashion statement' cars.  I'm simply not willing to put up with over-the-top styling, awkward looks, squinty-happy headlights, sickening MB GLA-style tail lights, or other quirks "'cuz it's cute."  I'm certainly not willing to deal with 189hp out of a 2.0T when BMW's 2.0T (on which I'd assume this is based) makes gobs more power and yet returns what seems to be better fuel consumption.

I used to love the Mini, Cooper S circa 2003 in particular, which started in the low $20ks and had a supercharged engine.  At that time, xenon HIDs were a $500 option.  ...and yet, it was cute, quirky, and in every way better than these bloated disgraces to the brand.  I'm sure these new models are still a relative blast to drive, but I can't even look at one.  It went from being a toy to a "family" car.  I mean, seriously, what the ?!

No, this engine is the new B48 series, not the N20 in the real 320/328/X328i etc. etc. It's also featured in the new BMW X1, which is the MINI on super stilts, using the UKL platform. There it's ramped up all the way to 228 bhp from the 197 in the MINI. It has an even smaller bore and longer stroke than the N20, so its stroke is getting up there to compete with Hondas at almost 95 mm. Must be cheaper to make for the BMW's lesser models than the real engine, although apparently they have quieted the DI system so that it doesn't sound like a diesel at idle.

The MINI epitomizes to me a shiny bauble for the magpies of this world. It's obviously not competitive for the money, so needs to appeal to extroverts.

[mlin32]

The GTI/Golf is larger than the Mini.....I don't consider them so much direct competitors. The VW equivalent is the Polo.

I thought about the Mini 5-türer but when I saw it in person, realised my DH bike would have trouble being an easy fit behind the front seats.

[quadzilla]

The GTI/Golf is larger than the Mini.....I don't consider them so much direct competitors. The VW equivalent is the Polo.

I would seriously consider a Polo GTI if they were available here.

[mlin32]

The GTI/Golf is larger than the Mini.....I don't consider them so much direct competitors. The VW equivalent is the Polo.

I would seriously consider a Polo GTI if they were available here.

Having driven a Polo the last couple years, I think I would get the Mini. Admittedly it was a base model with the 1,2 litre 3-cyl diesel, but the interior is definitely a step down from the Golf. Not a bad car at all, good to drive, but the interior would annoy me.

[jamesautos]

4 door hatch looks somehow weird.

coz four door hatch is a wagon

[quadzilla]

The GTI/Golf is larger than the Mini.....I don't consider them so much direct competitors. The VW equivalent is the Polo.

I would seriously consider a Polo GTI if they were available here.

Having driven a Polo the last couple years, I think I would get the Mini. Admittedly it was a base model with the 1,2 litre 3-cyl diesel, but the interior is definitely a step down from the Golf. Not a bad car at all, good to drive, but the interior would annoy me.

Even in GTI trim?

[Ontariodriver]

These Mini's have terrible reputation for reliability.....Run for hills. 

[OliverD]

These Mini's have terrible reputation for reliability.....Run for hills.

These or previous ones?

[Ontariodriver]

These Mini's have terrible reputation for reliability.....Run for hills.

These or previous ones?

Both. Stay away from it.

[Nuttygent]

  I did look at this car when buying my Kia and it was more toss-able and felt slightly more powerful due weight differences. When factoring in reliability, location of dealers, cost with similar options I had to rule it out. At 17,000km on the odo, my car excels on the commute to the airport while returning sometimes 7.2L per at the steady 135, very happy so far.