F55/F56 F56 vs VW GTI?
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 246
Likes: 1
We all have different likes & wants. I've been driving my MINI for 9 years. My plan was to buy a new one when they came out. Went to the dealer & did a thorough test drive. For me it drove OK, but seemed very watered down compared to my 2006. I realize things change. The R56 was watered down & the F56 is more so, progress I guess. What I couldn't get past were the looks of the F56. Didn't like the outside & when inside I didn't care for that either. All the infotainment stuff a MINI can have means nothing to me. So long story short I'm looking at the new GTI. I'm sorry to be leaving the MINI brand, but they no longer make anything I'd want to buy. You folks with F56 MINIs good luck & enjoy your cars.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 246
Likes: 1
That's impossible! Unless you live in a place where roads are very good, or your tolerance to noise levels are very high (tough guys that don't care of minor stuff), or (hopefully not) your hearing is not so good. I am hearing very small rattles here and there in my 2015 F56 with 500 miles on roads that I think are in pretty good condition. This is with a 16" wheel. I think the panels connection points use too much plastic that it is prone to rattle here and there. I drive very gentle, trying to get good fuel economy.
Tell your dealer about the rattles, they're may be able to help. Sometimes all it takes is some sticky felt tape
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Springsteen, NJ
Too bad you can't get the Mini diesel in the US. I've heard the Europeans really like it. Of course there the gubment doesn't tax the bejeezus out of diesel. They can't pass the ancient California emissions law so Mini won't import them. I think they pass about every other states' emission laws though.
Relevant to the VW GTI/TDI vs. Mini, (I am assuming the seats in the GTI are comparable to the TDI) I test drove a TDI twice and found the seats to be uncomfortably shaped and whatever the seat cover material was felt unlike any faux leather I'd come across, just felt strange (this was not the plaid interior). Whereas I found the F56 seats quite comfortable, adjustable and nice to the touch. Wondering if anyone else had the same impressions. I really wanted to like the TDI
(On the other hand the new Jetta's seats were quite comfortable and nicely "leathered". )
Neutral
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I test drove a Base Cooper and a Base Golf... yea, not even close and yes there is a price difference and I would be very happy with the Cooper. I would like to test drive a Diesel Mini vs a Golf Diesel though. My buddy has a 175whp and 460lb/ft Golf.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 246
Likes: 1
You felt the base Cooper was better than the base Golf?
Neutral
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Base against Base, yes. The Golf has a more powerful engine, BUT the steering, handling, braking and interior didn't feel that nice. Plus it just felt "boaty",
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 520
Likes: 4
From: Tigard, OR
Anyone cross-shop mini with Chevy Spark EV? That was also one of the cars I was interested in, but with such a bad experience with the gas version, I didn't look further. I should have at least test drive one of those.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,602
Likes: 107
From: Arizona
It's a foot and a half longer than the Mini. It's more like a Mustang or an Impala than a Mini. More of a rental car.
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