The new upcoming Audi A2...

 

Finally Audi make a mini van! Good job!

 

Introducing.....the Audi Aztek!

 

There are lots of small, stylish cars coming, I feel, but unless they can really compete with the ride, value, and practicality (all three) of a MINI, they're no competitor, imo. I don't even think BMW would have gotten it right unless they were trying to hit one particular standard...the classic Mini. Remarkable, they did hit it, but does anybody else feel up to the task??

 

Its just too tall and not enough personality.

BMW really got it right

 

I'd consider the new Mazda3 (esp. the 5-door) a MINI competitor. It is a very nice handling and fun car, with good, individual styling.





The "S" models with the NA 2.3L I-4 160HP aren't quite as quick as an MCS, but they do have good torque, and the chassis handles great!

 

Bingo! That was the first thought in my head when I saw it. Not good. NEXT!

 

Yeah, I just noticed that split rear glass....its almost becoming an inadvertant symbol of Aztek-ness. First the Prius and now this....not a good omen!

I wonder what LMini would say....

 

She definitely wouldnt say "w00t"!

 

The Audi A2 is only a competitor in the sense of being a relatively small and nimble car.

Consider the A2 specs-
http://www.greenconsumerguide.com/sh...es/a/audi.html

1390 cc engine with 75 bhp and 107 mph top speed
0-62 mph time of 12 seconds
47 mpg mixed driving
MSRP about 13,100 english pounds.

I'd say it competes with the Prius more than the MINI.
Unless the diesel MINI comes to town.

 

A bunch of us got a chance to drive the Mazda 3 quite a bit at the latest Mazda's "Rev It Up" event (which was quite fun going ***** out on an Autocross course with someone else's car and their brakes/tires) and upon comparing it to the MCS '04 we have (17" tires o/w stock except Cat Back exhaust) there was no comparison. The MCS is definitely more agile and faster. It would have killed all the times (except may be the pro driver times) at the "Rev It Up" even given the same course.

The Mazda 3 is a fun car, but its stock suspension just doesn't measure up the the MCS at all, much softer if a bit more comfortable (there will always be a trade off though, and I prefer the handling at the expense of a bit of harshness). And the MCS was waay faster off the line than the Mazda 3.

But it really isn't a fair comparison as it seems that these are 2 completely different classes/types of cars.

-The MCS is a 3 door, has a shorter wheelbase, similar HP's but with a Supercharger and is configured with a sportier stock suspension running around $22-24K.

-In comparison, the Mazda 3 is a 5 door, is heavier with a longer wheelbase, has a normally aspirated engine, no option for a sport suspension package from the factory, and comes in under $19K with the ABS/Dynamic Braking System optioned (to try to keep SOME parity with the MCS).

The MCS will cost you more, but you get some performance at the expense of a less comfortable (squishy) ride and size/convenience. Two different targets in my book.

Dave

 

I have driven the A2, and no way is it a competitor to the Mini. You are off your rocker if you think so. It is more like a Scion xB. The interior stinks as well. It looks like an MPV (we don't call them Mini vans in Europe) from pictures, but it isn't that big in person.

 

nice one! :smile:

 

The Mazda 3 can't compete with the MINI also in terms of resale value. Mazdas, outside of the Miata, have never done well on this regard. A lot of people consider Mazdas as Japanese Fords which that's what they are in reality.

I think the Mazda 3 is a better alternative to the VW Golf/GTI but it doesn't hold a candle to the MINI.

Audi's styling design cues of late are becoming a bit controversial. I wonder if Chris Bangle from BMW and Warren Cherry (Ex GM design executive whose infamous Aztek was done under his watch) are doing side jobs for Audi.

I guess the classic "Bauhaus" Audi styling is not the "In" thing much anymore.

 

man, that thing is ugly. Just my opinion.

 

there are people here who like the A2.... but not over in north america... if i lived in europe and could use somethin like that then i'd defenitely consider it

for audis.. i'd consider the A3 more akin with the MCS, and even then it's a bit far fetched... the MCS closest competitors are still civic si, rsx type s, celica gts, and gti 1.8t

 

I have yet to find a single car that I would consider over the MINI. The only one that comes close would be a GTI.

If you factor in price, make 4 seats a requirement, and look for similar performance, you won't be able to find anything equal.

What cars would you guys consider competitors? PT Cruiser? New Beetle or Golf? Ford Focus SVT maybe?

 

I agree with you Countryrm! My daughters has the GTI VR6 and it is amazing. I still mine out corners hers! The GTI compels you to speed though.

 

Considering the TOTAL package offered by MINIs, my personal answer would be "none." Some have styling, but little else. Some have performance, but "yawn" styling. Some have both but are 2-seaters and so are less practical. If it weren't for MINIs, I'd be hard pressed to find attraction in most of what's out there right now.

 

This car looks like some kind of absurd minivan-anycar hybrid, like the Matrix. The look says soccer dad econobox. Is this supposed to be a competitor to the MINI?

 

Its a CRX! After a couple m-80 went off in it.


Paul

 

WOW! I did not expect this many posts...I do agree that it's not a direct competitor to the Cooper. And it is kind of fugly. If they imported the A2 with a diesel engine, I would consider buying one. Otherwise forget it. I would purchase the A class Benz instead. Come on MB USA. Their IS a market for the A-class if priced right!


A2 interior

A-class Benz

 

I've always LOVED the A-Class. I went bonkers when i saw my first one inperson while i was in Mexico! I almost got my buddy to help me out in buying it in Mexico and bringing it over. I then found out i really wanted something sportier and autocross competitative.

 

I agree with JDS

MINI still doesn´t have a real competitor. Some cars compete in performance, others in styling (very few, I´d say) but none has that mix of style and fun to drive.

A-Class does not compete with the MINI except in size (and beats it). The car drives like a minivan and emphasizes comfort over fun to drive.

The A2 has been Audi´s biggest mistake so far.

So far, I´d say the MINI´s biggest competition will come from the BMW 1 series.