Compared with Pontiac Vibe (Toyota Matrix) and the Beetle Turbo.

The Mini S "wins" overall.

 

I just read the article. I think the Vibe was mismatched for a comparison. I have driven all three and agree with most comments in the article. The only thing found was the handling of the Vibe was more along the lines of a small truck or SUV. That thing scared the *%#! out of me during a normal lange change manuver at highway speeds. I think the vehicle is marginal at best and dangerous at worst when it comes to handling. My Ford Windstar handles much safer than the Vibe. The Pontiac sales rep said they feel it is marketed more as a sport SUV hybred anyway.

 

Hey did you notice the pictures on the cover and in the article?

The woman in the MINI has her bikini top blowing out of the sunroof

 

>>Hey did you notice the pictures on the cover and in the article?
>>
>>The woman in the MINI has her bikini top blowing out of the sunroof

 

I have heard that the Vibe and Matrix are essentialy the same vehicle.

Any mention of this in the article.

 

Little late in picking up this issue.
I too happened to notice the bikini top absent from the owners body. Probably get into some trouble if I dwell too much into that here though.
The article did mention that the GT Vibe and Matrix have the same drivetrain out of the Celica GTS, while just the base model Vibe has the 130hp Coroalla engine.
Still thik the GM engineers are on crack with that friggin ugly look they gave the Aztec, Vibe, Avalanche and Rendevous.
In all a pretty fair article.
Happened to also notice that the SVT Focus is being kicked up in power with a turboed Mazda 225hp engine, for the claimed '04 model year. Damn. With the newly juiced up Neon, Speed Protoge, Focus, PT Crusier, etc, I hope the MCS gets a factory bump up in power soon, other than the highly priced JCW kit. Just have to put my MCS on a diet for some weight loss, and boost up some components to stay in the game.