The Fiat 500 and Veloster are good comparisons for the Mini since they're FWD, similarly priced, and available in turbo/non-turbo. Fiat is coming out with a 500 Turbo which is more comparable to a MCS since it is turbo and slightly cheaper (the Abarth should be compared to the JCW Mini). Ford is seriously considering selling the Fiesta ST (1.6 turbo, 177 hp) in the US, which would also compare nicely to the MCS.

The FRS/BRZ and Genesis Coupe 2.0T are in a sub-category by themselves.

 

Not true.

May I read a quote from a MotorTrend Clubman S vs Veloster Turbo comparison:


But the Clubman takes the Veloster to school in the real world. Quicker and more consistent in testing, more adept at communication, and compassionate at the gas pump (30.5 observed mpg to the Hyundai's 25.2), the Mini skillfully handled mountain roads, city streets, and the highway patrol with authority and expert steering. That grizzled tuning team at Mini -- or BMW, depending on how you want to view it -- knows how to extract a smile from the driver

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz25o19T8ZL

 

What about that little Lexus hatchback? I don't know anything about it.

 

the fiat is dumb. exclude it from the list! lol
the lexus hatchback is cool, and oddly enough, i think the new mazda hatchback looks kinda cool too.

i have to say, on a side note, im not super crazy about how the styling is going for new minis... has anyone seen the latest spy shots? it kinda looks like an older rav 4 :(

 

starts at $29,000. automatic only (CVT). no turbo (toyota prius engine/motor)

 

The genesis coupe v6 gets 17/26 maybe it could see 30 on a perfect day. MCS gets 27/35 and gets basically exactly that. Its not even close, even the 2.0T genesis isn't on the same level.

 

I just picked up a fJCW. It was between that and a GTI. I wanted to wait for the new BRZ and the Focus ST to try that, but in the end the styling of the JCW was better IMO. Plus, I have kids and the seats in the BRZ are too small. Imagine a Mini owner saying that!

 

You must be talking about the Paceman? I'm sort of interested in seeing what the All4 JCW version looks & drives like. My dealer was trying to get me to put down a deposit, but I have to drive it first. I'm not even really jonzing for a new car yet and I wasn't that impressed when I test drove the Countryman; as far as having it for my DD. 2 door version might be nice.

 

I can relate. I was originally thinking about a Scion FR-S, but I thought that they looked a too little boy racecar like in person. Althought I did want to take one for a spin, but they're all presold and I got tired of waiting.

Ended up buying a used MINI Cooper S instead.

 

All the Hyundai cars ADVERTISE better mileage than us... From what I've read (and experienced with my wife's Kia) you don't get anywhere near the rated economy in the real world with the Hyundai/Kia cars. Wife's '11 Kia Forte EX is rated 36 highway... Gets closer to 26 unless you keep it at or under 60mph. Above 60 the mileage drops off like a coyote off a cliff.

 

I looked at and drove the GTI before putting a deposit down on a R58 S Coupe. It was very tempting and the price was good...but it just wasn't enough to pull me away from getting another MINI.

 

The FRS/BRZ are the new hot coupes that are replacing the S2K on the track. May not have the power stock as a S2K, but the JDM market is so huge the minute it arrived, that they're absolutely stomping on everyone on the track.

They are definitely in there own league at this point, and in no way should be compared to a MINI.