Mini Cooper
Comparison: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth vs. 2012 Mini Cooper S Coupe vs. 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
A few years ago, we put together a comparison pitting four of our favorite hot hatches against one another. Now, in 2012, we have a new generation of fast, turbocharged hatchbacks that deserve a close look. One brand, the winner from the last test—Mini—is represented here again, this time in the Mini Cooper S Coupe. Also in the race is the new Fiat 500 Abarth, which has garnered a lot of attention from the media and the public. Finally, we threw in the Hyundai Veloster Turbo, which we think is both an interesting and exciting candidate, even if it hasn’t had much time to make a name for itself.
First Look: 2014 Mini Paceman
When the Mini Cooper Paceman makes its public debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, it will be the newest installment in what has been an aggressive lineup expansion from the diminutive British marquee. Essentially a coupe version of the larger Countryman, the Paceman will be available in the United Kingdom beginning on March 16, 2013, for a shade over $30,000. There is no formal arrival date set for the US market as of yet.
Rumors: Industry Report–Mini To Cancel JCW GP Coupe?
Mini’s exclusive ‘GP’ badge has only ever appeared upon a select few Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works models–a mere 415 were ever brought to the United States since 2006. A JCW GP Coupe was rumored, but according to a new report on MotoringFile, Mini has apparently pulled the plug on the GP Coupe before it had the chance to see the light of day.
Comparison Test: 2012 Mini Cooper S Roadster vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition
The Mazda has been the undisputed king of the roadsters since it burst on to the scene 23 years ago. The Mini’s been one of our favorite hot hatches, but we’ve been plenty curious to see just how the all-new Roadster matched up with the legendary MX-5. To find out, we spent a day shooting, videoing, and most importantly, driving these two awesome roadsters. This’ll be a fun one.
Comfort/Involvement Index: 2012 Mini Cooper S Coupe
Besides the carryover powertrains, the Mini Coupe features added structural bracing for a stiffer chassis and better feedback. The result is the best handling Mini outside of the John Cooper Works models. In the bends, the Coupe feels even stiffer, with a quick-rotating nature that is also progressive in the way that it comes on. A revised shape promises better aero, a higher top speed, and fresh looks.
First Look: 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP
For 2013, Mini has released an all-new version. We don’t have a great deal of information (yet), but the new JCW GP was revealed at the Paul Ricard circuit in France during the Mini United festival. Like the original GP, it’ll be limited to 2000 units.
List: Involvement Index Giant Killers For Under $30,000
In particular, the middle of our index is populated with some extremely affordable performance machinery, which can be every bit as involving as cars that cost double or even triple the price. Perhaps the most exciting thing about this list is how it’s set to grown in the coming months. With cars like the Scion FR-S/Subaru BR-Z, Ford Focus ST, and Hyundai Veloster Turbo all set to arrive before the end of 2012, there should be no shortage of affordable involvement options.
Quick Drive: 2012 Fiat 500C
Regardless of history or tradition, this is not a convertible in the classic sense. It’s more of a targa top. Now, there’s nothing really wrong with that, but it shouldn’t be sold and marketed as a convertible. Call it a 500T. Don’t get my hopes up and then crush them via a glorified cloth sunroof.
List: Top Ten April Fools’ Pranks Of 2012
Every year around the first of April, automotive manufacturers and publications love to unleash April Fools’ pranks on unwitting journalists and readers. Sometimes they’re pretty clever, other times they’re very obvious, but either way, they’re inevitable. 2012 was no different, as many of these jokes rolled out on or in advance of April 1.
Long-Term Car: Public Perception And The Mini Coupe
The sheer level of attention for this car is more impressive than in any other Mini I’ve driven. People are intrigued by it, because it’s a serious deviation from a shape that’s become quite familiar over the past decade.
Driven: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
Because, from the moment we slotted ourselves behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel, outside of the Hard Rock Hotel on the Las Vegas strip, to the last turn of the last hot lap we ran for the day, we loved driving this car.
Rumors: Industry Report—Is Triumph Making A Comeback?
The world of automobiles is a chaotic one, and the seas of chaos never sleep—they require vigilant and expert navigation in order to stay afloat.
First Look: 2013 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman
Ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, Mini has taken the wraps of the John Cooper Works Countryman.
Long-Term Car: Windy City Road Trip
Some days ago, my wife Catheryn and I packed a night’s worth of luggage (some clothes, an air mattress and pump, snacks for the road) into the Mini and took off for Chicago to meet up with our friends Michael and Dina for a concert.
Long-Term Car: The Mini’s Snow Tires Get Tested
Finally, we’d have a proper test of our Michelin Primacy Alpin winter tires. I pulled out of work to dry weather on that Friday afternoon, and made it home in record time (people, hearing there was snow on the way, must have ditched work early to avoid a slow-go on the way home). I parked the car, and waited.
Geneva 2012: Mini Cooper Clubvan Concept
We said this one was coming, and now here it is. Mini has taken the wraps off the working-class version of its long-wheelbase Clubman. Of course, it’s still a concept, but this car looks quite production ready.
Rumors: Industry Report—End Of The Road For Mini And Prodrive
Both Mini and Prodrive are no strangers to victory on the rally stages of the world. However, a recent report from Autoweek indicates that the two companies won’t be running races together any longer.
Question: Can Fiat Be The Next Mini?
Fiat’s first year in the United States was a tough one. Of the 50,000 expected sales, only around 20,000 were sold. So with the 500C starting to arrive in greater numbers, and the upcoming release of the 500 Abarth and 500L, can the newly diversified Fiat become the sales success that Mini and the Prius family have been?
Rumors: Industry Report—Diesel Mini Coming To The US?
The global push for green technology and cleaner burning cars has given rise to new and exciting technology, and it’s also given diesel technology a new lease on life here in the United States.
Long-Term Car: Our Mini Gets Its Snow Shoes
As Editor-In-Chief Miersma mentioned in the first impressions of our long-term 2012 Mini Cooper S Coupe, winter rubber will be a must-have for our loaner. Having arrived with a set of Continental ContiProContacts, we certainly weren’t prepared to tackle even the mild winter we’ve had so far, so the quest began to find a suitable set of snow shoes.
Model Evolution: The Mini
It’s been said that the original Volkswagen GTI is the world’s first hot hatch. Respecfully, we disagree. The original Mini, especially in Cooper and Cooper S guises, has been terrorizing the bigger cars of the world for almost 50 years, starting with the first Mini Cooper back in 1961.
Categories
Most Popular
