Mini underwhelming

[Gob]

Mini has unveiled its new Coupe model. Almost.

The BMW-owned British has released some teaser images of its new Mini Cooper Coupe undergoing testing - complete with camouflage to hide the finer details.

Still, the pictures are enough to give the main game away. They show Mini has done away with the iconic box-topped design of the regular Mini Cooper, replacing it with a sloping roof that leaves the Coupe with an oddly proportioned, ute-like body profile.

Advertisement: Story continues below The sticker-clad Mini swaps its squared-off roof for what the brand describes as the "helmet" turret (which resembles a stack-hat from some angles). The rounded lid features a slight overhang at the back of the roof, with the sloped rear glass leading to a flattened boot with integrated pop-up rear spoiler which deploys at speeds over 80km/h.

While the basic shape of the new model is clear, Mini has left the finer details to the viewer's imagination, with swirly camouflage covering a few key design elements of the two-seater, two-door model.

Mini says the new Coupe offers a high-opening tailgate with a large cargo area that can open up, offering an extended area reaching to behind the seats.

Mini says that the new Coupe will be offered in a number of petrol models including the Cooper (90kW/160Nm), the turbocharged Cooper S (135kW/240Nm) and John Cooper Works (155kW/260Nm) models, as well as the recently introduced 105kW/305Nm SD turbo diesel model. The SD will be available in six-speed manual only, while the petrol models will be offered with the option of a six-speed automatic.

Mini Australia says the models that will be offered locally aren't yet confirmed, but says the new model will arrive in Australia by the end of 2011.

[The Hen]

Yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck yuck!

I am a Mini fan (of the original Cooper S variety). I would even have considered buying the new model Cooper S (if I felt like throwing away money on nostalgia).

But THAT?

What an ugly pack of shit.

[Crackpot]

the profile does seem to be lacking. though Im willing to withhold final judgment until I see one without the camo (it hides more than you'd think) But at this point it looks like they were so concerned with maintaining the Mini look that hey made a coupe look too much like a wagon.

[Rick]

If they are at all like the wagon they are drastically overpriced...

[Crackpot]

Either you have or haven't priced one out (or driven one) they range from 15k-40K+ depending on how wild you want to go with the options/customization. Last time I checked it was ~30K for a rather nicely equipped Cooper S

[Rick]

30k isn't over priced?

I'd rather have my truck at a 3rd of the price...

[Crackpot]

That's with quite a bit of upgrades Making it better equipped than most vehicles twice its size.

[Rick]

That's with quite a bit of upgrades Making it better equipped than most vehicles twice its size.

As with all things, personal pref.

I wouldn't walk across the street to look at one...

[Crackpot]

They're alot of fun to drive

[Rick]

So are go carts and they're cheaper...

[dgs49]

Snarky remarks aside, the MINI is one of the most desirable vehicles on the road. The resale value is second to none, which is a strong indication that there is nothing quite like it.

The coupe will do well, I'm sure, provided they don't price it too high, and certainly the coupe-based ragtop (in addition to the regular ragtop) is sure to follow. Interesting contrast to the Miata - FWD vs RWD, German vs Japanese.

[Gob]

Well the older new ones were dgs, time will tell if the new new ones will follow suit.

[Jarlaxle]

Ugly, cramped, bizarre ergonomics, goofy styling, breathtakingly expensive, fair (at best) mileage, and high repair costs. Nope, I'll pass.

For the price of a loaded Mini, you can get into plenty of more-substantial cars. Hell, a loaded Cooper S isn't far off the price of a new Mustang GT!

[dales]

apples -n- oranges

[Jarlaxle]

Absolutely: one is a rocketship that has performance on par with a BMW M3, the other is an overpriced, overglorified wrong-wheel drive crapbox with goofy styling and a famous name.

[SisterMaryFellatio]

<-------likes the swirly pattern. Dont have an opinion on the car apart from the fact its overpriced.


I think all cars should come with an option of patterns...block colours are so boring

[dales]

Absolutely: one is a rocketship that has performance on par with a BMW M3, the other is an overpriced, overglorified wrong-wheel drive crapbox with goofy styling and a famous name.

I'm puzzled by this:

For the price of a loaded Mini, you can get into plenty of more-substantial cars. Hell, a loaded Cooper S isn't far off the price of a new Mustang GT!

I dunno, the two automobiles are distinctly different and would appeal to two different types of motorists.

Buy what you like.

[dales]

I think all cars should come with an option of patterns...block colours are so boring