[Nick the Greek]

Originally Posted by leon1984

A 116i is not really what this thread is about they weigh a lot

This.

By comparison the 116i is huge and weighs as much as a Sherman tank

[SkyJawa]

The 116i I had as a loaner wasn't that bad, had a bit of poke, and sharing the 118's engine means it remaps to 200bhp.

But as said, it's a heavy bastard.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by SkyJawa

The 116i I had as a loaner wasn't that bad, had a bit of poke, and sharing the 118's engine means it remaps to 200bhp.

But as said, it's a heavy bastard.

Personally the Top limit to a small car are those like Fiesta, Peugeot 208, however even those for mini cars are big these days.

We looked at a 108 Roland Garros, now that with the 208 bhp engine would be loads of fun lol.

It's actually quite stylish and an option for daughters car.

Nice city car.

[SkyJawa]

Agree cars are so big! Driving the 205 round it feels the size of an original mini compared to other cars on the road!

[Consett Mag]

I had some fun in the car that my 330d replaced. If it wasn't the big dog problem I might still have it.

Plenty of power for the twisties and the ability to hold speed into corners and roundabouts. The bonus was that I could always find a parking space most people (mainly women) would not try for.

The only rider with these things is that statistically, the smaller the car, the less metal you've got around you.

But that Mini is a miss.

[scotgc]

Completely agree - My wife's Mini Cooper s is also a fantastic drive after getting out the 3er. In fact I love driving it round the town instead of the 335d.


Guy round the corner from Us has a triumph herald and its tiny !

[....,,,,..,,..]

What sort of amazes me, is how people these days (young people), don't get a small car but instantly go for a Audi, Merc BMW etc.

Completely missing out on the fun aspect of driving.

Absolutely no facts to back this up, however I believe in some respects, you probably drive better having to use a small car and small engine (or even small car big engine).

[Occean]

My wife's first car, a Suzuki cappuccino was simply one of the most enjoyable cars I have ever driven. Very curious how the new Honda s660 is.

There is definitely something to be said for a well setup lightweight car.

[Wills2]

Originally Posted by leon1984

A 116i is not really what this thread is about they weigh a lot

Felt the same when I drove a fiesta and VW fox, even though they are around 1000kg when you've only got 50-60hp the weight is a bit of a moot point as far as I'm concerned.

My first 4 cars were sub 1000kg 50-60hp shopping trolleys and I wouldn't relish the thought of going back there.

lightweight cars like a Caterham are a delight as they have a decent PTWR, I'm sure an Up! would be great with 150+ hp.

[deebee]

I love driving our Aygo, i rarely drive the bimmer at weekends, and similar to what brigand said the steering wheel is lovely and probably better quality than mine and the car is ace to nip about in, just a more fun happy experience whereas the bimmer always seems serious

[Daftasabrush]

I've got a MK1 Seat Arosa as a spare car:



And it's a hoot, I'd much rather drive around in this than a 1 series courtesy car that I invariably get given at the dealership. It has power steering and nothing else, no electric windows, ABS, airbags etc. Slow as anything, 50 bhp when new, fun as hell though!

[robwils]

Originally Posted by TouringPleb

When the Up! was first launched there was talk of a Gti version with exactly that, 100-120bhp, 6 speed gearbox and 17" alloys. Sadly it hasn't happened.

Yes, surprised they didn't - would have been the modern day Lupo gti, which are still in demand and are great little cars.

[Nick the Greek]

Originally Posted by robwils

Yes, surprised they didn't - would have been the modern day Lupo gti, which are still in demand and are great little cars.

Agree.

Those little Lupo GTIs sure hold onto their value and look like great fun!

[robwils]

Originally Posted by Nick the Greek

Agree.

Those little Lupo GTIs sure hold onto their value and look like great fun!

You would think in these fuel conscious times that it would make sense to have more of these type of cars - I would definitely consider an Up gti.
Unless they take sales away from the polo / golf Gti, which I would doubt.

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by leon1984

I'm currently in a 2009 Mini Cooper D whilst I wait for my 430. I have to say I'm having more fun in it than I did my 235i.

Lightweight, great feel, accessible performance and corner speed that is just so much fun. I'm a lightweight cheap frills convert for sure

Wife's got a 59 plate Cooper. So I know where you're coming from Leon.