[2002lupogti]

i have heard a rumour that due to the launch of the new mini the LUPO GTI will be downgraded somewhat. The xenon lights have been removed and the radio has been downgraded.
The radio is no big loss as they should provide a cd player as standard but the xenon lights are a real loss.
Do you think the mini is in tha same league as the Lupo? I personally do not.

 

[Shao_khan]

Re: Lupo v Mini (2002lupogti)

Well the problem is that the mini is cutsie. I think it was CAR magazine did a hot hatch award and gave it to the mini over the Lupo, even though the Lupo was faster, handled as well, and was more comfortable - the result was completely farsical.

 

[ModdedCars]

Re: Lupo v Mini (Shao_khan)

The Lupo has (marginally) better build quality, a much better cabin, and is faster.
The Mini is regarded as having better handling and chassis, and is cheaper.
The reason its so popular, is because of lots of media hype and advertising. The Lupo, especially the Gti, is relatively unknown, the averge Joe doesn't know that the Lupo GTi even exists. Personally I think it looks crap - it doesn't even DESERVE to be called a "Mini" - by building the car the size they have goes against everything the "Mini" brand ever stood for.
But one thing the mini is not is a "Hot Hatch" - its not even a warm hatch. The Lupo is a hot hatch. The Mini shouldn't even have been competing. Even the Mini Cooper "Works" cant keep up with a Lupo GTi on the straights, and that would cost you £2500 over the cost of a Mini Cooper - so a £14k Mini thats slower than a £13k Lupo....
As for the Lupo GTi being "Downgraded" - this isn't true. I started the rumour when I reported it on my site (http://www.lupogti.co.uk) and also posted it here. VW were considering it with the Launch of the new Mini, but I think sales of the Lupo GTi have been satisfactory enough to warrant the price it has.
Its better equipped and faster than the Mini Cooper - and its a £1000 more. Seems fair.