LA AUTO SHOW: WHICH Debut Was MORE Disappointing To YOU? The All-New MINI Cooper OR Subaru WRX?

If I were a betting man, I'd say that the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show headlines went to the likes of the Porsche Macan and Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo as being some of the most important cars of the show.

You know what that means. Now we have to discuss the less-than-stellar cars.

That's where the all-new MINI Cooper comes in, as well as the all-new Subaru WRX. It's pretty simple. The all-new MINI is essentially the older MINI except it's increased in size and gets a more BMW-i-fied interior. OK. The case of the Subaru is a little more complicated. That's because it showed us an unbelievable concept at the 2013 New York Auto Show and — in my own opinion — thought that was the car of the show. We get to LA and the final product is SO watered down it's a complete let down. Anyone with eye balls that saw the New York show car would be completely let down.

But, according to Agent 001, that's not the biggest problem. 001 tells me that the WRX has been getting called out all over social media channels as the WORST debut in the City of Angels. You know when people are comparing the WRX's exterior design to the Youabian Puma, you've got problems.

All things considered, we wanted to hear it from YOU: WHICH debut at the 2013 LA Auto Show let YOU down? The all-new MINI Cooper or Subaru WRX?


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The 2013 LA Show photo galleries are sponsored by Lexus.


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Official LA Auto Show Photo Gallery

MattDarringer - 11/23/2013 7:14:50 PM

-2 Boost

The Mini by far because they made it truly ugly whereas the WRX's greatest sin is a Camry blandness in a mildly attractive sort of kind of way. The Mini looks like Acura or the guy that did the Aztec updated the look.

JDMUSMuscle - 11/23/2013 8:23:42 PM

-4 Boost

Definitely Mini.

I am still surprised by the fact that this brand is still alive. I mean, who buys Mini? Except some females who like that kind of design, or the guys who can't afford BMW.

Agent00R - 11/24/2013 10:24:13 AM

+1 Boost

Yeah, MINI's been hanging in there.

Everyday it stays alive is another day the company proves it's not just a fad.

CarCrazedinCali - 11/24/2013 2:37:34 PM

+3 Boost

You obviously don't know anything about the MINI or have driven one, so your comment is mis-informed. The MINI was afterall compared recently by EVO magazine for Car of the Year with some amazing super cars (R8, Aston Martin, Cayman, etc) for it's amazing performance.

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/performance_car_of_the_year/

The fact is that MINI makes a great product with a fantastic balance between performance and fuel efficiency with a heavy dose of technology, customizability and utility due to the shape that few other car makers can match.

YES, the front end styling is controversial due to the bumper and pedestrian safety standards that dictated the design to a strong degree. It's FAR from ugly.

I want to see it in person before I say whether I like it or not, so I will head to the LA Auto Show to get a real perspective.

MattDarringer - 11/24/2013 8:21:59 PM

-2 Boost

Demographics show that middle-aged, mostly divorced women love the Mini. The GTI is what a man drives and the VW is a FAR better car.

CarCrazedinCali - 11/25/2013 3:11:57 PM

+1 Boost

Sorry you don't care for the MINI but your statements are not true, thanks anyway though... I drove the GTI the day I picked up my 04MCS, the GTI is cool just not as fun to drive IMO. Can't wait to see a future comparo where the 2014 will likely smoke the latest VW best effort. Even the GTIs limited slip differential was reviewed by Fifth Gear to take away all the fun of the car on the track, not so with the MINIs. Driver's car at heart.

dayday - 11/24/2013 7:14:38 AM

+4 Boost

Subaru. Usually If they look ugly when they first come out, they stay ugly.
Knowing BMW, Even though the new Mini is quite ugly, it will probably grow on me later on.

PUGPROUD - 11/24/2013 10:23:46 AM

+2 Boost

Both are a disaster and missed opportunities. Mini...nose too long making design proportions awkward and so cutesy in details that it is becoming a contestant in preteen beauty contests, just trying too hard.
WRX...show concept was spectacular, muscular but beautiful with great lines compared to this camel designed by a commitee, who ever oked this production designed should be fired. Not withstanding my comments both will sell because they have large followings and drive well...fear of losing their owner base is why they are afraid of moving designs on. In the end they will loose sales to others and weaken brand to the point that they will be forced to take design risks. Often this approach is too late to save the brand.

MrEE - 11/24/2013 3:54:27 PM

0 Boost

Sad day for Mini, from these pictures the Mini got a seriously bad face lift, retro to ridiculous. Kind of deer in the headlights look or a large mouthed cartoon character. At least VW figured out how to update an out of date looking retro. Interior reminds me of Ford's mishap with ovals with the 95 Taurus.

BimmersNme - 11/24/2013 7:11:10 PM

+2 Boost

Cars like the Mini Cooper, Porsche 911, FIAT 500, don't need to change their design entirely, they just have to evolve, and that's exactly what happened to the Mini Cooper. It evolved in the areas it needed to,in order to fulfill the needs of the current customers, like more room. IMHO it looks awesome and just the way it should, has plenty of character, presence and premium looks.

vortizees - 11/25/2013 9:52:57 AM

+2 Boost

The Mini is passable; the WRX too but only after taking an equine laxative.

40flash - 11/25/2013 11:03:20 PM

+1 Boost

The only part of the Subaru that bothers me is the large flat part of the front fenders. The profile view of the back half of the car reminds me of a BMW 328. I've never been a Subaru fan but I do love my BRZ.
The Mini on the other hand. They have ruined the front end. Besides, life is too short to drive FWD.