While on my test drive of the new MINI Cooper S I made this short video of the opening of the secret compartment above the glovebox. The optional CD changer can go here or just use the space to store stuff.
Click here to play
I test drove the new MINI Cooper S today.
Driving:
My first drive was in a MY/B with 17″ tires with regular suspension. The clutch was typical of newer cars in that is was light but not as light as say the new VWs. I didn’t rev it out or travel at any speed over 60 MPH or so, but did accelerate briskly a time or two. The car is not exceptionally stiff. The the nose seemed to lift on acceleration and there is some rolling in the corners. To me this was not bad and in fact I felt the compromise of stiffness and ride quality was well accomplished. There was a bit more jolt over small sharp bumps that I would prefer not to have. Perhaps it was the 17″ tires. After returning to the dealership, I remembered I had not tried the sport button! How could I post a report and admit such a faux pax? Also forgot to listen/play with the standard radio.
So that brings us to test drive 2. A Laser Blue/White with standard suspension and the standard 16 S-winders as I have actually ordered. With the sport button let me say that this car is only bit different. It did not transform the car. It’s a very noticeable difference but the car is all there with or without it. I think it may have more to do with what you’re used to. My other faster car has a throttle response much like the normal mode. The steering change was harder to notice during my street tests again probably because I’m not used to MINI steering and also in part because I did not spend much time trying to compare on vs. off. At my semi-legal speeds this car performed on the 16s much like it had on the 17s with the exception of smoothing out the previously objectionable jolts. I’m sure the 16s would give up some time on the track but I prefer them for the street, but I’m an old guy.
My over all reaction was that the car had good torque, corners and brakes very well. It was easy and comfortable to drive. It was a bit soft but in a good way. Like one of those super balls that bounces higher than you expect. I felt the car was a good compromise between a terror and pussy cat which is exactly what I want. I did not get the test the sports suspension but I can see where a bit more stiffness would both be tolerable and enjoyable by some.
Tomorrow is a big day for me. It’s the day I see and test drive the new 2007 MINI Cooper. I admit I really want to love this car and have been totally committed to it since last August. What I want it to be is a small, quick, reasonably fast and comfortable car that is inexpensive to operate.
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Last weekend I started tracking my new MINI Cooper across the Atlantic. Monday brought another surprise into my trip. There seems to have been a problem in the MINI ordering system causing some of us that ordered a Multi-function steering wheel(MFSW) to not get it. Read more…
German(?) news report shows MINIs are not just for performance.