I just came back from a 750 mile run where my
MCSa did 28mpg (US gallons). I would have expected my previous MINI, pre-
JCW, to have got about 30 - so not quite 10% loss due to ?auto? or '03->'05 changes or who knows what.
Not a big deal.
In normal "D" drive mode, the auto box sometimes does not do what I want it to do, or does not do it quickly enough. However it is easy to click the paddles to downshift - easier than using the accelerator pedal kickdown.
In "SD" sports drive mode, the car is wonderful. I should drive it that way more often but I presume it is more greedy on gas then. Realistically, there is no point for my daily hauls to and from work.
I think the biggest difference for me is that I now generally do not think about gears / revs / etc. Perhaps that takes something away from the MINI driving experience. But it still has the wonderful handling / steering / looks / etc
