[C&A's Mini]

We are changing our current order for an MC auto 07 model, for an 08 model order, our dealer can do this as of 1st June. However, I understand that the August build will include the MC diesel auto for the first time.

So when we change are we better to order a diesel auto?

Over the period we are likely to have the car the difference in depreciation will be at least off set by the savings in fuel and tax, so we are not bothered about the higher purchase price.

I notice from the spec sheets that the 0-62 time is 10.3 secs for the diesel as against 10.4 secs for the petrol. For the manual it was very clear that the diesel was quicker from the 50 mph acceleration point, so it must be slower from rest to some mid point to end up with almost identical times.

Does anyone have a view on how this will translate into drivability between the two, will they both be as much fun to drive, is initail acceleration better than higher end acceleration?

[Paul]

I actually much prefer the way the Diesel (aka Dooper) drives. My report is in the review section of MINI2.



Not driven the auto (obviously), but if I had to chose Cooper or Cooper D, it would be the oil burner every time.

[Harpo]

Not driven the auto (in fact didn't know they offered it on the D), but you may be assured that it will be a great drive.

Unless you're in the city, or perhaps have a disability, it may be worth considering the manual box. As with most diesels, the available torque means that if necessary, you could restrict the number of gear changes quite easily.

[rentagas]

I recently drove the citroen c4 1.6 HDi auto which has exactly the same engine as the mini with a semi automatic six speed. I have to say I had low expectations but found it was actually a very satisfying city drive.
I think you'll find the MCD auto a fairly nice drive. The low down torque allows it to pick up very easily and of course as you point out the acceleration is at it's peak once moving (which is common for all turbo diesels). So aside from the traffic light burn, in practice it feels like a much faster car. I think the cooper d is a much better drive than the cooper and I see no reason to think the auto will be any different. Sadly the dooper auto has emmisions higher than 120g and is therefore not in the £35 tax bracket

Mini cooper auto tax £140pa
Mini cooper d auto £115pa
Mini cooper d £35
(All above apply to august builds)

[C&A's Mini]

Thanks for the prompt response,

We have been auto converts since we had a merc petrol auto 7 years ago, then diesel converts since buying a 140 bhp golf auto 2 years ago.

Experience has been that it is easier to enter junctions and roundabouts in an auto than manual - just put your foot down if there is a gap, don't worry about the gear. And it seems many manual drivers are pretty slow on there gear changers, probably giving away a couple of seconds on the 0-60 sprint. (or even the 0-30!). So in the real world the auto's we have had, have performed well for us.

Currently we have a merc A class180 diesel with a CVT transmision and the Golf with the DSG transmission. The merc is relatively slow (0-62 in 11.1 secs), and the Golf relatively quick (0-62 in 9.3 secs), but strangly the merc seems more predictable when pulling away at junctions. Sometimes the Golf's auto box seems confused and sits rather than accelerating when you floor the peddal.

I guess it is impossible to know in advance how the mini diesel auto combination will work, but given the uniform positive comments about the diesel and our inability to wait until we can test it to decide - our choice will probably be yes. Nevertheless we will have a good go with the dealers diesel manual first.

[Buzzer]

C&A's Mini, test drive 1st, !! our mini cooper auto does not respond that quickly, manual much quicker I have posted the issue elsewhere 1-2 sec hesitation on pick up as it decides what gear to use. we are taking it in for Mini to look at next week, so will post the outcome.

Dave

[C&A's Mini]

Thanks everyone, all the feed back was very helpful.

Test drove the manual diesel the other week. Great car, very refined - in fact more so than the cooper. It was so much quieter and more relaxed than the cooper to drive that it seemed to lose some of fun. Some how the extra noise that the cooper generates compared to the diesel made it a more involving experience.

Bit of a surprise really, so I'm very glad we had the test drive. The only snag was it made us realise the main requirement for our second car was out and out fun.

You probably know what's coming next, borrowed a MCS for the weekend - brilliant fun. Decision, reduce the spec we had on the MCA and go for the MCSA instead!

The car should arrive some time in early September, then its off for a mini holiday.