[HettonMassive]

Quote: Originally Posted by Martin L (original)

No chance. It's a proper automatic. Well a fixed ratio steptronic to be more precise.

Enough said, although I will still test drive one. Love the 350z though.

[JustACooperClubman]

Well, took delivery of the Clubman S back in Feb 27th and the AISIN automatic has been a very pleasant surprise in this car. Have not use the paddles or the tiptronic modes, yet, but in normal mode + sport button on this car literally flies!

Another 500 miles left of the break in period and will be ready to have fun with the paddles.

[gotsmart]

We were very close to ordering an automatic, but it's an expensive option here (since the slightly higher fuel consumption pushes it over the threshold of a $1000 federal gov't rebate, the automatic ends up costing about $2500!) so we opted for the manual.

The automatic with the Sport mode engaged, though, is amazing.

[JustACooperClubman]

Damn! We paid US$1,300 for the automatic in the Clubman.

[gotsmart]

Well, the option itself is about CAD$1500, but since you don't qualify for the gov't "eco auto" rebate of $1000 with the automatic, the manual tranny ends up being about $2500 cheaper.

i love it!

[callerio68]

In Italy the Automatic option costs € 1650 ... around 2550$! Italy won!

[ontheroadagain]

Just took delivery of my Clubman with this new, to me, auto transmission, etc. - it is very, very different from the old CVT. Haven't even learned the paddle shifting, etc., yet but I am enjoying the lack of hesitation on this one. And I do like the sport button!

[minimnk]

Just got 2008 Mini Cooper petrol auto-never driven an auto before but I am loving the pedal shift!!

Doesn't quite have the cheeky charm of my 2002 Mini one though!!

I am sure I will get used to i!!

[Rogier]

Quote: Originally Posted by ontheroadagain (original)

Just took delivery of my Clubman with this new, to me, auto transmission, etc. - it is very, very different from the old CVT. Haven't even learned the paddle shifting, etc., yet but I am enjoying the lack of hesitation on this one. And I do like the sport button!

totally agree. after two weeks I cannot say which i prefer:

• the CVT pulled up slower, and felt as is progressively going faster, whereas the auto box gives you power from the start
• CVT is more smooth in accelleration at high speeds, but the new auto is smoother at lower speeds (cvt felt a bit jery at times, but that could have been my fault after 150.000 km driving in it)
• the auto box is very fast, compared to other car with an auto box that I have driven (peugeot 307, citroen c4, toyota starlet & corrola)

conclusion up to now: at slow speeps I prefer the auto, at high speeds the CVT

BTW: Holland "rules" as it comes to the auto mark-up: a heafty € 3184 or US$ 4964....

[ontheroadagain]

Wow, Rogier - that is one hefty markup for an auto!

Thanks for posting your remarks on the "new" auto. Now that I've driven mine more, I like it even better... Not sure I understand why you found the CVT to be better at faster speeds... Do you mean as your driving on the highways or on country roads that require downshifting?

[Rogier]

Quote: Originally Posted by ontheroadagain (original)

Not sure I understand why you found the CVT to be better at faster speeds... Do you mean as your driving on the highways or on country roads that require downshifting?

I meant purely on the motorways. The advantage of the CVT was more direct response with small increments in gas, since the "gears" change automatically to remain in the optimal position. With the new auto box, you either have to use the kick down to force a lower gear or accept very slow accelaration (I assume that the 6th gear is some kind of over drive, which would explain the slow accelaration).

BTW: the mark-up is largely due to the special car tax that we have (44% tax on a new car or any factory-installed options). To give you an idea: my clubman (chilly, automatic box, automatic airconditioning) costed me in total about €35.000, or about US$ 55.000....

[ontheroadagain]

Appreciate your explanation. I hadn't realized this, but I did notice it yesterday on the highway when I think back. I did end up using the kick down, even though since I'm still in the break in period, I know it's not recommended - but sometimes you need that extra power... I'm wondering if putting it in sport mode - or using the sport button might be "better" at this point?

That is a very large sum of money, Rogier, but I'm sure you love your new MINI!

[Diner_Dawg]

Hello guys, been lurking for a while now and thought I should say hi. I got a mellow yellow r56 cooper and it's been making me smile ever since. This is my first car and boy am I glad it's a MINI

[ontheroadagain]

Congratulations Diner_Dawg - what a fantastic first car to have chosen!

[lesleytaylor]

Hello all

Picked up my 2nd Auto yesterday ... first was a 2001 Cooper in Liquid Yellow, and my new baby is a Pepper white Cabrio with black bonnet stripes.

Would never go back to Manual!!

L
xx

[boostednorm]

I'm new here and I have recently taken delivery of my Laser Blue/Black top - Black bonnet stripped MCS Auto. I am so loving this car and this automatic transmission is really nice. I modified the sport button to be on at startup giving me the tighter steering and the more responsive throttle response and more aggressive shifts. When I get on the highway and want better fuel economy I put it in full manual and use 6th gear or just turn off sport mode. I usually don't use manual except temporarily when I want to engine brake a bit more but usually the car seems to be in the right gear at least when I'm using sport mode.

After reading the troubles many Manual users are having I'm again thankful I went with the Auto... plus I like the dual personality of luxury and sporty this car exhibits allowing me to drive with a coffee in my free hand as I commute to work without having to set it down each time I need to shift or drive more spirited using both hands safely on the wheel with the paddle shifters.

I do wish they had LSD for autos but so far I have yet to spin my inside tire in a tight turn. This could be due to the actions of the DSC or ASTC though... apparently I have some elbow room to drive a bit more aggressively.