[T-bone S]

Test drive of R56 MCS today - Verdict - I'm having one

Well - actually I'm going to have a JCW - I have informally put my name down with my local dealer for the JCW when it appears all based on the strengh of the brillant test drive of the new MCS that i had today.

Weather was awful - hail, heavy rain, soaking roads - but that didn't make any difference - just made be wonder how great it would be in the dry - and I didn't even get to press the sport button!!!

The whole car is just a little more grown-up and refined - very very solid, sturdy and safe - maybe lacking a little edge from my current MCS but I'm sure the JCW will fix that.

The new suspension, wheels and tyre set up is just great - I had total grip in the new car - and when going over the same roads in my current car - it was just less sure footed.

In terms of performance - the new car is RAPID. You don't get the same aural exictment - as you strain to hear the absent supercharger - but the engine and exhaust do make good sounds together.

My dealer haven't had the car long and the salesman I went out with said I was the first customer to actually drive their car hard and even he was impressed with how it performed - I did try to really drive it in order to extract the most information from the drive as possible.

if I had been driving my the new MCS and somehow was able to also follow in my current car - the new car would have left me for dust - as it puts the power down much better - now wastage in terms of wheel spin - and just the instant delivery of power - very sophisicated.

spec of the MCS was

Laser Blue - ChillI MCS
DSC
Full Leather Interior

I really liked it - and think that I am likely to replace my current car with another Mini within the next year or so.

It will be with a JCW though.

[Olly.]

I was quite impressed with the DSC as well, even with all that torque in the wet the light didn't come on.

Even from a quick standing start

[popey]

Quote: Originally Posted by Olly. (original)

I was quite impressed with the DSC as well, even with all that torque in the wet the light didn't come on.

Even from a quick standing start

Must try harder

[johnnyv]

I too have been for a test drive in the new 'S' and I have to say I did like it..... I liked it alot

I went over my usual roads around where I live and it is not as crashy driving along or squirmy under brakes on uneven roads as my current MK1 MINI JCW 'S' is. I feels alot better...

If the power in the standard new 'S' is anything to go by, the JCW is going to be a stormer

I used the 'Sport Button' half way through my test drive and noticed that the throttle responce was better. Salesman said it would firm up the ride alittle but I didn't notice really TBH .

The 'S' I drove did have the optional free upgrade to 'sport suspension' too!! which I think gives far better grip that the MK1 MINI 'sport suspension'. I find the rebound alittle slow and the springs to firm on my 'S' (with factory sport + suspension) therefore it crashes down potholes. I had Eibach Pro Street fitted for a while (Amazing ) on my 'S' and the new car felt as good as that.

All in all, the outcome is I have put an 'intent of purchase letter' (thats what MINI call it anyway) to the dealership for a deposit of £1000 for a JCW MINI MK2 for Autumn.

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by johnnyv (original)

I used the 'Sport Button' half way through my test drive and noticed that the throttle responce was better. Salesman said it would firm up the ride alittle but I didn't notice really TBH .

That's because it doesn't do that. Wish sales people would check their facts, some things I read on here are unbelievable! It changes throttle response and makes the steering "heavier", that's it.

[Olly.]

I did a very un-scientific test cruising along at the exact same speed on the same road with the instant mpg reading on and flicked the sport button on and the mpg dropped 4 Switched it off again and it went back up

[miniboyblue]

I have to say that after having driven the R56 with money burning a hole in my pocket I was left dissapointed and at present will NOT be buying one. For me they have made the car too refined which I feel has made it lose the appeal of driving a Mini. I am not saying that it is a bad car far from it, but it now drives like many other cars out there, and has lost it's individualism amongnst all the other mass market cars.
I will definately have to wait until the JCW arrives, if at all it does, or the guys at GTT or alike get there hands on the R56 to see what they can do to add to the driving appeal.

[T-bone S]

Quote: Originally Posted by miniboyblue (original)

I have to say that after having driven the R56 with money burning a hole in my pocket I was left dissapointed and at present will NOT be buying one. For me they have made the car too refined which I feel has made it lose the appeal of driving a Mini. I am not saying that it is a bad car far from it, but it now drives like many other cars out there, and has lost it's individualism amongnst all the other mass market cars.
I will definately have to wait until the JCW arrives, if at all it does, or the guys at GTT or alike get there hands on the R56 to see what they can do to add to the driving appeal.

Like I said - the R53 MCS is a bit edgier and rawer - so if the JCW can have all the qualities of the new R56 car but with a bit of R53 rough and readyness - then it will be a hot hatch legend - and a real giant slayer - hopefully will have around 230BHP if it does - it will be a complete monster.
That will be a car I must have. - I probably wouldn't even tune it further - I'd just enjoy it for what it is.

Please Please Please - BMW & MINI - Listen to us.

[steeve]

I'm hoping the JCW kit can be retrofitted ........... if not then I may trade up. But wait till next Autumn, you gotta be joking.

[T-bone S]

I want a full blown version this time round. - Hence the wait - it'll be worth it