[~Marcus~]

I love my Cooper, but am thinking: should it be a MCS when I get a new one - this is what has got me thinking:

• Cooper power is up only slightly (120bhp (+5)/160Nm(+10)
• The press release says the Cooper is more "comfort orientated" - though you can specify sports suspension as an option
• MCS will be more economical than current one
• Looks - Like the looks of the standard MCS, but the spy shot of the Cooper front end, if this is the final thing - is less promising - it has lost the nice chrome trim and the bumper looks bland - looks like an Aero kit will be mandatory which adds to cost

What's everyone else thinking?

[minicabrio]

MCS

Gotta love that blue colour! Whoooooa, and that exhaust note!

[Olly.]

MCS for me too

[snid]

I'm undecided. I love the Cooper, especially since so many people seem to think it's the wrong choice. :lol: I'm still holding out hope, for no good reason, of a cheap and light Cooper - maybe even a ClubSport style track toy. Of course, my current Cooper has already started down that path, so I don't know if my next car will be the track toy and the current Cooper will be my daily driver (after taking some parts that are on it back off), or the other way around.

[yellowmininy]

Hmm, 6 speed? Maybe. Not anytime soon, but worth considering. I'd miss the clock on the headliner, though.

[xtremepsionic]

The new Cooper seems interesting indeed. However with marginal increase in power and perhaps only a slight decrease in weight, performance wise it doesn't seem to be a massive increase from the current generation.

In terms of other changes, there doesn't seem to be any additional creature comforts or toys that I desperately want in the new version. Sure push start is fun, and 3 position heated seats would be better than the current 2, but other than that nothing really catch my eyes.

[SteveBrass]

I'm going for a Cooper.

The new engine's torque curve is miles better - I think it will make a huge difference to the car.

I'll probably go for the sports suspension, and a must have for swmbo will be an adjustable passenger seat.

The only down side is the mind numbing encounter with the salesmen.

[Olly.]

Quote: Originally Posted by SteveBrass

The new engine's torque curve is miles better - I think it will make a huge difference to the car.

Where did you see that? Would be interested to see it.

[SteveBrass]

Look at the news section, official news release.

Cooper torque 140nm at 2000 rpm, maxing at 164nm at 4250.

That's good pulling for a non turbo 1.6l petrol.

[xtremepsionic]

http://www.mini2.com/forum/2293625-post11.html

From this dyno graph of a 03 Cooper, the current engine has a relatively flat torque curve as well. The new engine isn't terribly special in that it produces 85% of its torque at 2000rpm. However with a bit more power overall and reportedly a bit of a weight drop, it should be a bit faster.

[mister.t]

Fortunatly I have got a few years to decide !! But I think I have made my mind up already (Well, roughly anyway). When im 18ish, I want a Yellow, white roof, white wheels Cooper, with Chilli Pack, Leather, C/C and sunroof. I think a MCS will be way too expensive to insure.

[baskers]

I'll be buying a Supercharged S to sit next to my beautiful MC Works

[pchilton]

I like what I've heard about the MCS so far (even the non-functional scoop doesn't bother me) but I'm going to wait and see what the driving experience with the MC is like first.

Paul - any idea when you'll have the opportunity to test drive the Cooper?

Cheers.

[Prowse]

I'm holoding on to my Cooper for another five or six years I think. This means that I get to pay-off my mortgage, I'll be able to buy whatever I want after that.

If I was changing soon, well that's a tricky one, the 07 Cooper-S reads well, but I'm really not sure about the 07 styling and it looks a little heavy and rolly-polly on some of those track photo's. I think I'd be holding onto my cash for at least six months after the car's released for the bugs to be worked out, get some handle on reliability and take it for a long, long test-drive... Remember all of the problems on the first release of MINI's, it's quite a long list.

[Paul]

Wondering now we've all the pictures around at www.mini2.com/news.html (in case you missed it) if people are leaning more one way or another than before?

[xtremepsionic]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

Wondering now we've all the pictures around at www.mini2.com/news.html (in case you missed it) if people are leaning more one way or another than before?

Yeah, I don't like the new exterior modifications. The new chrome surround is too "dramatic", both me and my brother's eyes were drawn onto them right away, looks like a woman put too much make up around her eyes or something. The new flatter and longer bonnet isn't that pretty either, especially if you put it up side by side with the old one. The new interior is quite good though, cleaner and more stylish, I think. Although so far most people don't seem to hold the same opinion.

Leftlane News reported that there is a 182lb drop in weight for the Cooper model, is that true? I haven't seen it on MINI2's press release. If that is the case the exterior styling would be forgiven and I'll probably go get one in a couple of years I'm a sucker for lower weight but I don't want to give up any safety or features.

Edit: reading through the press release again, the quoted 0-62 time is 9.1seconds, which is the same as the current generation? Odd. I see some other posts claiming a 108kg drop in weight but that doesn't seem to make sense in terms of 0-62 time with 5 extra hp and more torque.

Edit2: Motoring file reports a 22lb weight drop, that makes more sense now. From the looks of it there isn't enough change in any parts of the car to lure me to part with my money. Still, overall it's still the good ol MINI that we've known and love for the last 5 years!

[Olly.]

I will still be getting an MCS. I prefer the bodystyling

[~Marcus~]

Quote: Originally Posted by ollymale (original)

I will still be getting an MCS. I prefer the bodystyling

Having seen the styling, and more importantly the very good MPG figures....I'm leaning towards a MCS!!!!

The Cooper seems a little more cutesy, and it rides a little high, losing that squat look. As I suspected in the first post, it will need around two grand's work (Aero kit, etc) to make it look aggressive enough, whereas a stock MCS is fine as it is. And I note, they have made the MCS grille a different shape so you can't even put that nice mesh grille on a Cooper.

The only downer may be the insurance.

[pchilton]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

Wondering now we've all the pictures around at www.mini2.com/news.html (in case you missed it) if people are leaning more one way or another than before?

I'm definitely leaning towards the MCS now, the new Cooper looks dull and boring in these pics. It's amazing how such minor changes could result in the front end looking so dull, I'm really dissapointed - hopefully it will look better in person.

[camini]

I can't wait to test-drive these 2 beautiful new models! They both look fab and I guess it's the fuel consumption / fun-factor ratio that will help me decide..