[sprite]

I test drove the new Mini Cooper at the weekend as I'm thinking about changing my Cooper - she'll be 3 in September. It wasn't a great test-drive as it was round a busy town and I didn't really get a proper drive. I didn't even get to use 6th gear I was hoping that the engine would feel more lively throughout the range rather than having to get the revs up quite a bit before the power kicks in. It did feel a bit smoother than mine but it almost felt too refined. I drove a Suzuki Swift Sport the same day and that really felt like it wanted to go. Maybe I need to go out in the MC again and try and get a longer test drive. The Swift garage just gave us the keys and said 'see you in a bit' which was cool!

I love my Mini but the engine has never seemed quite right for the car - I suppose I was expected to be blown away by the new car and I wasn't. Now I can't decide what to do. There aren't many cars I really like (not that I can afford anyway!). I'm thinking about test driving an A3 but that's a bit scarey - it's all very 'middle aged' and sensible (although the extra boot space would be nice!) and I can only afford something at the bottom of the A3 range so it probably won't be a lot of fun to drive.

Help!

[Paul]

I do think the Cooper engine is a bit flat. That's not to say it's a bad engine, but I find it lacks much character and sizzle.

But it's a Cooper, so if you're stuck in traffic, you're not going to get the best from it. But if that's your regular drive, then that's what you should consider. If not, try to get another and take a proper spin on some open roads.

[KeyserSoze]

Seriously i think you should take the new cooper out again.

I dont find mine a flat drive at all, the engine gives me good power throughout the range and i personally think its a much better drive than the old mini.

The Swift on the other hand is another great car, very quick and agile....at the end of the day the swift feels quicker and sporty but it is lighter but i think the mini's better build quality and fun customization make it a better buy IMO.

Good luck what ever one you choose mate

[sprite]

Thanks for replying. I think I might try and get another test drive. The Swift is good fun - interior is pretty yucky compared to the Mini (but it is a lot cheaper!). What really put us off the Swift is it has no spare wheel and the tyres seem to be as rare as hen's teeth. I couldn't find anyone on the web who seems to stsock them and got no joy when I phoned up Kwik Fit - they didn't have any and said they'd need to see the car and have a look at the tyres! Not having a spare is one thing (and not something I'm very keen on) but if the tyres are hard to come by I can imagine being stranded somewhere just because of a serious puncture / tyre damage. Shame really as it's a fun car to drive - although the seats are a bit naff too - they are so high up compared to the Mini!

[thrud]

I recently had a new Cooper courtesy car whilst my new S was being repaired, and came to the same conclusion. My previous car was a 52 Cooper which drove well, but the new Cooper engine just didn't seem a massive step forward. Maybe I'm just too used to the new S though. Overall, having driven both, I'm glad I went for the S. If I'd bought the Cooper, I think I'd have wished I have kept my old car.

Paul

[KenL]

I am very happy with the engine in my R56 Cooper. It revs well when you want it to an is a delight to potter along in town.

Was the one you had a test drive in low mileage?

[popey]

I didn't get on with the gear ratio in the cooper

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

I know what you mean Sprite. I loved my old Cooper and I love my current supercharged S even more I used a new Cooper for 2 days (and 150 miles) whilst the S was in for service and I was left with just the same feeling I'd never have swapped my old Cooper for it.

Please don't go back and force yourself to like it! Hang on to the old one until you find something else completely bowls you over

Is either an old or new model MCS a viable option for you?

Tigger.

[sprite]

Quote: Originally Posted by KenL (original)

I am very happy with the engine in my R56 Cooper. It revs well when you want it to an is a delight to potter along in town.

Was the one you had a test drive in low mileage?

It had about 600 miles on the clock I think.

Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo (original)

I know what you mean Sprite. I loved my old Cooper and I love my current supercharged S even more I used a new Cooper for 2 days (and 150 miles) whilst the S was in for service and I was left with just the same feeling I'd never have swapped my old Cooper for it.

Please don't go back and force yourself to like it! Hang on to the old one until you find something else completely bowls you over

Is either an old or new model MCS a viable option for you?

Tigger.

Really can't stretch to an MCS (and not sure I'd keep my licence if I did!!!!!). I've been looking at my options again tonight - working out costs etc -and I'm defo going to arrange another test drive and have a bit of a closer look at the new Cooper

[KenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by popey (original)

I didn't get on with the gear ratio in the cooper

Any gear in particular and/or why? Is there any difference between the Cooper & the S?

I think the gearing is good, nice and long in sixth - not great for acceleration but obviously set that way for economy.

[Purple Dave]

Quote: Originally Posted by KenL (original)

Any gear in particular and/or why? Is there any difference between the Cooper & the S?

I think the gearing is good, nice and long in sixth - not great for acceleration but obviously set that way for economy.

I think "not great" translates to "non existent"

I know what Popey means though ... You really have to work the gears to make progress (Yes ... I know it's not an S, but it does feel flat until you get those revs up)

[J1JPE]

emm, have had an r56 coop for 2 months now & done 2000 miles (car had another 1000 on when i got it) going from a chipped 140 bhp ONE it's not got the same throttle response bite but

1. the engine 'loosens' / ecu adapts to your driving
2. give it stick from the off when cold
3. use super unleaded

Franz tells me an mth remap is imminent ;} k&n apollo going on soon

[KenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by J1JPE (original)

2. give it stick from the off when cold

I would not agree with this idea.

[J1JPE]

Quote: Originally Posted by KenL (original)

I would not agree with this idea.

am talking about acceleration through the gears to 3,500 to 4000 rpm not redline in 1st; that way the engine gets warmed up (as race cars are revved) thus circulating oil etc (better if synthetic) and ecu seems to respond

rather than pootle at 1,500 rpm for 10 mins until you guess the engine is warm given there's no temp guage etc on the r56

[jamesbeaumont]

Quote: Originally Posted by sprite (original)

It had about 600 miles on the clock I think.

You need to try one with over 2-3000 on the clock. BIG difference

[Mini-Trainer]

Quote: Originally Posted by sprite (original)

I test drove the new Mini Cooper at the weekend as I'm thinking about changing my Cooper - she'll be 3 in September. It wasn't a great test-drive as it was round a busy town and I didn't really get a proper drive. I didn't even get to use 6th gear I was hoping that the engine would feel more lively throughout the range rather than having to get the revs up quite a bit before the power kicks in. It did feel a bit smoother than mine but it almost felt too refined.

I love my Mini but the engine has never seemed quite right for the car - I suppose I was expected to be blown away by the new car and I wasn't. Now I can't decide what to do. There aren't many cars I really like (not that I can afford anyway!). I'm thinking about test driving an A3 but that's a bit scarey - it's all very 'middle aged' and sensible (although the extra boot space would be nice!) and I can only afford something at the bottom of the A3 range so it probably won't be a lot of fun to drive.

Help!

I did exactley the same,I took a R56 MCS and GP for a test drive on the same day, thought they where good they wern't great.
Then after testing about 7 different makes and models, from the new TT to the M3.

After thne test drive of the M3, I wondered over to the Mini garage, took out another R56, this time I was local so I knew the roads to which to test it on....the result was I loved it

The Sport button depressed makes the steering wheel stiffen and the power is that little bit more squeeze from the engine.

I know how your feeling mate, I was a staunch R52 man, and my car was loved dearly,...But old technology is exactley that... OLD.
Even hardened R52 owners would agree that theirs being improvements that have been made to the R56 that where very much needed.

For example
The Washer Jets now Jet as apposed to a stream of Wee coming from the Squirters

Rams


See my video Underneath my sig, that may help you decide......

[sprite]

Thanks all! I think I'm set on ordering one now - but I now can't decide what colour!!! I defo want a solid colour as I've truly spent enough on other bits as it is. Don't want PW - love it but my current car is PW and I want a change. Like Chilli Red but not sure about having a red car - see loads of them around and I've had red cars before. I really want to like mellow yellow - but it just seems a bit 'dirty' somehow . I want the colourline interior bits as I think it will brighten things up a bit and it looks quite cool. Oh well - I'll have to decide by next Saturday as I think that's when I'm going to order!!!

[Paul]

Have you gone for another test drive, or are you considering ordering a car which left you deflated after the test drive?

[sprite]

I'm going for another test drive next week - if I really hate it I won't order!

[KenL]

Once you get your own car and get used to driving it, I am sure you will love it.

Consider red/black, not as common as red/white - I am very happy with mine.