Just been for a spin in the new Dooper, and it is superb. OK, I had been used to driving a rattly Citroen, but the Mini Cooper D is a great drive. Memories of my test drive came flooding back, and I know now why I waited 3 months to get one.
Obviously going to comment on the Stop-Start system. I have to confess to having been a bit nervy about the car stopping on its own. Set off from the house and got to a set of lights under a mile from the house. I never expected the car to stop, as I thought it would have to warm up more - but stop it did. My good lady and I looked at each other - will it start again? The lights changed to green, I pushed in the clutch, and before selecting first gear the car had started and was ready to go. It only took one more Stop-Start for my faith in the car to be 100%
Driving back from Warrington we got stuck in about half a mile of slow moving traffic. A real test. If you dont want the engine to stop, just keep the clutch down - easy. Also, if you have put the car into neutral, let the clutch out and roll, the car waits for you to stop, before the engine stops.
As it was a pleasant lunchtime, we had the air con on. Whilst stopped with the engine off, the car starts on its own to give the air con a bit of a boost. Its great.
I was initially sceptical at how well it would work, but I think it is superb.
