Full Second Generation Test Drive Report Online - US Prices and Options Added

[Derepente]

This is great! I will wait. Please click or publish that report at 00:00 and 01 seconds 10 Oct 06 Central European Time, I will be staying up late to read it! Thanks Paul!

[fjork_duf]

My biggest concerns/ quest for knowledge:

-Sports suspension
-Steering/Road feel/Handling
-Limited slip differential availability
-Will this new car be a dominant force at autocrosses like the current cooper S?
-Rattles/Creaks
-Overall build quality
-Any big 'bugs' (engine shutting down/overheating/etc)
-Feel of the seats compared to the current seats. One of the main things I didn't like about the 1st gen cooper S is the lack of support in the seats. Do the new seats feel more comfortable, and hold the ***** in place better than before?
-Acceleration feel/turbo lag? turbo sounds?
-Observed gas mileage (I'm guessing you flogged the car quite well)

[The Red Baron]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

I...so if there's things you'd like my opinion on beyond the obvious, in terms of design, style, driving, anything, let me know.

One word 'SOUND'

Does the car feel as engaging to drive now that we've lost that distinctive supercharger whine?

[SCB]

Noise level in car at high speed, e.g. 80mph+, quieter than current MCS or about the same or less? Just your thoughts....ta.

StevieB

[JG.26]

did it come with a large brown paper bag?

[snid]

How long did it take before it no longer felt like you were driving the "new" MINI, and you were just driving a MINI. I mean that in a very good way, not negative.

[Joema]

I would be very interested in fit and finish, observed mpg, quality of materials and if you could bring one back for me in laser blue please.

[Minnie Mouse]

Quote: Originally Posted by minisoopercooper (original)

your smiling though so that must be a good sign

That could be wind Paul

[Baz F]

Quote: Originally Posted by Minnie Mouse (original)

That could be wind Paul

Turbocharged wind, mind...

[Olly.]

Not even a hint of what it was like?!!

[PmP]

How about a one word answer paul, was it "better" or "worse" than the current model? in your opinion, so your not breaking any rules!!!

[GR33NIE]

Im going out in one in a couple of weeks too am I allowed to say anything

Alot of staff who work there are being allowed them to 'borrow' now, hence why we see so many on the road in Oxford

The chap I know who's getting one has to stick 300 miles on it in a weekend, id be happy to lend a hand

[Bonnie Scotland]

I would be interested to know whether the car you drove had the engine "run in" as per BMW standard procedures or whether you just gave it stick right from the off.

Having bought the last of the supercharged S's i also wanna know if there was the slightest hint of turbo lag or bog down

[BlueMax]

Paul - seems like not everyone is sticking to the embargo. There was a report of the Barcelona drive on WHEELS24.co.za yesterday. What happens if you break the embargo?

[SamHarrison]

doesn't sound good..... "Although I didn't have any hairy moments, one of my colleagues from overseas went from fourth to second by mistake and blew the top off the engine!"