[BlueMax]

Maybe the reason why Paul is keeping quiet is that he was the colleague from overseas that blew the engine?

[JG.26]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

Unbelievable. I hope the people responsible get beaten with a very large stick or something.

Why is that? there is nothing really there in the article that isn't already known, the cooper S especially has been appearing in various publications over the past 6 weeks or so........Auto Express, What Car , Mail on Sunday etc giving hints to how the new car drives. If BMW don't wish news to get out before it is intended they should handle their own publicity more effectively.

What really put me off the MINI was seeing the new model with bits of sticky tape disguising various bits and pieces, although if nothing else it did a good job of hiding the kak handed redesign. It's only a car for gawds sake and less of the cloak and dagger and silence routine would give the marque more credit

[PurpleStuff]

where in spain is there a decent size mini dealer? id like to go look on the 10th and the mini dealer here has had the same 2 cars on the floor for over 5/6 weeks... im in seville. thanks in advance!

[Paul]

The reason is they've broken an international embargo on the test reports from this even that is applied to all journalists from around the globe (hundreds) who have or are going to event. It undermines everyone else who is/will follow it, and creates grief for BMW/MINI too (so probably not a wise move to say the least).

The fact that we've reported on the predrive of the car (along with the few other who were there) etc. doesn't mean we can report on this when we like as it's just not done when there's an embargo. Even before this even I've driven the new car, on slalom courses and test tracks, and spend hours sat in and playing with the completed/production car at Paris, so I could easily tell you what it's like based on that, but an embargo is an embargo. Besides the cars here were different to the ones in the Netherlands.

[aiiee]

Look at the publish date on the article Too clever by half

[SamHarrison]

Quote: Originally Posted by JG.26 (original)

What really put me off the MINI was seeing the new model with bits of sticky tape disguising various bits and pieces, although if nothing else it did a good job of hiding the kak handed redesign. It's only a car for gawds sake and less of the cloak and dagger and silence routine would give the marque more credit

couldn't have said it any better myself..although i might try from now and then..

Subaru made the mistake of changing the way the imprezza looked.. at first the public liked it and then they realised that the older shape looked so much better...what did subaru do? yes..that's right they put the older version back into production and just did refinements to the engine.

Mini never had a problem with the way it looks.. there was no need to remove the side vents and replace them with plastic false vents like something a chav boy racer would do to their escort with bits from halfords

the central column stack design is wrong.. you now have no personal choice in the kind of stereo you can have in your car..

The rear bumper looks awfull
the indicators in the headlights look wrong
I say the only thing they got right was sticking a turbo on the engine instead of the heavy superchager/intercooler... all those mini's going vrrrrooooomm tiiiissshhh are really going to turn a lot more heads..

[jordan]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

I wasn't threatening them, I never said I want to beat them with a stick.

rofl

[SamHarrison]

Quote: Originally Posted by jordan (original)

rofl

yeah the typical head of the maffia isn't he....

[PmP]

Like the bit were it says the old convertible will stilll remain in production for a while, so could get a convertible works S early next year????

[Deutsch]

Hope you took plenty of pics!!!!

[Ralph'sPop]

Paul,
fine report you filed in the interim. can't wait to read your after-embargo piece. i hope you can spend some time on the 6-speed auto--shift points, intuitive computer adaptation--as well as roadability, e.g. handling and bump absorption on ratty roads. regarding the embargo breaker, that sxxx has happened to all of us who write to deadline. it's usually more the fault of an editor/publisher than the poor devil who filed the piece, somebody who caves in to advertiser pressure or other fiscal considerations...

Thanks,
Randy Wilson

[Smurfn]

Can't wait for the full report

[Paul]

Due to a major moving of goalposts (thank you super soaraway Sun), we're going live this evening with the full report.

But in the meanwhile, here's some photos for you to enjoy from the event:

http://www.mini2.com/images/barca_one/slideshow.php

In summary the car is very different indeed, but it's actually pretty bloomin' marvelous.

[Paul]

I'd publish it now but I'm leaving now for an appointment I cant miss and I've got to reduce the novel to a review and cut the waffle too.

[Olly.]

Thanks Paul

[I love MINI, Laura]

WOW THANKS PAUL!!

Good news you brought it forward. I was away from a PC for two days on the 10th and 11th!

Great pics looking forward to the report!

[miniman23]

Splendid pics Paul thanks. Looking forward to your report.

[goodingm]

MCS looks really good in Red

[Helen B]

Wow it looks great. I have ordered the chili red. I also loved the piano black trim might change this now.hmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!

[supa-dupa-cooper]

Now originally i didnt think Chili Red looked right on the new car, but i think i might have just changed my mind

Still loving the Laser Blue best though

Would also like to see an Astro Black COOPER S.