MINI2

"Reedy" · Oct 6th, 2006, 07:40 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

I was told the sport button makes a very big difference to the throttle response and weight/feel of the steering, it's basically the same system as in the newer BMWs with sport buttons. The auto will also have later and faster shifts with the sports button pressed. They never mentioned anything about the noise.

Shame there is no noise increase.....but think about this for a minute.......

JCW with Sport Button.....

Paul · Oct 6th, 2006, 07:46 PM

The a-pillar (and b etc) are in a different finish, not so shiny/smooth as now, they feel better quality.

Not sure on the anthracite, I think they looked pretty funky like that, but then again I own these home speakers:

So my judgement may not be best?

goodingm · Oct 6th, 2006, 07:50 PM

Can't wait to get more information on the JCW, excellent review Paul, sounds like it will be a fantastic car.

miniman23 · Oct 6th, 2006, 08:11 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

Comfort Access was actually so good I added to my order.

No rattles, thought the interior was very well bolted together indeed actually.

Sports button is not standard in all markets so it's a "100% option" in some (like the UK for example). Real shame it wasn't on any car though.

Keep the q's coming and I'm more than happy to try and help/answer.

Comfort access was actually really handy, especially hopping in and out of the car for photos etc. And it was just "cool" to leave the keys in your pocket, although the locking feature was a bit odd.

Oh yes, and comfort access was on both doors, and I was told that is how it will be now. Conflicts with the other reports/spec sheets we've seen, but there it was, so I guess, there it is.

Nice report Paul, cheers. In regards to the Sports button how do we get it? is it in the chili pack? I'm glad I added Comfort Access System to my order in time. I heard you can change your spec 7 days before the car gets built how true is that Paul ???

Paul · Oct 6th, 2006, 08:14 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Bonnie Scotland (original)

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

No bogging down, no lag. And I didn't write down the mileage (doh!) but previous press cars haven't always been run in by a long shot!

Paul · Oct 6th, 2006, 08:15 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by snid (original)

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.

2nd day maybe? The first day it was hard to not always think in comparisons, especially as I drive a Cooper S every day (and a One quite often too). It really was a bit weird as it's so similar in design, size etc, but feels so different. When you get a chance to drive it you'll get what I mean.

Paul · Oct 6th, 2006, 08:16 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by miniman23 (original)

Nice report Paul, cheers. In regards to the Sports button how do we get it? is it in the chili pack? I'm glad I added Comfort Access System to my order in time. I heard you can change your spec 7 days before the car gets built how true is that Paul ???

In the UK the Sport Button is standard (100% option as the people from Munich call it).

Paul · Oct 6th, 2006, 08:17 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by appmacguy (original)

Paul,

Did you only drive the Cooper S? Wouold be good to read about the Cooper also.

Cooper S only, sort of reverse of the first time around in 2001.

miniman23 · Oct 6th, 2006, 08:18 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

In the UK the Sport Button is standard (100% option) as the people from Munich call it.

Cool thats what I thought got me worried there. Whats your view on this changing spec upto 7 days before the car being built???

SoggyCornFlakes · Oct 6th, 2006, 08:19 PM

looking good - why did we ever doubt it would

Paul · Oct 6th, 2006, 08:19 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Ralph'sPop (original)

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

No autos at the drive at all. Not sure when they'll appear.

SteveBrass · Oct 6th, 2006, 08:28 PM

Just read the report. Looks like we have a winner on our hands - just sorry that the stereo controls are as awful live as they look in the photos.

Can't wait to read about the Cooper and the n/a engine.

fjork_duf · Oct 6th, 2006, 08:28 PM

Paul,

How was the feel of the cloth on the ray cloth/leather seats? I was just wondering because the cloth looks in pictures like it may not be the best cloth around. Any opinion on that?

Paul · Oct 6th, 2006, 08:35 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by SteveBrass (original)

Just read the report. Looks like we have a winner on our hands - just sorry that the stereo controls are as awful live as they look in the photos.

Can't wait to read about the Cooper and the n/a engine.

I'm sure you will learn/get used to the sterro controls, but if you have to do that for something as simple as a car stereo that's a bit of a flaw in my view (to say the least).

Paul · Oct 6th, 2006, 08:35 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by fjork_duf (original)

Paul,

How was the feel of the cloth on the ray cloth/leather seats? I was just wondering because the cloth looks in pictures like it may not be the best cloth around. Any opinion on that?

Looked good and felt fine, didn't feel bad. At least as good as we have now.

Scrogg · Oct 6th, 2006, 08:55 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

No autos at the drive at all. Not sure when they'll appear.

UK Delivery dates confirmed for week 49 on Cooper Automatics where already ordered, in keeping with dates originally quoted by MINI.

Cooper S Automatic still scheduled to be March 2007 build onwards...

Paul · Oct 6th, 2006, 09:19 PM

Other thoughts....

Indicator tick-tock has changed, is deeper, but is still a retro "tick-tock", so that's good. Stalks work in a different way. Quick flick gives three flashes (or maybe four), flick beyong a certain point gives full indication, it always returns to center. Flicking again will cancel the full indicator (as will turning back (as usual)).

Trip computer/nav is better than before to use and displays information very clearly. You can have a clock on the rev counter, and in the speedo (where the radio display is) if you want/get the right switch combination.

Seat mechanism is better than before in general, but still not ideal, seat back was the only thing that wasn't quite adjustable enough, too far between "clicks".

DaveyC · Oct 6th, 2006, 09:35 PM

Cracking job again Paul.

How does the pedal arrangement and the space in the footwell compare?

Paul · Oct 6th, 2006, 09:42 PM

The footwell space was noticable, not leaning on the downtubes like I do in the current car so much. The speaker is still at knee height on the door, but in regular driving my knee didn't hit i tlike it did on the slalom at Zandvoort. Pedals felt comfortable, so probably very little change there, didn't have to adjust to them at all.

Olly. · Oct 7th, 2006, 12:18 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

Indicator tick-tock has changed, is deeper, but is still a retro "tick-tock", so that's good. Stalks work in a different way. Quick flick gives three flashes (or maybe four), flick beyong a certain point gives full indication, it always returns to center. Flicking again will cancel the full indicator (as will turning back (as usual)).

Thats a really useful addition, most other cars have it now and its great on the motorway.

A couple of other questions what where the new Xenons like at night? Any difference?

Also what was the ambient lighting like?

Oct 6th, 2006, 07:40 PM	#81
"Reedy" Lost in Mini2 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Oxfordshire Local Time: 01:59 AM Posts: 888 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original) I was told the sport button makes a very big difference to the throttle response and weight/feel of the steering, it's basically the same system as in the newer BMWs with sport buttons. The auto will also have later and faster shifts with the sports button pressed. They never mentioned anything about the noise. Shame there is no noise increase.....but think about this for a minute....... JCW with Sport Button..... JCW Black R105 - JCW Strut - More Mods Soon...

Oct 6th, 2006, 07:46 PM	#82 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 01:59 AM Posts: 40,356 Offline	The a-pillar (and b etc) are in a different finish, not so shiny/smooth as now, they feel better quality. Not sure on the anthracite, I think they looked pretty funky like that, but then again I own these home speakers: So my judgement may not be best? Our trials and tribulations living in a "bleeding edge" eco house... Oxley Woods Living

Oct 6th, 2006, 08:14 PM	#85 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 01:59 AM Posts: 40,356 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Bonnie Scotland (original) 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 No bogging down, no lag. And I didn't write down the mileage (doh!) but previous press cars haven't always been run in by a long shot! Our trials and tribulations living in a "bleeding edge" eco house... Oxley Woods Living

Oct 6th, 2006, 08:15 PM	#86 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 01:59 AM Posts: 40,356 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by snid (original) 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. 2nd day maybe? The first day it was hard to not always think in comparisons, especially as I drive a Cooper S every day (and a One quite often too). It really was a bit weird as it's so similar in design, size etc, but feels so different. When you get a chance to drive it you'll get what I mean. Our trials and tribulations living in a "bleeding edge" eco house... Oxley Woods Living

Oct 6th, 2006, 08:16 PM	#87 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 01:59 AM Posts: 40,356 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by miniman23 (original) Nice report Paul, cheers. In regards to the Sports button how do we get it? is it in the chili pack? I'm glad I added Comfort Access System to my order in time. I heard you can change your spec 7 days before the car gets built how true is that Paul ??? In the UK the Sport Button is standard (100% option as the people from Munich call it). Our trials and tribulations living in a "bleeding edge" eco house... Oxley Woods Living

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Oct 6th, 2006, 07:50 PM	#83 (permalink)
goodingm Malcolm My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Kilwinning Local Time: 02:59 AM Posts: 81 Offline	Can't wait to get more information on the JCW, excellent review Paul, sounds like it will be a fantastic car.

Oct 6th, 2006, 08:11 PM	#84 (permalink)
miniman23 MINI2 Regular My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: London Local Time: 02:59 AM Posts: 359 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original) Comfort Access was actually so good I added to my order. No rattles, thought the interior was very well bolted together indeed actually. Sports button is not standard in all markets so it's a "100% option" in some (like the UK for example). Real shame it wasn't on any car though. Keep the q's coming and I'm more than happy to try and help/answer. Comfort access was actually really handy, especially hopping in and out of the car for photos etc. And it was just "cool" to leave the keys in your pocket, although the locking feature was a bit odd. Oh yes, and comfort access was on both doors, and I was told that is how it will be now. Conflicts with the other reports/spec sheets we've seen, but there it was, so I guess, there it is. Nice report Paul, cheers. In regards to the Sports button how do we get it? is it in the chili pack? I'm glad I added Comfort Access System to my order in time. I heard you can change your spec 7 days before the car gets built how true is that Paul ???

Oct 6th, 2006, 08:17 PM	#88 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 01:59 AM Posts: 40,356 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by appmacguy (original) Paul, Did you only drive the Cooper S? Wouold be good to read about the Cooper also. Cooper S only, sort of reverse of the first time around in 2001. Our trials and tribulations living in a "bleeding edge" eco house... Oxley Woods Living

Oct 6th, 2006, 08:18 PM	#89 (permalink)
miniman23 MINI2 Regular My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: London Local Time: 02:59 AM Posts: 359 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original) In the UK the Sport Button is standard (100% option) as the people from Munich call it. Cool thats what I thought got me worried there. Whats your view on this changing spec upto 7 days before the car being built???

Oct 6th, 2006, 08:19 PM	#90 (permalink)
SoggyCornFlakes Awwww %%%% it! My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Northampton Local Time: 01:59 AM Posts: 33,225 Offline	looking good - why did we ever doubt it would Click here to Welease Woss and Bwand MINI2 Charity Ball 2009 ....... Global Moderator

Oct 6th, 2006, 08:19 PM	#91 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 01:59 AM Posts: 40,356 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Ralph'sPop (original) 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 No autos at the drive at all. Not sure when they'll appear. Our trials and tribulations living in a "bleeding edge" eco house... Oxley Woods Living

Oct 6th, 2006, 08:28 PM	#92 (permalink)
SteveBrass MINI2 Senior My Classifieds Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: staffordshire (not a Local Time: 01:59 AM Posts: 383 Offline	Just read the report. Looks like we have a winner on our hands - just sorry that the stereo controls are as awful live as they look in the photos. Can't wait to read about the Cooper and the n/a engine. R56 AB Cooper

Oct 6th, 2006, 08:28 PM	#93 (permalink)
fjork_duf MINI2 Newbie Join Date: May 2002 Local Time: 01:59 AM Posts: 37 Offline	Paul, How was the feel of the cloth on the ray cloth/leather seats? I was just wondering because the cloth looks in pictures like it may not be the best cloth around. Any opinion on that?

Oct 6th, 2006, 08:35 PM	#94 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 01:59 AM Posts: 40,356 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by SteveBrass (original) Just read the report. Looks like we have a winner on our hands - just sorry that the stereo controls are as awful live as they look in the photos. Can't wait to read about the Cooper and the n/a engine. I'm sure you will learn/get used to the sterro controls, but if you have to do that for something as simple as a car stereo that's a bit of a flaw in my view (to say the least). Our trials and tribulations living in a "bleeding edge" eco house... Oxley Woods Living

Oct 6th, 2006, 08:35 PM	#95 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 01:59 AM Posts: 40,356 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by fjork_duf (original) Paul, How was the feel of the cloth on the ray cloth/leather seats? I was just wondering because the cloth looks in pictures like it may not be the best cloth around. Any opinion on that? Looked good and felt fine, didn't feel bad. At least as good as we have now. Our trials and tribulations living in a "bleeding edge" eco house... Oxley Woods Living

Oct 6th, 2006, 08:55 PM	#96 (permalink)
Scrogg Home Alone Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gloucester Local Time: 01:59 AM Posts: 16,600 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original) No autos at the drive at all. Not sure when they'll appear. UK Delivery dates confirmed for week 49 on Cooper Automatics where already ordered, in keeping with dates originally quoted by MINI. Cooper S Automatic still scheduled to be March 2007 build onwards... 27

Oct 6th, 2006, 09:19 PM	#97 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 01:59 AM Posts: 40,356 Offline	Other thoughts.... Indicator tick-tock has changed, is deeper, but is still a retro "tick-tock", so that's good. Stalks work in a different way. Quick flick gives three flashes (or maybe four), flick beyong a certain point gives full indication, it always returns to center. Flicking again will cancel the full indicator (as will turning back (as usual)). Trip computer/nav is better than before to use and displays information very clearly. You can have a clock on the rev counter, and in the speedo (where the radio display is) if you want/get the right switch combination. Seat mechanism is better than before in general, but still not ideal, seat back was the only thing that wasn't quite adjustable enough, too far between "clicks". Our trials and tribulations living in a "bleeding edge" eco house... Oxley Woods Living

Oct 6th, 2006, 09:35 PM	#98 (permalink)
DaveyC MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2004 Location: Ingleby Barwick Local Time: 01:59 AM Posts: 136 Offline	Cracking job again Paul. How does the pedal arrangement and the space in the footwell compare?

Oct 6th, 2006, 09:42 PM	#99 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 01:59 AM Posts: 40,356 Offline	The footwell space was noticable, not leaning on the downtubes like I do in the current car so much. The speaker is still at knee height on the door, but in regular driving my knee didn't hit i tlike it did on the slalom at Zandvoort. Pedals felt comfortable, so probably very little change there, didn't have to adjust to them at all. Our trials and tribulations living in a "bleeding edge" eco house... Oxley Woods Living

Oct 7th, 2006, 12:18 AM	#100 (permalink)
Olly. Overboosting..... Join Date: Sep 2003 Local Time: 02:59 AM Posts: 3,458 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original) Indicator tick-tock has changed, is deeper, but is still a retro "tick-tock", so that's good. Stalks work in a different way. Quick flick gives three flashes (or maybe four), flick beyong a certain point gives full indication, it always returns to center. Flicking again will cancel the full indicator (as will turning back (as usual)). Thats a really useful addition, most other cars have it now and its great on the motorway. A couple of other questions what where the new Xenons like at night? Any difference? Also what was the ambient lighting like?

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