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

[mr.abulia]

Thanks for all your reviews and answers Paul! This is great stuff, though it hardly makes my decision to get one of the last 2006 cars feel like the right one!

Other questions for you:
1. From some pictures of the new car it looks as though the trip computer in the tach has 2 lines now: is it possible to choose exactly what is displayed on those lines, or are there only some preset choices. For example, could I have it give me current speed (digital speedo) and outside temp?

2. You mentioned that the shift knob didn't seem as comfortable as the current generation knob: is this just a shape issue (it looks as though it is no longer a full ball), or is there something else to it? Is the travel the same length, or did they shorten it?

3. Does the new car actually look as walleyed in person as it does in pictures? I am hoping that the walleyed-ness is a result of pictures being taken relatively close to the car, and that in the flesh the lights will in fact look as though they point straight on. I'm starting to like the new look, but those headlamps just keep throwing me off

Cheers! And thanks for all your efforts

[Paul]

The trip computer was different and there are more lines but I wasn't sure how it all works. As long as I had the kms showing I was happy to be honest. Lack of instructions meant that I didn't want to lose the settings!

The computer buttons is now on the end of the stalk (push in) rather than a button on the back of the stalk.

The knob was just a funny shape, just felt plasticy and not as nice as the current one.

In person it looks pretty much line in the images, but the bulbs all point forward so I guess the space of the lights all ballances out. I thought it looked good.

[Bonnie Scotland]

Good write ups Paul, unlike others who mention that they like the reviews, there's nothing you've said so far that would have interested me for the new version, so, for me i'm still a happy supercharged laddie
That doesn't mean i didn't like you're write up, sheesh, how hard is this to type out it means that..........i'll get my coat

[rkw]

Paul,

Please comment more on low end torque and performance in comparison to the current model, especially pulling away from a stop in street driving.

[R60 Mike]

Hi Paul Did you get any videos maby of the exaust note etc? a bit like with the previous test?

And also I havent specked comfort access but say you stop at traffic lights can some one walk up to the car and use the button to unlock the car? or is the button dissabled when it goes above 12mph? Sounds like a strange question but i was just thinking.

[Derepente]

The dealers for US spec MINIs in Europe are forecasting a build date some time in March 07. I was only quoted 5% over the 2006 price. Sometime in January 07, the actual order for the Mini will be taken. For Now, I'm on the list for March delivery....Chilli Red with red interior trim, Black Bonnet stripes, black and grey leatherette, Mini Cooper S. Almost all the options but, we'll know more in 07. Thanks for all the pictures and reviews!

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bonnie Scotland (original)

Good write ups Paul, unlike others who mention that they like the reviews, there's nothing you've said so far that would have interested me for the new version, so, for me i'm still a happy supercharged laddie
That doesn't mean i didn't like you're write up, sheesh, how hard is this to type out it means that..........i'll get my coat

It's like I said, it's so different there will no doubt be a lot of people happy (happier) with the current supercharged car.

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by michaelcross1 (original)

Hi Paul Did you get any videos maby of the exaust note etc? a bit like with the previous test?

And also I havent specked comfort access but say you stop at traffic lights can some one walk up to the car and use the button to unlock the car? or is the button dissabled when it goes above 12mph? Sounds like a strange question but i was just thinking.

Unfortunately due to a technical glitch I didn't get any video this time around. Annoyed about that to be honest, stupid technology (if a DV cam is technology these days).

Not sure on comfort access, the doors lock automatically as usual, so I guess there's some way it prevents them from being unlocked, maybe based on the engine running or someone being in the seat. Thought never crossed my mind to be honest.

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by rkw (original)

Paul,

Please comment more on low end torque and performance in comparison to the current model, especially pulling away from a stop in street driving.

I think I said really, the power is much more usuable, it allows you to be lasy when youre cruising/in traffic. Thought it was much stronger in general, and smoother, than the current engine.

[R60 Mike]

Have a look at these reviews

road test, specification - Fifth Gear

http://www.channel4.com/4car/rt/mini/cooper+s/1082/1

What does every one make of sports suspension? I am a bit worried reading these as i have specked it.

[Paul]

It's softer than the SS+ on current cars, certainly softer than on early cars with SS+, some people said they thought it was too rough/harsh but I couldn't see (or rather feel) that at all. Although I didn't get to try the regular suspension I was surprised to hear some of the other journalists views that even the "regular" suspension was pretty hard (hard enough) and the Sports (which I had been driving all day and thought was plenty pliable enough) was way too harsh. Just cant agree on that.

4Car say "The optional Sports suspension can prove a little uncomfortable for some and it doesn't offer much in the way of dynamic improvement, so on balance you're better off without.", well, it does improve handling, stiffer roll bars etc. do improve cornering and balance, and I really didn't think it uncorfortable at all.

And Fifth Gear say much the same "And on the stiffer "Sports" suspension (set to be a £130 option in the UK), the Cooper S feels a bit too firm over bumpier surfaces. Driving a car with standard suspension proved the dynamic experience is pretty much identical otherwise, so we can't really see too much point in spending the extra." Again, I don't agree at all, but maybe they're used to softer more comfortable cars.

It'll get knocked for being too soft by some, and "less engaging", yet knocked for being too hard/harsh on the other hand. Personally I think they got the balance right.

[Paul]

Another thing I should probably mention is the aircon controls (in the test cars case this was auto aircon), are pretty poor to use. Adjusting the speed and heat is a fiddly affair. I think function really followed form with this. It didn't annoy me as much as the stereo controls so I completely forgot to mention it. All in all I think they did a bad job with the ergonmics of the "central stack" on the new car.

[Prowse]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

...All in all I think they did a bad job with the ergonmics of the "central stack" on the new car.

Well, we did try to tell 'em, there were lots of posts about the interior on MINI2 when the initial designs came out. A number of people didn't like the next gen interior as they won't be able to install aftermarket stereo systems, and others just didn't like the design. You'd also have thought that BMW would have learnt that the i-Drive (one knob controls everything) system isn't that popular either. Oh well, it's here now, so here's looking forward to the 2nd gen facelift model!

[Paul]

They did reinforce a number of times that its NOT i-drive, just a system that uses a joystick etc. To be fair the interface is unique, but the concept of course very similar.

It's not the look of it that bothered me (although without SatNav it's quite empty), but the way it actually operated.

[poppet]

Hi Paul,
Great pics and review

Only bad point I read was the lack of noise, but im sure that could be sorted out aftermarket with maybe a induction kit, exhaust or just opening the window and taking out the parcel shelf

Anyway you showed us the pic'c of the tweeters but where are the other 2 speakers hiding as there should be 10 with HI-FI (6 as standard)