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

[Paul]

I have no idea, I could only count eight. Two in the doors (as usual) two in the back and the two tweeters. I didn't get to grab anyone who was "ICE aware" enough to explain where the other speakers were hidden! You can see in the boot shots the left hand side cubby hole space is covered, whereas now that would usually be an open space. That's where the amp is.

[Olly.]

Do you think the storage pack is probably a worthwhile option on this car then Paul? The behind dash storage is probably useful place for putting sunglasses etc now the space under the centre column is gone.

Also having tried out the half leather seats what are they like in comparison to the leather seats at the motorshow?

[Paul]

They had half leather at the show too, they're comfortable, nice. But so little leather compared to the original "half leather" seats! I'd say if you have glasses etc and CDs in the car a new glove box tidy for the new car will be a good invention and investment, and the storage pack is a very good idea!

[Tonyt3]

Interesting article thanks Paul.

What struck me in your description of the improvements of the engine, with power delivery and smoothness, and lumps of lazy torque making overtaking a breeze, was a deja-vue feeling of how big an improvement over the current standard S was when I first drove a 200bhp Works car - would you say that there was a similarity in the feel between new and old S for you, similar to old S and 200bhp Works cars.....? Or is it simply not that pronounced....?

Thanks
Tony

[Paul]

It's far less urgent than the Works, the Works feels like a pretty taut or highly tuned engine, the new S engine feels more breezy and easy I guess. Something like that.

[Shaun]

I hadnt noticed in the review but in a magazine that the steering is now reach and rake adjustable cool.
It was a Rave review for the Cooper more of the same only much better. .

[Paul]

Mentioned in both my S (http://www.mini2.com/article402-full...ve-report.html) and Cooper review, from the Cooper review

Quote:

The more time we spent in the Cooper (and it wasn't really long enough), both as passenger and driver, the more we found to like about it. The feel of the plastics is very good, arm rests in the doors are now really nice and chunky, most things feel very solid and tactile. The sports seats were very comfortable indeed, and the range of adjustment, especially for the driver with the new, fully adjustable steering column, was top notch.

[Shaun]

Oh yeah fair play I imeeediatly skipped to your reviews to see the above before posting, the fully adjustable didnt scan obviously.
I find the current range disapointing it only realy gets used on very long journeys when I drop the wheel into my lap I would love eo keep it down ther but I cant comfortably change gear.
I drive loads of different cars and miss it when I jump back into the Mini.

On that note have they sorted the wipers ? If ford can do adjustable intermittant wiping on a Galaxy etc... and do they self park when the ignition is switched off?

[Paul]

Didn't encounter much rain in the places I've driven the car so cant comment yet I'm afraid.

[Shaun]

No way even when holidaying in greece I like to become wiper familiar.

[Paul]

I used the wiper to clear bugs/road dirt that was all, and apart from "they worked", I cant add much more!

[Sowellman]

Paul,

On the cars you tested, di d you get a chance to try out the hill assist function meant to keep a manual transmission automobile from slipping backward while popping the clutch?

[Paul]

The various Cooper S I drove would have had it (as they had DSC), but I didn't notice or feel it in action or take the time out to specifically test it.