First driving impressions.

[SteveM3]

Well todays Autocar and Autoexpress have had taster test drives of the new S. The
drives were track only. Faster , more refined , softer suspension to appeal to
a wider buying public , more boot space , more passenger space , lighter
steering to keep the girlies happy , too much tape and cover to give a verdict on
styling in and out. Engine a bit bland compared to the s/c . Confirmation the
bonnet scoop is for show only, minor point to some but I hate that . Sounds
like a lot of swings and roundabouts to me so I'm sitting on the fence and it isn't
comfortable

[Tonyt3]

Quote: Originally Posted by SteveM3

Well todays Autocar and Autoexpress have had taster test drives of the new S. The
drives were track only. Faster , more refined , softer suspension to appeal to
a wider buying public , more boot space , more passenger space , lighter
steering to keep the girlies happy , too much tape and cover to give a verdict on
styling in and out. Engine a bit bland compared to the s/c . Confirmation the
bonnet scoop is for show only, minor point to some but I hate that . Sounds
like a lot of swings and roundabouts to me so I'm sitting on the fence and it isn't
comfortable

its really odd.... every tester thinks the GP is a real dogs dinner but is a great, exciting car.... whilst they say the new Cooper S is a great improvement but dull...

Guess a bit of a ****-up from BMW.

[cct1]

For me, it's easy--I'm keeping mine forever. Ok, I admit that's a bit premature, I'll have to see/drive the latest reincarnation before I know for sure, but I'm fairly confident I'll hold on to mine. The Mini to me is first and foremost about character, and secondly about quirkiness--and some of this has been lost on the next generation--it looks like BMW is trying to hit more of the mainstream, where I think the Mini is more appealing to those who like to avoid the beaten path. It will be interesting to see how this plays out--many of us bought a Mini because it was like no other car; this latest attempt by BMW looks like a push to make the Mini more conventional, more mainstream, and more appealing to the average Joe.

I hate losing the Supercharger. That's a large part of the soul of the car--the new engine, while more refined and powerful (at least with regard to torque), from all reports is much more sterile. The Mini (at least to me) was never about brute power/strength to begin with; I'd take the growl and quirkiness of the supercharger, which fits the S's personality perfectly, to the Turbo any day. My suspicion is the new car, while faster, won't be as visceral a driving experience, with the new engine and steering (and with the softer suspension)--and that's a huge shame. I suppose it's possible to improve the parts individually on an automobile while collectively damaging its soul. That's how I kind of feel about the new Mini...

I'd like less electronics rather than more with the steering, but that's just me.

The softer suspension isn't as much of an issue, as you can upgrade to the sport suspension, but again it falls into BMW making the car more mainstream. I hate to see this on the S; it makes more sense for the base Cooper though.

I really like the look of the older Cooper over the new as well. The shorter windows, coupled with the taller Bonnet makes the new Cooper proportionally appear squashed down. And the overall size of the new bonnet makes the Mini look, well, for lack of a better word, constipated. Maybe all it needs is high fiber gasoline to get it regular again, but I digress..

[R1]

Also in Auto Express, did you catch the line that said BMW/MINI would probably keep the tuning for the hotted up S in house so there maybe no Works badge or JCW input!! They also said that they expect the power to be 210, the same as the supercharged JCW. I'm even more more pleased I bought my JCW S now!!

[R1]

Quote: Originally Posted by cct1

For me, it's easy--I'm keeping mine forever.

I'm with you there!! Even in 5 years time, and I may buy a new generation MINI then, I will still own my JCW S.

[SteveM3]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tonyt3

its really odd.... every tester thinks the GP is a real dogs dinner but is a great, exciting car....

Really??? Every test I have seen on the GP says it isn't a cynical marketing exercise to
shift old stock but a very exciting car. They also say it is very expensive, we can't deny
that. The styling has been called a dogs dinner and without wishing to ruffle feathers I
agree. For driving though I hear nothing but praise for the GP.

[R1]

Must admit, I can't see the point of the GP as a road car. Personal opinion mind.