Having done a very enjoyable drive out yesterday through the Cotswolds, I thought that after a few moths of ownership whilst running it in I would write down some of my thoughts about the Mini.
Bizarrely even after 3 months of ownership, where I would normally start to feel a bit bored as the novelty wore off, the 'new car' feeling is still there, and everytime I get in and press the start button it seems like I'm in a brand new car again wondering how it's going to drive! Words can't sum up how different this is to the MKV R32 Golf I owned previous - the Golf was EXCELLENT all round, but it lacked the fizz and left me wanting more, it was just too clinical & soulless. The Mini on the other hand is excellent in all situations, but more than that it's so damn quick & exciting! From a simple trip to B&Q with the missus to buy a new house plant, through to it's first proper trip out yesterday, each journey is an event that the Mini relishes. Low down torque gets the car moving with a shove in your back that could easily be from a car that has twice as much power, but it doesn't run out of steam at the top end either as the 'overdrive' comes in and keeps the power coming. It feels like a car with a hell of a lot more than the quoted 175bhp, so I have a feeling BMW are being a bit conservative with their quotes!
The gearbox has a short throw and is precise too so I don't ever have to wonder what gear I'm in - not only because it's light and responsive but the display on the rev counter has an option that lets me show either the best gear to be in for optimum MPG or best gear for engine performance, which is very useful! Reverse is the only complaint I have with the gearbox as I find myself double checking that I am in reverse and not first - they are very close, however on a positive note you can only mistake first for reverse and not the other way around, which is re-asuring!
I’ve been experimenting with the 'sport' button over the past week. It’s supposed to quicken the throttle response and make the steering slightly heavier, however I wish there was option to leave the steering as it is and only quicken the throttle response, because the direct poise of the steering in 'sport' does feel rather artificial after a while. I've found myself driving the car in normal mode to a satisfying effect, but that might have something to do with the improved MPG I get which has shot up from 25 to over 30mpg. On the subject of MPG I was VERY pleased to see the 200 mile journey yesterday, mostly on 'spirited' A roads, return a 36mpg avg at an average speed of 60mph.
I have experimented also with the ASC (traction control button), but have now left it switched on. It’s effective and is not in the slightest bit intrusive. Reading reviews from the mags they are moaning that the
DSC on its own too intrusive, so I am wondering if the LSD option that I ticked is the
DSC's perfect partner and solves the issue, it sure feels like it! Even in very slippery conditions you can feel the LSD shifting the power, and although it can feel a bit unnerving at first when you feel the steering wheel correcting itself, you soon get used to it and it gives you more confidence to leave the car to do the work of getting the power down.
It rides with a lot of composure and the steering is direct, and although it can be a bit crashy on REALLY rough surfaces I just put that down to the sports suspension option I ticked.
The Cotswolds was a strange mix of Rain, Glorious Sun and Deep Snow! It made for the Mini to be really tested and it didn't disappoint. It was really snowy and slushy so at the start I was being very cautious, but I needn't have bothered 'cos it stayed composed and felt perfectly at home, slicing into turns despite the piles of slush in the road and displaying a lovely neutral balance which left me grinning and throwing it into bends in a care free manner.
So overall I'm very happy with it and I can't see the Mini going anywhere for a while yet! One thing I am really enjoying as well (in a kind of sadistic way) is listening to the blinkered comments I sometimes get about it being a girls/estate agents car etc, because once you've owned/driven one you can see past the prejudices and you realise it's one incredibly capable little machine that doses out huge amounts of fun!
Now it's run in I'm looking to get it on track sometime very soon becasue I have a feeling it's going to be a little riot!
Jan 13th, 2008, 10:21 AM
Mini Cooper S - a few thoughts so far 
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Looking very nice I have to say 
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