Onto my 2nd MCS, an r56!

[sudds]

Hello all

So after my r53 MCS (pics are on the 1st gen thread - grey with orange checks and orange wing mirrors) was crushed by a bus (I'm OK btw ) I was in a conundrum as to what the next set of wheels should be....BMW 120d, Mini Clubman S, Seat Leon FR, Mazda3 mps, VW Polo GTi mk2, Mitsi Colt CZT...saw a Sparkling Silver w/Black roof 07 MCS in classifieds and that was it...I'm back in the game!

It's fully loaded..liking the heated seats, cruise control and the turbo is different to the supercharger in a good way, especially on the pocket!

So now I'm thinking about black viper stripes ont bonnet, black scoop and maybe black alloys...
pics will follow

have to say after having test drove the other cars it felt like 'home' being in an MCS again

[0007]

Quote: Originally Posted by sudds (original)

Hello all

So after my r53 MCS (pics are on the 1st gen thread - grey with orange checks and orange wing mirrors) was crushed by a bus (I'm OK btw ) I was in a conundrum as to what the next set of wheels should be....BMW 120d, Mini Clubman S, Seat Leon FR, Mazda3 mps, VW Polo GTi mk2, Mitsi Colt CZT...saw a Sparkling Silver w/Black roof 07 MCS in classifieds and that was it...I'm back in the game!

It's fully loaded..liking the heated seats, cruise control and the turbo is different to the supercharger in a good way, especially on the pocket!

So now I'm thinking about black viper stripes ont bonnet, black scoop and maybe black alloys...
pics will follow

have to say after having test drove the other cars it felt like 'home' being in an MCS again

I also have a 1st gen MCS which is brilliant, in its 7th year and after 112,00 miles just as good as the day I bought it (really!). Also at the stage of considering a replacement and have toyed with the cars mentioned in your list - did you try any? But really, think I will go JCW or 2nd gen MCs - not ready for a sensible car yet!

Would you care to give your opinion of the differences - as a drivers car - of the MCS 1st & 2nd gen, while the impressions of the mk1 are still fresh in your mind?

[Hexme]

An opinion between first and second gens would be good.

[sudds]

007 - those were my sensible choices i.e. more space, doors but with some performance. I drove a smart forfour brabus, didn't like it - felt a bit flimsy round corners. The clubman S was favourite but was priced out , and the only reason I didn't go for the 1 series (very good torque and power in the 120d) was that it looked very dull on the inside! Ddn't drive the others mate.

Comparisons so far considering Ive had the r56 just over a week -
Pros - a lot smoother to drive over pots/holes/cracks due to improved sports suspension
- better fuel economy
- cheaper road tax £160 compared to r53 £245ish
- interior much improved in quality/build (mine has a lot of extra options which helps )
- the turbo when it kicks in is very impressive and feels effortless

Cons - r53 makes you feel more engaged with car in it's response
- the supercharger 'sound' is unique
- going round bends and corners the r53 feels like it has better grip and hold (the r56 feels lighter but I guess I need to drive it in more)
- the r53 power feels more immediate when accelerating where as perhaps due to turbo lag the r56 feels less so

Overall I'm chuffed with the r56 and personally it feels like the 'sensible' progression to me. Please note these are just my opinions!

I'd love a JCW r56 as the kit looks cool but the bank man says no!