This is my first post, so I hope it is of use to prospective MINI buyers (and not too long)
I have been sitting on the sidelines looking at the posts for a while and have found them invaluable for deciding the final spec on my new MINI. I was determined to get it right as this the first new car I’ve been able to afford in 25 years of driving.
Clearly the most important decision I needed to make was Chilli or Pepper because of all the forum talk of hard/soft ride/handling etc: I got a test drive of a Chilli over 83 miles across varied road types. Although it was generally great, one thing bothered me and that was the level of “vertical bounce” over poor roads. It was noticeable on my favourite stretch of B road and also on certain sections of the M25. All the time I kept thinking, can I live with this long term?
I drove a Pepper and covered exactly the same route, it was much better, much less bounce. In fact, I could take the same roads quicker in the Pepper without having to back off. The ride was generally better all round. As for handling, the steering seemed even more direct than on the Chilli. I don’t know why this would be-any ideas? It still corned on rails, no discernible roll, fantastic all round. As for grip, all I can say is that at no point did I reach the grip limits and that was taking bends much quicker than normal. OK, if I constantly drove on the limit, then I would probably want more grip, but I did not find the Pepper in any way inferior at my driving speeds.
Somewhat surprised by this result, I scanned all my Mini articles to see if any reviews had picked up on this problem and I found that Evo mentioned it their Dec issue. They said “There is a chink in the Mini’s armour…..on rough roads, the level of bounce will force you to back off”. Has anyone come to the same conclusions as me?
So, I figured, both great cars but the Pepper won out. It’s costing me rather more than I had bargained for as I had to have the superb half leather/sports seats, they look so cool. (I found the standard seats very disappointing, wrong shape for me, but then I am 6’5”)
Final point, I thought the engine was much better and quicker than some of the reviews would have you believe, a real gem. Very free revving, just the right noise and loves being red-lined. I drive an Alfa at the moment so I’m fussy about engines. Compared to the engine on a Celica 1.9 which was one of three cars I was considering, it’s on a different planet.
Final spec:
Indie blue, white roof, sunroof, Pepper, 7 hole alloys, Climate control, CD, Sorts seats, half leather, Visibility package, Heather mirrors/washers, computer, ASC, and last not least…TLC.
I have been sitting on the sidelines looking at the posts for a while and have found them invaluable for deciding the final spec on my new MINI. I was determined to get it right as this the first new car I’ve been able to afford in 25 years of driving.
Clearly the most important decision I needed to make was Chilli or Pepper because of all the forum talk of hard/soft ride/handling etc: I got a test drive of a Chilli over 83 miles across varied road types. Although it was generally great, one thing bothered me and that was the level of “vertical bounce” over poor roads. It was noticeable on my favourite stretch of B road and also on certain sections of the M25. All the time I kept thinking, can I live with this long term?
I drove a Pepper and covered exactly the same route, it was much better, much less bounce. In fact, I could take the same roads quicker in the Pepper without having to back off. The ride was generally better all round. As for handling, the steering seemed even more direct than on the Chilli. I don’t know why this would be-any ideas? It still corned on rails, no discernible roll, fantastic all round. As for grip, all I can say is that at no point did I reach the grip limits and that was taking bends much quicker than normal. OK, if I constantly drove on the limit, then I would probably want more grip, but I did not find the Pepper in any way inferior at my driving speeds.
Somewhat surprised by this result, I scanned all my Mini articles to see if any reviews had picked up on this problem and I found that Evo mentioned it their Dec issue. They said “There is a chink in the Mini’s armour…..on rough roads, the level of bounce will force you to back off”. Has anyone come to the same conclusions as me?
So, I figured, both great cars but the Pepper won out. It’s costing me rather more than I had bargained for as I had to have the superb half leather/sports seats, they look so cool. (I found the standard seats very disappointing, wrong shape for me, but then I am 6’5”)
Final point, I thought the engine was much better and quicker than some of the reviews would have you believe, a real gem. Very free revving, just the right noise and loves being red-lined. I drive an Alfa at the moment so I’m fussy about engines. Compared to the engine on a Celica 1.9 which was one of three cars I was considering, it’s on a different planet.
Final spec:
Indie blue, white roof, sunroof, Pepper, 7 hole alloys, Climate control, CD, Sorts seats, half leather, Visibility package, Heather mirrors/washers, computer, ASC, and last not least…TLC.
