Impressions and Pictures (and MPEG)
Well, I know now that the MINI is for me! WOW!!! What a fun friggin car!
I drove it for about 30 minutes or so. The car is quite comfortable and the interior and controls are quite nice.
If there is any doubt that this car will be a hit in the US, those thoughts are gone from me now! This car evoked a very strong reaction - a bit surprising given the low level of marketing in the US so far.
I drove less than a block when 2 guys in a truck raced up next to me and stopped me to ask about it and say what a cool car it was. An old lady and a security guard at the local Wawa (convenience store) pointed at it and said "MINI Cooper" as I passed by. People stopped in their steps while walking down the street and then turned to watch the car pass. Oncoming drivers excitedly pointed at the car and smiled. Oh yes, this is going to be a car very much in demand. The coolness factor is definitely there. Even better - several people cleared the passing lane for me to pass by unobstructed!
So, back to the driving experience. First off, I have a modified VW Corrado VR6 and a chipped VW New Beetle 2.0L (apparently a 'gay' car from some of the other threads). Anyway, the Cooper seemed to have about as much power as the Beetle 2.0L (my buddy is putting it on the dyno, aka rolling road, to do some baseline power measurements soon).
What surprises though is what happens when you turn the wheel...
WOW - does this car handle well!!! I was very, very seriously impressed. My buddy who imported the car owns a couple of Porsche 911s and is a longtime Mk.1 GTI afficionado and even he gushes on about the great handling.
It is good. It is great. It is better than they tell you and better than you expect.
The MINI engineers did a nice job on exhaust tuning - the engine and exhaust have a very nice sound. The base stereo seemed good to me and all of the controls were very nice.
Some stuff I liked in particular about the controls:
- Tips of toggle switches illuminate.
- Great pedal location and pedal feel.
- Cool speedometer.
- Easy-to-use computer.
- Rev limit increases as engine warms up (according to gauge illumination).
I tried to capture all of this in the pictures I took and a little 15 second MPEG. Please excuse the MPEG - I shot it as I drove and was more concerned with doing so safely than in shooting a perfect movie.
Oh, the door also opened almost perpendicular to the car, which was unique. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
I think I have gotten my fill for awhile though I am sure I will be dying for another drive soon. Jeez - this guy is like a drug dealer. I get a little taste and I want MORE MORE MORE!!!
This is a great car - you will not be dissappointed!
All the pics and the movie are at
www.jasonlivingood.com/mini/01162002/index.htm
Jason