NAM Test Drive and Review of the R56

[pbraun]

Originally Posted by GBMINI

I read somewhere that that compartment is going to be sealed shut at VDC, to prevent rattles

If not there, at the dealerships, before delivery. No more secret compartment! unless you un-do the sealing!

[dchautin]

I have had my 07 mini now for about 3 weeks. I absolutely love it for the most part. I can't compare it to those of the past because I didn't own an older one. I feel like it is a refined enough, yet fun as hell to drive. Go cart describes it well. But it's a go cart with all of the modern conveinences of a luxury vehicle. From the heated seats to the power moonroof, this little car has it all for me....It's like a little Beamer.


The only complaint I have is the obvious wind noise. It sounds like I have a window open or the sunroof is open. I am hoping we can fix this.

Other than that, it's great.

Waiting on the dealer to install my stripes and center arm rest..when I get that...I will be happy than a puppy with two peters.

Thanks!

[kevinminict]

I got my R56 two days ago. I also never owned one and its one awesom car. I have the "secret compartment" it opens when I push the plastic but theres no cubby hle just a hole and a wireing harness in the back thats there for something. Its just sitting there like something supposed to go in the hole?

[Robin Casady]

Originally Posted by kevinminict

I got my R56 two days ago. I also never owned one and its one awesom car. I have the "secret compartment" it opens when I push the plastic but theres no cubby hle just a hole and a wireing harness in the back thats there for something. Its just sitting there like something supposed to go in the hole?

Sounds like you are missing the plastic liner to the compartment. Ask your dealer about it.

[GBMINI]

The connector is for optional CD changer. The plastic liner is an available-to-buy part, I don't believe it's part of the spec. Certainly it wasn't present on any of the initial R56 cars in USA

[Kimberely]

Originally Posted by dchautin

I will be happier than a puppy with two peters.

You know, I have used that phrase forever (among friends only - coworkers would not be amused) and I have no idea where I picked it up. What (movie?) is it from?

[zagadka]

i test drove a manual DS/B MCS yesterday and i did not like the clutch...at all. too soft and mushy. too much play with no friction point to feel, it didn't feel like you were doing any work!

i absolutely hate the interior. the speedo looks like a cheap characature of itself and the silver buttons look tacky. the rally toggles have been shunken, fattened, and clumped together- no me gusta.

i DID like the responsiveness of the turbo, which is odd because aren't turbos supposed to be the laggy ones- not superchargers?! you can definitely hear it spool up with the windows down, too bad they don't come with a blow off valve!

the suspension felt cleaner- stiff without being uncomfortable and josseling you about (although i think thats sorta fun...). it rode really nicely.

i'm kind of torn about this one. i definitely am partial to the old body style and interior, but love the new motor and suspension.

[amazonracer]

Looks like its a toyota instead.

[rrcaniglia]

You should change the question mark in your logo to a smiley face. ;)

[marie9]

Originally Posted by PARTSMAN

Excellent review, Dave. Thanks very much for the write up.

I bought my 1st mini in june 2007.Best vehicle ive ever owned ,from gas mileage to the pure joy of driving.Im enjoying customizing it making it my own.The mini club is also a great addition to ownership.This will be my 1st time at MOTD and cant wait.See you there

[rrcaniglia]

Just a note on gas mileage. I am averaging 38 in the first 1k miles, but I did a 100mile test to see what I could get. In a mix of 70/30 highway and city, gentle acceleration, up-shifting at 2k and going the speed limit I got 51.8.

[tedbone72P]

Got my 07 MCS a few weeks ago and LOVE IT!!! I drive 125 miles daily mostly on the highway, (Florida Turnpike) and briefly on A1A in South Florida. Top speed so far 128mph (no mods) and average gas mileage with sport button 33mpg. It is by far the most fun car I have experienced since my 88 16V VW Scirocco.

[MotorMouth]

Originally Posted by rrcaniglia

Just a note on gas mileage. I am averaging 38 in the first 1k miles, but I did a 100mile test to see what I could get. In a mix of 70/30 highway and city, gentle acceleration, up-shifting at 2k and going the speed limit I got 51.8.

wow!

[BubbasMini]

This was asked on page one but I'l answer for GoKartRide. We have a 2007 MCS and it has the "oak" trim. Ours is PW, with creme trim and lounge leather with the cream colored piping. Having never seen one when we ordered last year, it came out like we planned. The oak covers the dash and door handles. It's not on the shifter knob for ours when we got the auto. That brings me to the second point......this is my wife's car and when we went w/the auto it was a concern to me. Honestly, I have to say I not only don't have regrets but it's one of the only sport cars I've ever driven that I'd want the auto. Obviously, DC traffic makes that a nice thing but in terms of sporty-ness, I'd sai it's still there and you can always use the manual shift mode too.

All in all, we've been very happy with Sly.......

[warren15]

Anyone figured out yet if these much talked about new seats can be retrofitted to R50/R52/R53?
Thanks for the write-up and nice pics!

[drewstermalloy]

Originally Posted by rrcaniglia

Just a note on gas mileage. I am averaging 38 in the first 1k miles, but I did a 100mile test to see what I could get. In a mix of 70/30 highway and city, gentle acceleration, up-shifting at 2k and going the speed limit I got 51.8.

Woah, how "gentle" was that acceleration??

[C5Z06]

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