OK, KiwiRob, I do not have any experience with Mini as opposed to MINI.
Please forgive my use of "Traditional"
I appreciate your input to the thread & will qualify my statement by referring to & comparing to my "MINI" R53 with std. "Leatherette" seats.
The quality of the material applied the std seats in the CM-S is inferior, IMHO, to the same type of seat MINI offered in the R50/53. I never feel as hot or sweat as much in my R53 as compared to the CM-S.
Of course, these MINI's have AC installed.

I do hope the all of our input helps the OP with his question.

 

I just ordered my second Mini, this time the Countryman. With my first one, I learned how much I love the Comfort Access, the Zenon headlights, the Auto dimming rear view mirror, center arm rest, auto lights--basically everything on the former Convenience Package.

When I was configuring the CM, I tried to find one on the lot, but the dealers around Dallas don't configure them with the features that I found were essential. I ended up ordering one with those individual features; not a package, and that saved a little $.

I absolutely love the Comfort Access. Frankly, I've been spoiled by it. As long as the FOB is in my pocket, I can lock/unlock and start the car without even thinking about it. A bonus feature of Comfort Access, you can't lock the key fob in the car. It won't let you.

Jeremy

 

With updated safety features, most new cars have far higher beltlines than the older cars we're used to. So backup systems are a nice feature.

That said, I'm a bit of an arrogant purist when it comes to backing up, so I believe in learning your car super well so that you don't need one. I'm about there with my CM.

 

I know the CM well enough by now to back within an inch or two of something I know is there...

But that's the key, what I know is there. If there's a pole that cannot be seen i n the mirrors, or children that run behind the car the backup system will tell me. So I like it more as an alert system to warn me of unknowns and sudden dangers than a tool to help me back up more closely to something...

 

Yup! I absolutely see this reasoning, particularly when it comes to kids and animals who might move behind the car, below the beltline. Inanimate objects, though, I feel that I can outsmart.

 

I will say there are 2 things my R53 does that I wish my R60 did; off button on the auto cliamte control, and the different sounds modes on the HK radio (HK, driver, hall, etc).

 

My husband says he wouldn't change a thing on his CM-S.

• Light white with black roof
• gloss black 17" wheels
• manual transmission
• light tobacco cloth seats (more comfortable in the Texas heat)
• xenons
• adaptive lights
• auto climate control
• center armrest
• anthracite headliner
• 2 part center rail
• armrest
• convenience package

He's very happy with it. I'm still amazed at all the attention it garners.

 

Have and wouldn't change -

• Flat-load floor
• Adaptive xenons - much better lighting
• Rubber mats - a must have in the Pacific NW
• ALL4 - love the way it drives and handles
• JCW Sport Stripes - we get so many compliments on the black/red combo
• Connected/Nav - yeah, it's a bit cheesy, but it makes the speedo look nicer & I like the iDrive abilities so I can keep my eyes on the road. VERY upset about the whole center armrest, cradle issue for iPhone 4. URG!!!
• Heated mirrors and seats - feels so good on a cold morning or when my lower back is hurting.
• H/K audio - sound is sooooooooo worth the money
• Anthrocite wheels - as mentioned by others, really helps to camaflouge the dirty wheels

Wish I had the Comfort access had this on my Clubman and REALLY miss is. It's silly, but I loved the convenience of jumping in/out of the car without having to find my keys.

Otherwise, I love my car. Wasn't sure how I would feel about this new version, but Vader and I are getting along quite well after 3 months!

 

Cant speak for the R50/53, but I can tell you the design of them is much better than the leatherette used in the R56, not so much the material as its about the same (both very good IMHO, CM might be a tad thicker), they just look better in the CM and the added perforation makes them much more breathable.

 

Thats what they call parking sensors in VW/Audi world, when I was ordering thought it was the stupidest thing for a Mini, but didn't know about the visualization part with Nav., now it's the one thing I wish I got.

Also debate the idea I should have went with the 17" Anthracite tunnel spokes over the black 5 stars I got (and love also). Thought anthracite was more a dark gray, than the flat black it actually is, so didn't even consider them.

 

My leatherette is nice and thick, so I'm not concerned about durability, but the "perforations" don't go all the way through, so they do very little for airing things out. I think the leather/cloth combo is probably best for breathability, but I'm still happy with the leatherette for durability.

 

I put tint on the sunroofs. I don't think it's going to be an issue with the Pinnacle F1 series because of the quality and warranty they provide. But I agree with you on keeping the seats and interior much cooler - was surprised at the huge difference the tint made.

Can you elaborate? Is it the engagement point of the clutch? That bothers me but I have only been driving a manual for a couple of months now so what do I know. I think first gear in this car is difficult and I end up revving before letting up the clutch to any degree and riding it a bit just to make sure it's taking up and not going to stall. Jeez I've stalled this car a bunch, esp. on grades, which still terrify me. But I feel the manual is still the way to go and seems to have more oomph than the auto.

 

The manual is a bit hinky, but it's really just about the amount you have to rev before you try to engage the clutch. The car really lets you rev with a soft touch if you want to, but that makes it more likely that you'll engage 1st gear at a low rev and either stall or have no power. If you make yourself a little more heavy-footed (or hit the sport button), it behaves much more like an easy manual.

Personally, I like the option to engage 1st gear fully at 1200rpm if I want to handle the car slowly without burning clutch. I stalled the car a few times in the first month and haven't since.

 

lol...I wouldn't buy it again, at least with a manual. Personally, I would probably have gone for the X1.

 

Isn't the X1 a concept car?

 

Yeah not coming to the US anytime soon I don't think.

 

just because something isn't in the US doesn't make it a concept car
Production began in Europe in the BMW Werk Leipzig plant in October 2009. It will not be sold in the United States until winter 2011. It is also being produced in Chennai, India.

 

Thought it was even later than that, as a MY 2013, late spring/early summer 2012. Can't see choosing it over a CM though, looks a bit like a squashed/shrunken Triabeca

 

Thanks for putting up the images - I wish we could get the larger engine in the CM4!

 

Ha! Obviously not. It's a concept to me.

 

I would kill for the 2.3l diesel. Can you even get an X1 in petrol right now, I thought I had read somewhere that was one of the stumbling blocks to importing to the US originally?

Michael

 

Plenty of X1s in China ... also the 1 series 5-door as well. In the US, we have the newly bloated X3 and X5 only. And you can't get the 1 series 5-door here either.

I test drove the X3. Nice 8-speed tranny, but too big now and with just a couple of options price jumped to $45k. In fact, "paint" was an option that added $500.

 

Like this

 

+1

 

I like my armrest and would sit awkward without it.

But i am disappointed with the sound system (i got the basic, which probably is ok if you are only listening to pop Radio) ...

Will have to find an aftermarket fix asap.