Someone requested I write up my experiences with the mcs I've been driving for the last week.

The interior is what sold this car to me. I have only sat in older mini's in the dealership but I could appreciate the marked improvement in the quality of materials used. The layout of everything was neither claustrophobic or sparse. It compares very well with my X3 and 135. I test drove a car with the JCW steering wheel and my car has the standard steering wheel. I was only able to discern cosmetic differences between the two. My car has the optional armrest which my wife preferred. I think for normal driving circumstances the armrest is helpful but can get in the way when shifting more enthusiastically. On the other hand, it does offer a tiny bit more storage in a car that really doesn't have much at all. The small cubby above the glove compartment is a handy place for normally sized sunglasses. The USB interface is accessed directly in front of the two European sized cupholders. Because of it's location there is no way to hook a device in and leave it concealed. When I test drove a similar car I had the mini general manager in the back seat and he commented on how there was much more room in the back than his R56 and he could sit normally instead of side saddle. I haven't had a chance to check out the boot of a non-storage package f56 so I can't comment on what that option really provides. The seats are very comfortable and supportive without being too tight. I am 5'9" and 225lbs. The extendable thigh support is something I have come to appreciate from my BMW's. The leatherette material is a great standard seating surface.

The LED lights are very bright with a blue hue around the edges of the beam. They were a worthwhile upgrade from standard lighting systems. The clutch is weighted very well for enthusiastic and stop and go driving. The engagement is closer to the floor and is not as nebulous as a GTI or Focus ST. The shifter is notchy and requires more than fingertip effort. It shifts very similarly to a 135. I've only put about 300 miles on it so far so I haven't been able to open it up fully. The engine is like any other twinpower I've driven with fast revs and torque available at all times. It can be an engaging drive or a comfortable cruiser. It doesn't have the stupid acceleration of a n55 but it is very capable on twisty roads or the highway. The steering is too light and twitchy on normal mode so I drive exclusively on sport mode. So far I am averaging 29.9 mpg according to the computer. The rev-matching downshifting feature is a nice bonus but it would be nice to be able to defeat it for some occasions. For my commuting purposes it is great. The exhaust note is a little disappointing with a lack of the burbling I was accustomed to so I can only describe it as more civilized. The engine is similarly muted. I am still getting used to the minuscule tachometer. Its' size and position make it a lil tricky to visualize with my peripheral vision.

 

I ordered a thunder gray "S" last night after a test drive. Got everything except the park assist and the HUD. Which wheels are those? I ordered the 17 inch black conical. I was kinda disappointed in the lack of burble also. And also that the rear sunroof doesn't pop up like on my R56

 

European sized cup holders - I assume that means small espresso size
Good write up, keep the updates coming.

 

[QUOTE=VYPUR;3908434. Which wheels are those? I ordered the 17 inch black conical. I was kinda disappointed in the lack of burble also. And also that the rear sunroof doesn't pop up like on my R56[/QUOTE]


They look like 16" victory spokes

 

good info. did you order the HK sound system or the standard? Could you comment on that.

Also, besides the USB connection does it have another connection for you to plug in a cigarette type connection with 2 extra USBs?

Thanks

 

The wheels are 16" black victory spokes with Hankook Optimo H426 run flat all seasons.

I only have the standard audio. If I listen to any audio it's usually news radio. The rest of the time I listen to the engine and exhaust. Attached a pic of the USB port. There is a 12V outlet right above the USB port. I believe there is a 12V in the trunk too.

 

i listen to radio too, and i don't really turn the radio up too high, but just wondering if the sound is clear when you do turn it up or i guess when the auto adjust turns it up as you go up in speed. could you tell me where are the 6 speakers located, i am still debating whether i should spend extra $750 for the HK or just get the standard. in my R56, i have the Hi-Fi, but i don't really listen to music that loud.

is good to know it has an extra 12V in the trunk.

Thanks

 

The sound is very adequate for me at low and high volumes. No discernable distortion. There is a speaker by each door and one by each rear passenger panel. I'm guessing the remaining two are tweeters in the center of the dash but I dont know for sure where they are.

 

I checked out the new Mini today at the local cars and coffee and was very impressed with the new interior. Car looks much better in person and I actually like the orangy color with the black rims.

 

Thanks, I guess i'll have to go test drive the car and check out the details before i even decide what i want on my new car.

 

Stopped reading right there....

 

There's not enough burble? Darn it. I listened to some of the youtube videos and it seemed good enough (I'm coming from '06 R53). Local dealer only has autos in so far so it's good to hear opinions about the manual. And it's unfortunate that rev-matching isn't defeatable.

 

I went and watched YouTube videos and heard plenty of burble. I think I was not paying enough attention. I'm glad it's there, the manual shifter is gonna take me some getting used to the F56 seems to be slotted compared to my R56 I missed like 2 gears in the test drive. : (

 

Are those Hankook tires? Seems odd that MINI would move away from Continental.

 

Mine are Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Seasons (run flats).

 

Thanks for your impressions. This confirms that I will stay in the R56 for awhile. You mentioned the clutch in the GTI, how did that compare overall to the MINI?

 

I don't have a previous gen MCS to compare to, but just returned from a second test drive in the new F56 MCS 6MT. Several posters have complained about the lack of exhaust burble/pop; but I found that there was appreciable popping and burble when you run the car in SPORT mode. In MID and GREEN, no burble, but for sure in SPORT. Very cool (for an old juvenile delinquent like me),

 

MotoringFile's review said, "The key new feature of the transmission is rev-matching which works brilliantly here. While many will bemoan the further simplification of a time honored tradition (don’t worry you can turn it off)...

 

Now at 500+ miles there is more pop and burble.

I'll have to look in the manual about disabling rev-matching but I haven't found a button or setting anywhere in the car that does so. If it's something that requires coding than I don't consider that feasible for day to day use.

 

Rev-matching is a nice feature -- saves wear and tear on the clutch and transmission. Why would you want to turn it off?