I'm conflicted on convertible MINIs. On one hand the roadster looks better with the top up and down. On the other hand the MINI convertible still has the classic boxy hatch shape and the fun tailgate, but the rear seat is totally useless, might as well be a roadster. Repeat ad nauseum. This might be the first I've heard of ergonomic complaints in a MINI. Butt on the floor, decent seats, great visibility. What don't you like? I'm clearly biased though, anything feels like a racecar now that I'm used to the barstool seating in my 500.

I've talked to a couple people that seem to think MINI clutches are made up of toiletpaper held together with shattered dreams. We've had no problems with our two cars. The R56 was one of the easiest cars to teach people to drive in.

Sweet! I'm shopping Alltracks right now as a potential replacement for our Paceman. Is that efficiency with the 1.8T or did you snag a diesel? I didn't think the AWD system added THAT much drag. I agree that the infotainment is a significant draw. VW did a good job of applying K.I.S.S. to that system.

Sounds like fun times in your household. I'm curious to know how kids in the back of the MINI goes. =P

 

I don't get the roadster. What's the point? You might as well eke out some extra space, maybe throw a kid or a dog back there. As far as ergonomics...worthless analog speedometer, worthless openometer at the expense of useful gauges (esp in a JCW, I'd love to have boost, oil temp/press, volts, coolant temp). The tach is barely visible, and moves with the wheel so you can't improve the visibility. Nav screen is poorly designed, can't display basic radio information. I guess not terrible, but my BMW is much better. Same company, 13 years later they should improve.
I was scared away from the alltrack because of the big fuel economy hit, I think the specs are 29 hwy or something. I'd like AWD, but it wouldn't be used much in my neck of the woods. They stopped making the TDI in 2015, I'm on the 1.8T (also, the diesel would actually cost you more in fuel when you take into acct the price difference v. 87). Still haven't put the kids in back, or driven with the top down!

 

Agree gauge situation is lack luster, this the solution I use https://www.waymotorworks.com/scangauge-package.html

refinement is so so on second gen cars, going from 2nd 3rd gen makes it even more noticeable.

only had my convertible since May, but yeah space is definitely at a premium. I use the backseat for extra space on vacation, but it's just me and wife, can't do that with kids

 

All fair points Mike. When I think ergonomics I'm really only thinking of physical body position and operation of the car. I've never figured out how to consistently heel-toe a MINI otherwise I think they are just about perfect. I can see the tach, but I don't use it when driving hard, that's all by ear. My wife's 2nd gen doesn't have nav but even playing with it on newer cars I wasn't terribly impressed, so I'll agree there.

Long winded VW asides below:
Yeah, I guess I knew the Alltrack fuel economy figures were bad I just didn't realize the FWD GSW was that much better. Yikes. I had a Golf R for a week and we got 33mpg avg with a fair bit of spirited driving on the tank. Feels like they put the wrong engine/gearbox in the Alltrack.

I agree that with improved fuel monitoring allowing tiny turbos to run on pump gas the days of the diesel are pretty much over. I've driven the new 1.4T Golf and it honestly feels perfectly capable for 80% of daily driving. I think a small diesel would knock its socks off though. I checked fuelly and our MCS running on 91 vs our TDI was only $0.01/mile in favor of the diesel over 100,000 miles. Would I spec the $6,000 premium engine choice again? Hell yeah! Torque is real world power. The MINI was only significantly faster than the TDI above 4,000rpm which generally lead to illegal speeds. Now-a-days if you want low down torque you just buy an EV. I think the financially viable days of commuter diesels are dead, but I still miss mine dearly for non financial reasons.

Hope you continue to enjoy both cars for their different strengths. =]