HUGE difference with torque steer -- it's SO much less with the new MINIs. Of course, it was an automatic (the mechanic told me that I couldn't apply the new programming to my car because it's a manual). But man, such an immense difference. I'm not sure how it works but you can literally pound the gas any time and the steering wheel doesn't try to burst out of your hands like a deranged mouse -- awesome. Makes you drive a lot faster and with much more confidence.

But I will say that even thought the automatic is nice in a MINI, I got bored of it quickly. If only my 2010 manual had as little torque steer as the 2011 automatics, I'd be very happy.

Overall the 2011 is a bit quieter, a bit faster, and a bit more refined.

 

I don't see why that should matter, because the torque steer update is included in all 2011's (both manual and automatic). Some people have had it retrofitted to their 2009-2010 factory JCW, which by definition are manual shift: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-retrofit.html

 

Then I guess it's what I've been reading: many dealerships (including the one I went to, I guess) will not install it, probably because it's enough of a difference to possibly make someone want to upgrade to a newer model. I'm going to call around to the other dealers in Southern California and find a place that will let me pay for the upgrade. It's really an IMMENSE difference, like night and day -- makes the car handle SO much better under acceleration that it's not even funny. To me it's a basic safety issue and is a major problem with MINIs, until now.