Autocar have their JCW review up.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/RoadTestsHistory/Mini-Coupe-1.6T-John-Cooper-Works--/259733/

When reading it it's worth bearing in mind that the quality of UK roads is really quite terrible, potholes and whatnot all over!

Not sure what their issue with the sport button is, I rarely don't have mine in sport mode and have not had any issues with the throttle travel.

 

Not a bad review. I will be the first to say the Coupe is not perfect. However it still rings most of the important things to me.

 

This review is a little stupid if you ask me. They're basically saying, "don't buy this or any sports car in the UK because the roads are so bad you won't be able to take full advantage of the sportiness". Maybe they should be doing road reviews instead of car reviews.

 

I always drive with the sport button. And frankly I can't think of anything that I don't like about this car. I'm sold on it.

The engine purrs like an Apple head Siamese cat that is getting it's belly rubbed. Yea!!

Now I will read the article.

 

Well seems to me that the Brits need to spend some money on infrastructure and fix the roads. The roads in my neighborhood and city are not that bad.

As for the noise I don't think it's any worse than my 09 MCS was. But I'm so busy listening to the motor hum that I don't care. If I want to hear something else I crank up the sound. No worries. The rear hatch is heavy but not that much. I suppose if your a wimp it might be much. But my wife can whip it up. But then again she ain't no wimp either, all 130 pounds of her.

But all in all I don't think it's a bad review at all. I am going to try driving the car with the sport mode off. I just automatically turn it on. But I'm going to turn it off and concentrate on what they are trying to convey. I'm not sure that I get it but until I try it I can't say. I think the sport mode works perfect near as I can tell.

That's my 1/2 cent worth.

 

Here's a review from our second best car show from fifth gear..

http://fwd.channel5.com/fifth-gear/v...her/mini-coupe

 

She expressed my thoughts pretty well. I want more road feel. Hoping aftermarket 17" wheels & tires and a set of coilovers will provide that. Mind you, I'm loving this car every day. The perma-grin is still plastered on my face. Just, long term, I want a more visceral experience.

As for the Autocar review, I'm in an MCS Coupé, so a slightly different engine design. The MCS engine is whisper quiet most of the time. I actually want a little more noise out of the engine/exhaust. Again, for that visceral feel when driving- I want to feel and hear things a bit more. It's a wonderfully civilized ride compared to my R53. I'm just not that civil.

I'm also on the stock suspension, as I planned to go aftermarket there, so I can't compare that fairly to the review. But the stock suspension is smooth & comfy. (See first paragraph)

Almost seems like the reviewer was looking for nits to pick...