It finally came yesterday - and I love it. We kept the 2004 MCS too, and I can't believe the differences. They're small, but they make me think "2004 what?".

The exhaust burble is so cool, especially with the top down.
The interior lighting is great - no one will search for the door handle again.
The build quality feels even better than the 2004 - which is only 18 months old.
There are no weird software issues - like the 1500 rpm drop kick, the cold start, etc. It's just smooth as glass - like it should be.
The rearview mirror is huge - but can't see a damn thing out of it.
The stereo sounds a lot tinnier - just stock. But the sound quality doesn't sound so great. Might have to actually get some new speakers.
I don't like the new design of the non-xenon headlights. They lost the eye look somewhere.

All in all, the coopconvert is awesome. Driving through the city with the top down and the bright lights above you is so fun.

Spec is:
Jet Black
Black Top
Black Panther Leather
MFSW
Convenience Package
Cold Package
Auto AC
Fog Lights
17" Bullets (which look so hot!)
Ext Chrome

It looks like a very mean MINI - nothing cutesey about it.

--Sean

 

Very nice on spec! They should make a rule here that no new MINI announcement can be made without pictures though... Got any we can drool at?

Not that you'll be the one sitting in the backseat, but my only real gripe with the convertible is how much shoulder room you lose in the back. Every time I sit in one at the dealership, I'm leaning to the inside of the car. That can't be comfortable for any length of time.

I agree that the rearview mirror is simply massive, but I have the opposite problem with it (probably because I don't have a convertible). I can see out the back just fine, but I can't see around the rearview mirror to the front passenger side! That thing is huge...

 

seaniem: Congratulations on getting the MCSC. It must be the most fun looking car out now. It's one of the few cars that still gets noticed in my crowded town. MINIs are plentiful so they have almost become a part of the background. But everyone seems to like the convertible.


everythingsablur: When I first got my MCSa I was unable to see around the mirror to the far front of the car. I kept worrying I would not see a pedestrian. From the manual I learned I could adjust the seat height. Lowering the seat made all the difference. Otherwise I would have been reluctant to drive the car in town for lack of visibility. It's a big mirror but the windshield is small.

 

I guess I should try adjusting my seat, though it is very comfortable where it is right now (booo-urns ). It's not really much of a problem to look around; just takes a quick little head bob to peer around it.

The windshields are rather small; I'm having a hard time finding any sunshade that will easily fit in there without having to be cut/folded/reshaped in some manner.