So I've had my 05 MCS 6-speed for over two years now, but my wife (who although a Doctor can't seem to grasp the art of driving a Manual transmission) is thinking of getting a Mini when the lease on her 06 Mustang is up in June. So, while I was getting the motor mount replace on my car this past week, we test drove an 08 Automatic.

Impressions: They really have refined the feel of the car, it felt more like a luxury car to me than mine does. I can't really explain why, but it seemed to ride better. And the car doors are FAR LIGHTER......which is nice, haha. The automatic wasn't all TOO sluggish (I would still want a manual if it was mine). But we didn't notice til we got back from the test drive the little "SPORT" button.......what EXACTLY does that do? I read the vague description on the website....but I'm curious.

So, anyone else here had an older Mini and now have a newer one? Thoughts on the differences? Don't get me wrong, I'm keeping and love my 05...but if she gets an 09 I might be a little jealous :-)

Thanks for your comments!

 

I electronically adjusts the shift points of the tranny to make it a little "sportier". IE: Revs higher before shifting. Drops down quicker when you get on it to pass etc...

 

Ok, so it's only an option in an auto?

 

Yes

I think they also have an automatic w/ Steptronic: Automatic ~or~ clutchless manual shifting w/ paddles on the steering wheel. In Steptronic mode you press a button/paddle to shift up & down. You do not have to deal with the clutch.

I drove a Porshe 911 Cabrio w/ Steptronic from LA out to Palm Springs. What a blast. I shifted w/ the paddles on the wheel, not worring about a clutch.

 

The sport button is available on the manual as well. On manuals, the sport button increases sensitivity of the accelerator(with it off, the accelerator can be applied for about half an inch before it really kicks in-this goes away with the sport button depressed). It also seems to increase steering sensitivity(less play with the steering wheel-although there's already very little anyways)

 

I have a manual 08, and yes, it has the sport button. Feels like a completely different car with the sport button on. I personally don't notice the change in steering sensitivity, although the dealer told me it does do that, but the change in acceleration is like night and day.

 

Yes I have both

They are very different animals. Today I have been driving both of our MINIs back to back and every time come out with a huge grin on my face

The Clubman S is automatic and I drive it in full sport mode with the paddles.... As a matter of fact I am heading out in it to play some more.

I love the raw and visceral feel of my 2005 R53 S. The 6 speed manual is awesome but I am not in love with the poor durability of the stock clutch. At some point I will upgrade to a Clutchmasters FX200 setup with a lighter flywheel


Get both. They are great cars

 

i dont think it has anything to do with acceleration. The sport button will open up the throttle a bit more, making mere taps on the gas rev like crazy. the difference is so great that i nearly stall when forgetting to push the sport button.