I visited an auto show today, and I was really happy to finally get to see the MC from the inside. I have been thinking about getting an MC/MCS when I buy my next car. I read everything I can find on the MINI, and from what I read it's the perfect car - small, fun to drive, with nice interior styling.

I also looked at the VW GTI at the show. On thing I really liked on the GTI was the fold flat rear seats. I think this would be a great addition for the MC. This would allow pets and cargo to fit much more easily.

Anyway I thought I would write in case anyone from MINI/BMW is watching. I'm hoping to get everything I want in my next car

 

I have both a GTI 1.8T and a MCS. I actually find the MCS folding rear seats much easier to use b/c I don't have to remove the headrests and I don't have to pull up the seat bottoms. Just pull up the handle behind the seat. drop the seats and you are good to go. I can accomplish the task while standing outside the MINI boot. On the GTI, I have to remove 3 headrests (I keep them there b/c I actually carry folks back there, if I didn't I'd just remove the headrests) while ducking into the rear seat, and fold the seat bottoms foward while hunching my back, then place the headrests in their resting places, then put the seatbacks down (and then reverse the process afterwards). It's a lot more hassle. Of course, the GTI trunk is positively gargantuan compared to the MCS and the flat load floor is nice, but nobody's really buying MINIs for their utility. Meanwhile, the MCS positively trumps the GTI in the "fun factor" department (at least, in my household, where both cars are stock).

 

Wanna Bet! I also have a Jetta VR6 and the MINI is *way* more practical for two people than the Jetta has ever been.

From C A N A D A: Denver to Jasper (MANY PICTURES)

THEN we bought stuff to take back to friends in the states.

 

Looks like a great trip , Dave. I can't wait to take one in MINE.

I looked thgough the very cool pictures and have yet to find one of the Bocce Ball set in action...or were these just to fend off bears???

 

I have to agree with DaveinDenver on this one......
To some this is taking a major step down in practicality.... but to others like myself it's actually more useable space.
I currently drive a Honda Prelude..... My trunk space is roughly 8.3 cubic feet..... I have a subwoofer that takes up a good bit of that..... I think I'm left with around the same 5.x that the MINI has. The bonus of the MINI is the open cabin design.... By laying the seats down I can have 27+ cubic feet! In my Prelude there really is no use laying the seats down as it creates very little extra room.

Another comparo for the MINI vs. the Lude.... the back seats have roughly the same dimensions..... next to nothing for leg room.... plenty up top.

MINI here I come....
Happy Motoring,
SW

 

Wow... to many steps... also, the non-flat folded seats keep your groceries from going ALL over the place...

Heh heh...

Rocketboy_X

 

[quote]I looked thgough the very cool pictures and have yet to find one of the Bocce Ball set in action...or were these just to fend off bears??? :smile:

 

I know this is delayed... but I've been out of town...

Thanks boo and DaveInDenver! The info about the Golf/GTI was really helpful as well as seeing all that stuff stuffed in the car. Very impressive!