Well, I finally drove my MINI CVT in manual shift mode. Wow! what a transformation! Shifting the car like a manual (but no clutch) is really awesome. Feels more powerful and aggressive. What fun. I don't know if it's faster off the line, but once you get moving it certainly is. I was waiting to put some miles on the transmission before trying the shift mode, and I have 3700 miles now. The auto CVT mode is real smooth, but I was beginning to think I was stuck in a rut (so-to-speak). When driving at 60 mph in normal auto mode, I pushed the shift lever over to the right, and immediately the rpm's jumped up several hundred rpm's. So, the gearing in both modes at the same speed is not the same. I'm impressed. I like it. This car's a keeper alright. For my work commute, I'll probably go back to normal auto mode, but lookout weekends for fun time! I was contemplating upgrading to an automatic MCS down the road, but that's doubtful now, as instead I can upgrade this one later on (i.e., lighter parts to reduce weight and more performance engine parts).:smile:

Very interesting, jazmini. I test-drove a CVT Cooper at my local dealership on Friday, and I was sort of underwhelmed. It was pleasant but generally sluggish, and didn't seem as fun to drive as the MCS I test-drove last summer. My impression was that the CVT is for someone who just wants a low-key, cute little car, but that the MCS is a car for people who really love to drive.

I've been holding off on a MINI purchase because I need to improve my manual-driving skills. I'm afraid that if I compromise and get the CVT - in either the Cooper or the S - I'll regret it later because the "get up and go" that I associate with the S just won't be there.

It's important to know that the CVT has three modes. Auto, SD, and manual.
If you drive in auto then it isn't going to give you the best performance and it will be similar to a normal auto transmission. If you drive in SD or sport drive you will get a higher reving auto transmission with better performance but not as good mpg. If you choose manual you can control the gears up or down.

You need to learn how to drive the CVT or have someone that is familar with it show you. Take a test drive in a CVT with an owner that does autocross or has had their CVT for some time.

It is a fun combination with a MINI. When I initially went out for a test drive with the CVT I was underwhelmed and liked the MCS better but after spending much more time behind the wheel of a CVT I see better how it works.

I like that it is versatile from being normal for people that want to just drive an automatic like my wife, to those in run hour traffic, to people that want to shift and drive it like a manual to those who autocross it (usually in SD!).

You can search for some write ups on how to drive a CVT.

Well yes you're right coopchick, the CVT MC will not be anything like the manual MCS. Shifting with a manual is a much more rewarding experience (and fun) than any kind of automatic. And the supercharged engine is fast. I've never driven one so I'll take everyone's word on that. I was just really surprised with the CVT manual mode as this was the first time I have tried that. It was a night and day difference. You are not supposed to use manual mode during the breakin period. If you drove one that way, it must have already been broken in. I have bad knees so don't want to use a clutch anymore, so need an auto. If I could handle all that shifting I would have gotten the S for sure! Actually, the new automatic MCS will not be a CVT, but a conventional automatic transmission, but with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

I can see that you want that S, and you are right in waiting and getting that one instead of the CVT MINI. You'll really have a blast with that S!

But you bring up a good point. The S is the performance model. The CVT is not (supposed to be -- other than being a "Cooper", which is the performance model in the MINI line). Now you've got me to thinking again if I should get the auto MCS or turbo S when it comes out. Anyway, I had fun today! The CVT MINI put a smile on my face!:smile:

Thanks for your comments minihune. I've read some of the posts on how to drive the CVT, but just had never actually driven it in the manual mode before. What a change that makes! You're right as there is a lot of info available on it. It does remind me of a manual a lot. I've driven my nephew's 5 speed Cooper and it did seem faster, but how fast do you need to go in the crowded city anyway. Mostly you could really wind out the gears and the power was real nice (in the 5 speed).:smile:

The CVT is the only auto I've driven that can actually use downshifting in manual as a useful tool when driving. I went up to Solvang this weekend with my club, SCMM, and we took the twisties as much as possible. The CVT is so much fun when you shift manually - it holds a "gear" very well, and keeps up quite well with the "S"s and manual Coopers on the twisties. There is a forum on MINI2 for driving tecniques if you're interested, plus a lot of useful info. Have fun!


BCNU,
Rob in Dago

Thanks Rob. Yeah I saw the posts on driving tech's in MINI2. There's a lot of info there. What you say about downshifting and holding a gear is absolutely amazing alright. With the RPM's in manual mode being higher than normal auto mode, it has a lot of punch to it, and just feels really agressive. Way cool. I don't know if the manual mode is any quicker off the line, though. I'll need to drive it some more to find out.:smile:

Glad you are discovering all the ways the CVT can be used jazmini. As minihune says there are at least 3 modes available! I never get bored!

With a new intake and exhaust and light weight tires and rims you'll find it VERY responsive. I LOVE mine:smile:

Yeah J-Didi, I'm driving more and more with the manual mode now, and I love it too! I think it is quicker off the line too!

My next mod is lighter wheels and stickier tires, but need to wait awhile yet for that. I'm just excited now by using the shifter. My wheels now are the 15 inch 8 spokes (that weigh 15.2 lbs or so) with the Continental 175/65/15 all seasons (at 14 lbs I've heard -- I hope I got that right) with a total weight of about 29 lbs. I'm actually fairly happy with this, but do want to upgrade. Although it's still down the road before I'll do it, but I'm thinking of maybe SSR Comps in 6 and 1/2 by 15 (maybe 10.5 lbs) with 195/55/15 Toyo Proxes T1-S (at 16.5 lbs) for a total of 27 lbs. These are the lightest performance tires I've seen so far. Too bad TireRack doesn't carry them. That's a savings of 2 lbs per corner. Plus the rolling diameter of this combo would be 23.5 inches versus stock of about 24 inches, which would make it faster still. If I could also get some lighter brakes (i.e., lighter rotors with better pads) I could save even more on the rolling weight. So, with the CVT MINI, I'm trying to be aware of any weight savings that's possible.

Anyway, it's fun to plan and think ahead! Enjoy your MINI!:smile: