Hello. My name is Larry, I live in SF, CA USA. Real nice Mini site here; Thanks for a good job!
I have my name on a "list" for a S car, and the dealer has none for testing right now. A few ??? to anyone who has had some road time in a new Mini: At freeway speeds, on a modern road, can 2 people speak in a normal voice and be heard clearly? Are the most noticable noises from the wind, the engine, or the road? Which tire choices are likely to be quieter? Thanks!
Larry
P.S. I know the car isn't a silent "plush-mobile". But interior noise is a big issue in our family. I've had "noisy" cars before, and don't mind it at all. I just don't like to vacation alone.

 

I just took a test drive in a S and I didn't notice any high noise levels. I had it on the highway at 65 and on some local roads. I currently drive a miata and it was a great deal quiter than that.

 

The S has a sportier exhaust note than the base.
In the back seat while excellerating you will have some noise from the exhaust but not too bad. While on my test drive I could speak with everyone in the car no prob.
Besides it's such a fun little car.... who's going to be thinking about noise anyway.

Congrats on the car I know you will love it.
Also welcome to the site.
SW

 

I drove the 'S' last Tuesday...beauty, eh! Loved everything except the noise from the open sunroof. Simply put, it was loud! When we closed the roof and opened the vent the noise was minimal.

 

>>I drove the 'S' last Tuesday...beauty, eh! Loved everything except the noise from the open sunroof. >>

Hadn't thought of that. Thanks, everyone, for the noise inputs. Seems like a quiet enough ride for us. Now about that sunroof: The plain roof is so attractive I think I'll skip the open top option. For the amount that I ever even open a sunroof, I'll get a radio upgrade instead.

 

hi!
dont worry u will be able to hear your wife or children when talking to you. I got my mini last december. I live in germany and u know how fast we drive here. So far no problems on this matter.
My only concern about noise is when driving slowly u can hear a funny noise on the left side of the car but other than that u can drive your mini with no problems at all.
have fun.