Hi everyone
So this new automatic MCS is out...how do you all feel about it in regards to the Mini itself? Do you think it automatic trans. takes away from the mini spirit and tradition or is a step in the right direction for Mini and its drivers.
Conundrum

 

I think it IS a step in the right direction.

I've driven the 5 speed manual and CVT base cooper and both are fun because of excellent handling, a ridgid chassis with a sporty enough suspension and just enough power. If there is plenty of time to steer, brake, accelerate and shift then the manual is great but often in an autocross the turns come up so fast that having an automatic really pays off.

Add more power as in the MCS and you increase speed, now you have to think and act quicker. Driving the same autocross circuit, now a few seconds faster per run makes shifting a little tricky sometimes. Automatic transmission with paddle shifters might be quite interesting. This also allows those with no manual shifting experience to enjoy driving a MINI- so more people are happy!

 

This is one of the most hotly-debated subjects you could possibly post. On one side you have die-hard manual fans, on the other side, you have lazy people who have weak left legs.

My opinion is that yes, this is the best of both worlds. But only because they put the paddles on the steering wheel. That feature alone makes this an acceptable choice for motoring in a MINI.

Other auto-manual cars, like ones from Volkswagen and Audi have a shift gate with the plus or minus for up and downshifting. Those still feel like you're driving an automatic, no matter what you do. But by having paddles up on the wheel, MINI has taken it to the next level. As simple as that difference seems, it makes all the difference in the world as far as fun-to-drive, and driver involvement.

Me personally, for my easy country-road commute? I choose the 6-speed MANUAL! But I won't mock anyone for getting the MCS auto, because it is cool (for a slushbox).

 

Personally, I LOVE driving a stick shift. But if I didn't know how - I wouldn't have hesitated to buy an Automatic. I'm glad MINI has realized that there is a big market out there for the CVT...:smile:

Donna
02' CR/W MCS (gone to MINI heaven)
05' Cool Blue MCSC

 

This is mostly a matter of opinion and personal preference. My opinion, based on what I've heard about the MCSa, is that MINI has come up with an automatic transmission that allows the car to be driven in ths same manner as with a manual. You have the option of making the gear selection and changing gears when you choose. It makes this driving experience available to those who don't know how, or don't want to learn to use a manual transmission. So I think its a step in the right direction for MINI.

That being said, my preference is for a manual transmission. I just like the feeling that I get when I make a good shift, and I like trying to make every shift a good one. Its a personal thing, and maybe a little nostalga. My only regret about the MSCa, and the general improvement of automatic type transmissions, is that it may be making the days of the manual transmission numbered.

 

The new MCS does not use a CVT transmission, instead, it employs a regular 6-speed hydraulically operated slushbox made by Japanese tranny maker, AISIN.

The Aisin automatics are pretty smooth gearboxes. My sister has a '05 Chevy Equinox equipped with a 5-speed Aisin slushbox and the upshifts and downshifts are very smooth and executed with virtually no lag.

I am looking forward to test drive a new MCS with the Aisin automatic.

 

I would have seriously consider the MCSa because my wife can't and won't drive a manual transmission car (Hence her choice of the Cooper CVT).

I have not driven the new MCSa, but based on the reviews that keep pouring in, the new Aisin sourced slushbox seems to be very well tuned to the performance chracteristics of the car.

I still prefer the feel and satisfaction of a manual transmission because it makes the car extremely enjoyable in most situations, except bumper to bumper traffic that can test the patience of the most seasoned and recalcitrant clutch fan.

So for now, I will stick to my ultra-reliable 6-speed Getrag manual. However, if MINI ever releases a SMG transmission option for the MCS, I will then make the jump over to the clutchless land.

 

Another point to consider: You can't get the LSD with the MCSa.

 

I think it's fine for there to be an automatic MCS, and I just might get one next year if I can get enough dough for my 04 MCS.

I don't understand anyone being in an uproar over a company offering an optional automatic. Why does it matter what someone else chooses to do with their car? Some people think front-wheel drive is a sin, and would never consider driving a MINI as a result. Hey, no one is forcing anybody to buy anything, so why should it matter?

Personally, there are times I enjoy driving a manual, and there are times when it's just irritating. For someone like me who is able to drive a stick, but not especially well, the automatic will probably end up being faster and smoother than I am - and isn't that the point?

 

The uproar is because one could argue that the MINI is a car designed for driving enthusiasts--people who enjoy driving. The MINI isn't some bland 4 door family sedan in some rental fleet, just there to be a means of transportation; to get from point A to point B. The MINI is a fun car, that is meant to be driven; it's all about the experience of driving. It's seeing the automobile not just as a means of transportation, but an amusement park ride, that you own!

Anyone who likes to drive, most likely wants absolute control over what his or her car is doing at all times, (like in a manual transmission), and doesn't want the car making decisions for them on when to shift gears. Also, traditionally, automatic transmissions rob power from the (let's face it), already taxed petit engine.

For those of us drivers who love driving, there is a literal endorphine or adrenaline rush when we sucessfully row through the gears in a manual, mastering heel-toe downshifts like Paddy Hopkirk. It enhances the driving experience, knowing you've tamed the beast; that YOU are in complete control.

As a manual tranny fan, I can understand those sentiments, but with this MCS automatic, I have much greater respect. It isn't a manual, but hey, it's much better than some old 4-speed column shifted slushbox you'd find in a rental fleet! You get (roughly) 90% of the thill associated with a manual, and that's just fine.

 

Right. But how is that feeling diminished by *someone else* driving a MINI with an automatic transmission?

(not to say that you specifically are making that argument, or that you are responsible for answering for the anti-MCSa crowd)

 

I almost bought an MCSa... but I love driving a stick, and the LSD is definately an option I was interested in.

Seems like everyone who has an MCSa loves it though.

 

For MCSa-

My big size 15's dont have a lot of space in the limited foot well. Taking one pedal out would give a bit more room down there. The one reason why I considered it.

For Stick-

Many performance parts from the factory (LSD and JCW) only are supported on the MCS.

I chose the stick. I think the auto is a good option for a large market segment. I must admit that my old school father who grew up on the cars of the 60's would be giving me crap if I had bought the automatic.

When it comes right down to it, take em both for a ride and see which one best suits you.

 

I look at my MCS as a motorcycle with heat and air! In that context it needs a manual tranny. If - on the other hand - I had to drive it on a long daily commute, through gridlocked traffic, an automatic would be cool! I'm glad its an option for those who want it.

 

The only problem I have with an automatic is when certain so-called performance car manufacturers set the auto tranny as standard equipment, and then charge you EXTRA if you want a manual. The Pontiac GTO has a 6-speed manual as a $700 option; otherwise you have to drive with the auto.

As long as MINI continues to offer the manual as standard equipment, all is right with the world.

 

That is freakin' just WRONG!

$.02,
Tatt

 

I'm ordering an MCSa because I'm also getting the Navigation system. Unfortunately, when you get that option, Mini moves the speedometer onto the steering column, thus pushing the tachometer over to the left side where I can't really see it when I've got my big paw on the wheel. Even when the tach is in the middle, I can't really see it all too well. Personally, I would love to just remove the speedometer all together. It's not like I really pay that much attention to it anyway...except when there's a cop around, of course.

I did test-drive the auto MCS, and honestly, it shifts a lot faster than I thought it would. I've never driven an SMG, but I imagine this can't be far off. My only real concern is the added weight to the car. Does anyone know how much an MCSa weighs? In the brochure, it only shows the weight of the six-speed MCS (2,679 lbs).

 

Many cars that used to offer manual trasmissions no longer do. This is what we don't want to happen to the MINI.

 

Manual !!!!

 

 

PAWS and Tgriffithjr.

13 years have passed since the last post on this thread and yet we can pick up where they left off. Luckily the trend to eliminate manuals that was feared back then has still not completely been realized. We are, however, getting closer with every new model update. (Did I hear that BMW will not offer a manual in the 3 series?)

I prefer to drive a manual on the weekends and suffer rush hour traffic in an automatic. There is little logical justification to continue to drive a manual now that automatics have become more efficient and economical than manuals for the vast majority of drivers (speaking for myself in particular).

My fear now is that in the next 13 years, loosing the manual will be the least of our driving worries. I fear that autonomous vehicles will take all the fun out of driving and the forum members will cling to our first to third generation MINIs as long as there is a place to drive them.

 

Hilarious to see this old post pop up! For the record, I did not purchase an automatic and still have my 2004 R53.