Looking for as much experience on the CVT as possible. No demos with this option and really desire a mini but do not want to use a MCS or my M3 to teach family members how to drive a manual. Thanks

 

This is asked quite often and you can find earlier posts of various viewpoints. I have 2600 miles on a CVT Cooper, and it is not like a typical American auto trans. In normal D, it is very smooth and feels slow but when you look around you are right with the traffic flow. Using Sport Drive (SD) holds the rpms up higher and results in faster acceleration. The manual shifting mode gives you six computer generated gears, remember the CVT doesn't have a real gear set. You can shift quickly without backing off the throttle if you wish and the computer handles it nicely. Very quick performance. Another feature, not mentioned often, is the true engine braking effect. No too much in D but very strong in SD and manual mode- it is the strongest of any auto I've ever driven, like a manual trans. The CVT is an expensive option but I would get it again. :smile: