Even though it rides soft doesnt mean it doesnt handle really well. My R56 on summer tires matched a R53 with slicks in autox cross on stock suspension and no LSD. The normal suspension is pretty good and uses the tires very well. I would imagine that the sport one maybe starts to matter when you go to slicks but for 99% of most mini drivers purposes the normal MCS suspension is great unless you like having a rough ride.

 

I had the JCW suspension installed this week and the difference is huge. The car now rides like a German auto and lost that mushy handling. It's not rough at all - I drove it from Morristown in New Jersey, ie, crazy NY Turnpike and my 2 year old son slept the whole way. I was worried about the ride being too rough with the streets here but find that the car is just more sure-footed and more directionally responsive. The guys at Morristown did a great job.

 

What's next?

 

Current Cooper-S suspension with 17" Web Spokes, and Run Flats give me a stiff enough ride. I would be nervous moving to a stiffer one.