According to the owner's manual pg.55, ASC encompasses ABS, Brake assist, and Hill start assist.... I didn't know that.

 

I thought you had to have DSC. Anyone without DSC try it?

 

That's what I thought and what I've read as well. According to the online info on Miniusa the brake assist option is only with DSC equipped vehicles. As a matter of fact, in the downloaded manual on page 55 it states,

Hill Start Assist*
Hill Start assist is a component of DSC and assists you in comfortably driving off on inclines.

I'm afraid you probably misread that section r56mini.

 

Remember, items marked with an asterisk are special equipment, country-specific equipment and optional extras that may or may not apply to your vehicle depending on what options you ordered.

 

It is on page 55. Take a look.
I just went out and tested. It doesn't work. I went to a steep hill and tried it. It was slipping so badly my rpm went up to 4000 rpm!!! I got a bad burning smell of clutch. That's all I got from the test drive.

 

I didn't know the owner's manual lied... I learn something new everyday.

 

It must be a nice feature to have I must agree... I will just use the parking brake, I guess. I find slipping the clutch is easier than using the parking brake but it will wear out the clutch prematurely as I understand.

 

I did look on page 55 and it starts off the section on the Hill Assist feature exactly as I quoted.

 

I have a pretty basic R56 without DSC and it definitely does not have hill assist.

 

Me to , the dealer told me it is Eupope only? Then they should reprint the manual !

 

It is an optional extra. The notation in the manual applies to either scenario (country specific or optional extra)

 

I like the hill assist feature, but you can just heel toe to get started on really steep hills. Don't even need to use the hand brake just hold the foot brake down, clutch out slowly when clutch barely starts to catch, slide other foot over to the throttle while still holding the brake down add some gas, and then release brake and clutch.

 

I've driven clutch cars for decades, and never handled inclines as well as this automated device does. The DSC makes me look more coordinated than I am. For a klutz like me, it's perfect

 

I know what you mean, I think the hill assist feature is great I didn't try to imply otherwise, just that you can take off smoothly up a hill without it or without a handbrake. However I know I'll totally get used to it and then when I drive a car without it one day I'll make an *** of myself.

 

If you don't have hill assist fear not...those of us who do will likely lose our hard-won launch-on-a-hill clutch skills and further the general decline of Western Civilization. Launching on a hill requires nerves of steel, lighting reflexes, and keen jusgement. It builds character. Hill assist lulls one into motoring atrophy and is for sissys. I confess, I have hill assist and am becoming spoiled for life!!!