hey, thanks guys! I would prefer that it be as blue/purple as possible, just because I like the slightly unusual. I feel very restricted with the clubman colors, because I HAVE to get a silver roof (I loved them on the '06s) and nothing looks that good to me--they had an NFR/silver clubman at our auto show, but it didn't do anything for me. Even though it's ordinarily my fave color, I think it's too brown for a silver top. I don't like the LiB/silver either, because I would always be thinking about how I wished they still made indi blue. Actually, they had some AB coopers at the show, too, but it was indoors, so it was tough to see, but I did like it a lot.

 

That's strange.. I only notice it when it's dimly lit. It's most obvious to me in the garage. In the sun, it looks black.

 

Also, If they don't have an AB in stock, I wouldn't go by just the color chips- they didn't seem to match to me and seemed more blue than the car appears. I would have preferred Jet Black for the shine when it's really clean and polished up, but the Astro Black does come close when it's at it's best and it's really growing on me. As mentioned earlier in the thread, the metallic really shows in bright direct sunlight and becomes more black in appearance as the car gets dirtier or as the weather gets cloudier.

 

Some decent examples: Gabe's AB w/ JCW aerokit: http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/07/...e-week-review/ A car at Mini2 showing a bit more of the blue sparklies: http://www.mini2.com/forum/974340-post1.html Both sets show the range of color that I've seen, steep viewing angles with a bright source of light seem to bring the blue out most.

 

If I wanted a black MINI I wouldn't hesitate for a second to get AB. However, if I was trying to avoid a close match w/ another car, as in the OP's case, that might be worth a trip to the dealer...or find an owner via the local MINI club.

 

I have the Astro Black 2007 and I describe it as a Metallic Black with a preternatural blueish glow. rrrrrrrrrrr I LOVE it - it's so unique ^_^

 

+1000

 

Well, too late, I ordered it today. Of course, my MA said she thinks it is very blue (but that's what she gets paid for). I went through all the colors and there just isn't another one I like as much. Thanks for the pic links; I took some close shots like this at the auto show and I convinced myself it was different, so we shall see.

 

 

I'm sure you'll be happy with it. It's a fantastic color.

 

i dont care what anyone says... it is the blueist, black paint that i have ever seen.

 

I have the Astro Black W/Silver roof Clubman with the rooster red interior and I've received a lot of complements. The blue only comes out in bright sun which I like.

 

^ It even looks blue in your sig !!

 

Congrats on your order! I hope the wait goes by quickly.

 

congrats on your order from an obvious AB fan!!

 

Astro Black is not a black and white (or blue) issue. I love my AB with tuscan beige interior and I can't tell you how many compliments I get on it! Everyone comments that the car has a classy sophisticated style in these colors. Does it look black? Yes! Does it look blue? Yes! Do people ask me if my car is blue or black? Yes! Is it blue or is it black? Yes! Depends on the lighting and angle of your view. Either way it is striking and the metallic sheen is great on the curves of the MINI. I debated this color choice for a long time and I would get the same color again in a heartbeat. Is it you? that's for you to decide. That's what's great about the MINI. You get what it IS YOU.

 

Read on motoringfile that Astro Black is it for 2008, new black coming in 2009...

 

It reminds me of BMW's carbon black that is very popular on E46 M3s. It's a dark dark metallic midnight blue in the daylight and fairly black at night.

I don't see the blue in Sapphire Black.

 

How in the heck can you describe a color in print? I call it black from 20 feet away, dark navy blue with a gorgeous bluish metal flake effect close up.

I'm not a black car person, but if I had to pick something dark, I'd definitely pick this over a true black. It's more interesting!

 

And I used to think you had good taste.

 

Hey--I resemble that remark...

 

Well, Deb, maybe eventually you can earn your way back into my good graces again (like you care).

 

I have an AB and it only looks blue at night under a light (like in a parking garage)

 

I have an AB and it only looks blue at night under a light (like in a parking garage).

 

Odd... I saw my first AB MINI at the dealership in broad daylight and couldn't figure out what the name was for the BLUE car.