R56 test drive 2013 Bayswater
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1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 17
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From: Ottawa, ON
test drive 2013 Bayswater
Test drove a 2013 Bayswater today. Thought I would give a few impressions from a non-Mini owner. My wife and I were really looking forward to our first seat time in a Mini.
First thing, the seating position is comfortable. The feeling is upright. The windshield and short dash along with the low shifter at a right angle all work to together to create that upright feeling. Bet it would be nice to get up on the steering wheel for some aggressive driving. The wheel itself seems a little hard and plasic like. However my wife disagreed and thought the wheel was perfect. Look down the hood and the first thing to catch my attention is a nice round fender. Did I mention I love the windshield, didn't notice any problem seeing the street lights either. I was first in line for one and remembered to pay attention. The oval rear view mirror reminded me of the one in the Cayman.
Hit the start button and happily hear a good exhaust note. Not too loud but not so quiet to be looking for aftermarket exhaust. Shifting is smooth and throws are fairly long, which I like. Love the way it picks up the throttle. The turbo seems to get involved fairly low in the RPM range and if there's lag I didn't notice it. Overall the engine feels very eager with plenty of power for just 180 horses. Spec sheet doesn't do the car justice. It feels bigger than 180. I'd like to try 120 in the base. I wonder how many people just reject the base model after reading 120hp. I'm thinking that might be a mistake.
I was really surprised at how cushy the ride was. With the 17" run flats I was expecting to have some fillings jarred loose given many of the comments I've read. If ordering one I would opt for the sports suspension. Tried the sport button half way through the ride but it didn't seem to do much ... however it was just a quick test and both my wife and I took it fairly easy. Come to think of it I didn't hear any off throttle burble. Maybe not enough RPM. The only thing I didn't like, or simply found odd, was the signal lights. Where's the click? Weird. I'm sure I could get used to them once I get the concept.
Short ride or not it was enough to tell that I want one in my garage. Oh yes, I will own one. This is a drivers car. Very engaging.
First thing, the seating position is comfortable. The feeling is upright. The windshield and short dash along with the low shifter at a right angle all work to together to create that upright feeling. Bet it would be nice to get up on the steering wheel for some aggressive driving. The wheel itself seems a little hard and plasic like. However my wife disagreed and thought the wheel was perfect. Look down the hood and the first thing to catch my attention is a nice round fender. Did I mention I love the windshield, didn't notice any problem seeing the street lights either. I was first in line for one and remembered to pay attention. The oval rear view mirror reminded me of the one in the Cayman.
Hit the start button and happily hear a good exhaust note. Not too loud but not so quiet to be looking for aftermarket exhaust. Shifting is smooth and throws are fairly long, which I like. Love the way it picks up the throttle. The turbo seems to get involved fairly low in the RPM range and if there's lag I didn't notice it. Overall the engine feels very eager with plenty of power for just 180 horses. Spec sheet doesn't do the car justice. It feels bigger than 180. I'd like to try 120 in the base. I wonder how many people just reject the base model after reading 120hp. I'm thinking that might be a mistake.
I was really surprised at how cushy the ride was. With the 17" run flats I was expecting to have some fillings jarred loose given many of the comments I've read. If ordering one I would opt for the sports suspension. Tried the sport button half way through the ride but it didn't seem to do much ... however it was just a quick test and both my wife and I took it fairly easy. Come to think of it I didn't hear any off throttle burble. Maybe not enough RPM. The only thing I didn't like, or simply found odd, was the signal lights. Where's the click? Weird. I'm sure I could get used to them once I get the concept.
Short ride or not it was enough to tell that I want one in my garage. Oh yes, I will own one. This is a drivers car. Very engaging.
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