R56 Todays Driving Report
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4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Williamsburg, VA
Todays Driving Report
I test drove the new MINI Cooper S today. I'm not a MINI Cooper owner and had done a short test drive in the previous MC and an MCS Convertible. My regular drives are a Tacoma and a Cobra replica on sunny days.
Driving:
My first drive today was in a MY/B with 17" tires with regular suspension. The clutch was typical of newer cars in that is was light but not as light as say the new VWs. I didn't rev it out or travel at any speed over 60 MPH or so, but did accelerate briskly a time or two. The car is not exceptionally stiff. The the nose seemed to lift on acceleration and there is some rolling in the corners. To me this was not bad and in fact I felt the compromise of stiffness and ride quality was well accomplished. There was a bit more jolt over small sharp bumps that I would prefer not to have. Perhaps it was the 17" tires. After returning to the dealership, I remembered I had not tried the sport button! How could I post a report and admit such a faux pax? Also forgot to listen/play with the standard radio.
So that brings us to test drive 2. A Laser Blue/White with standard suspension and the standard 16 S-winders as I have actually ordered. With the sport button let me say that this car is only bit different. It did not transform the car. It's a very noticeable difference but the car is all there with or without it. I think it may have more to do with what you're used to. My other faster car has a throttle response much like the normal mode. The steering change was harder to notice during my street tests again probably because I'm not used to MINI steering and also in part because I did not spend much time trying to compare on vs. off. At my semi-legal speeds this car performed on the 16s much like it had on the 17s with the exception of smoothing out the previously objectionable jolts. I'm sure the 16s would give up some time on the track but I prefer them for the street, but I'm an old guy.
My over all reaction was that the car had good torque, corners and brakes very well. It was easy and comfortable to drive. It was a bit soft but in a good way. Like one of those super ***** that bounces higher than you expect. I felt the car was a good compromise between a terror and kitten which is exactly what I want. I did not get the test the sports suspension but I can see where a bit more stiffness would both be tolerable and enjoyable by some.
Driving:
My first drive today was in a MY/B with 17" tires with regular suspension. The clutch was typical of newer cars in that is was light but not as light as say the new VWs. I didn't rev it out or travel at any speed over 60 MPH or so, but did accelerate briskly a time or two. The car is not exceptionally stiff. The the nose seemed to lift on acceleration and there is some rolling in the corners. To me this was not bad and in fact I felt the compromise of stiffness and ride quality was well accomplished. There was a bit more jolt over small sharp bumps that I would prefer not to have. Perhaps it was the 17" tires. After returning to the dealership, I remembered I had not tried the sport button! How could I post a report and admit such a faux pax? Also forgot to listen/play with the standard radio.
So that brings us to test drive 2. A Laser Blue/White with standard suspension and the standard 16 S-winders as I have actually ordered. With the sport button let me say that this car is only bit different. It did not transform the car. It's a very noticeable difference but the car is all there with or without it. I think it may have more to do with what you're used to. My other faster car has a throttle response much like the normal mode. The steering change was harder to notice during my street tests again probably because I'm not used to MINI steering and also in part because I did not spend much time trying to compare on vs. off. At my semi-legal speeds this car performed on the 16s much like it had on the 17s with the exception of smoothing out the previously objectionable jolts. I'm sure the 16s would give up some time on the track but I prefer them for the street, but I'm an old guy.
My over all reaction was that the car had good torque, corners and brakes very well. It was easy and comfortable to drive. It was a bit soft but in a good way. Like one of those super ***** that bounces higher than you expect. I felt the car was a good compromise between a terror and kitten which is exactly what I want. I did not get the test the sports suspension but I can see where a bit more stiffness would both be tolerable and enjoyable by some.
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