R56 R56TestDrive
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4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
R56TestDrive
I finally did it. On my way to Lowes, I stopped by MINI and took a 2007 MCS and MCa for test drives. Then I finished up by retesting an 06 manual to compare all to my 2006 MCS.
The MCa was surprisingly noisy. Right away, it reminded me of my friend's 1980s Mercury Lynx (aka Escort GT using a different name). Power was rather weak as well and did not feel more refined at all. The MA said the 07 base cooper manuals will arrive in April.
The 07MCS seemed more refined and quieter. Power was good as was handling, but not noticeably different from my 06 MCS. I give the steering feel on the 06 a slight edge over the 07.
Two things I would like to add from the 07 to my 06 is: 1. The clutch; 2. The gearbox. Initially, the 07 gearbox felt "plasticky" or almost cheap, but after a few minutes, it felt noticeably better, meaning specifically that the throws are quicker, crisper, and easier. The clutch on the 07 is light as it is on the 06, but the 07 felt more distinct and less mushy to me.
Lastly, while driving the 06 base manual again, I realized that I am very glad I went with the MCS. I like the base cooper a lot, but I came away realizing that it really is anemic in comparison. If I did mostly city driving, I'd be happy with the base cooper, but for some highway punch and passing, the S is my only choice.
The 07 interior is not quite as bad in person as in pictures, but I personally don't like it at all. Feel like I'm driving a ship from Battlestar Gallactica.
My 0.02 cents...
Greg
The MCa was surprisingly noisy. Right away, it reminded me of my friend's 1980s Mercury Lynx (aka Escort GT using a different name). Power was rather weak as well and did not feel more refined at all. The MA said the 07 base cooper manuals will arrive in April.
The 07MCS seemed more refined and quieter. Power was good as was handling, but not noticeably different from my 06 MCS. I give the steering feel on the 06 a slight edge over the 07.
Two things I would like to add from the 07 to my 06 is: 1. The clutch; 2. The gearbox. Initially, the 07 gearbox felt "plasticky" or almost cheap, but after a few minutes, it felt noticeably better, meaning specifically that the throws are quicker, crisper, and easier. The clutch on the 07 is light as it is on the 06, but the 07 felt more distinct and less mushy to me.
Lastly, while driving the 06 base manual again, I realized that I am very glad I went with the MCS. I like the base cooper a lot, but I came away realizing that it really is anemic in comparison. If I did mostly city driving, I'd be happy with the base cooper, but for some highway punch and passing, the S is my only choice.
The 07 interior is not quite as bad in person as in pictures, but I personally don't like it at all. Feel like I'm driving a ship from Battlestar Gallactica.
My 0.02 cents...
Greg
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: Bonits Springs FL
I drove the MCS today as well.
I didn't notice the battleship like movement ...
I did enjoy the sport button like many others here. I will enjoy that little button, and may just wear out the white letters after a while.
Seats were very nice - leatherette - but, still glad I went for the cloth. seat warmers very nice - glad I ordered them as well.
HI-FI sounded great from what reception I could get. I like the touch when you pop the sunroof - front and reat pop at the same time to vent.
I wish I had ordered cream color line inside inside of grey - it would look better with my pepper white (wonder if I can swap them out at some point)
As for testers in the show room we had 5. I don't understand the color combo at times. Like the BRG had the loveyly leather tus.. nice ... but what where they thinking....pops up. At mid point up the cabin, it changes from the tus color to the light grey with the light grey head liner. UGLY - why didn't they use the dark grey and arth headliner - that would have been very nice.
oh well, just for the reason this board was created.. we all have our own opinnions.. and THAT my dear, keeps the world a chatting, people thinking, and relationships blooming...
ta ta for now, I'll send out pics of Java in a few weeks when she gets to come home for good (well until we head back to the states in Oct 08 - I can't bare to think how she will do on the big 'ole boat by herself
)
I didn't notice the battleship like movement ...
I did enjoy the sport button like many others here. I will enjoy that little button, and may just wear out the white letters after a while.
Seats were very nice - leatherette - but, still glad I went for the cloth. seat warmers very nice - glad I ordered them as well.
HI-FI sounded great from what reception I could get. I like the touch when you pop the sunroof - front and reat pop at the same time to vent.
I wish I had ordered cream color line inside inside of grey - it would look better with my pepper white (wonder if I can swap them out at some point)
As for testers in the show room we had 5. I don't understand the color combo at times. Like the BRG had the loveyly leather tus.. nice ... but what where they thinking....pops up. At mid point up the cabin, it changes from the tus color to the light grey with the light grey head liner. UGLY - why didn't they use the dark grey and arth headliner - that would have been very nice.
oh well, just for the reason this board was created.. we all have our own opinnions.. and THAT my dear, keeps the world a chatting, people thinking, and relationships blooming...
ta ta for now, I'll send out pics of Java in a few weeks when she gets to come home for good (well until we head back to the states in Oct 08 - I can't bare to think how she will do on the big 'ole boat by herself
)
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 651
Likes: 9
From: Chicago
I test drove a 2007 MCS for the first time yesterday at my dealer. It was a hoot!! It felt very quick (and quicker yet with the sport button) and extremely nimble (and had no sport suspension). I left not being to wait until mine arrives in a few weeks.
