Just back from putting 1000 miles on the MCS (finally past the break-in period), w/ a drive up to Berkeley and back to L.A. A few thoughts/notes:
It's FUN and smooth, although a bit of a hard ride on them runflats for that distance.
Feels better for quick jaunts around town than 5 hours of 80+ mph on a boring highway.
With cruise control on at 80, the dash computer was telling me I was getting an average 29 mpg. I didn't check it "the old way."
From 70 mph and beyond, there was still a windnoise coming from my recently adjusted sunroof, but not noticeable with music on, or while engaged in conversation.
The mood light colors are best appreciated away from city lights.
I saw a few MINIs in each city, but not another one on the highway either directions. Where ARE they?
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MCS Lightning Blue/Black, Premium, Brushed Alloy, Pacific Blue trim, Chrome Rings

 

Just wait! there are thousands of them comeing over this weekend and every other weekend. mine included.

 

I ordered your color, Lightning Blue / Black. Would love to see some pix?
Thanks

 

Hmm I'd like to see more reports like this. One reason I'm looking at the Mini is because it should be a good long-distance cruiser with great gas mileage. I was also concerned from the test drive that the ride is a little rough due to the run-flats. I may look at an alternative (ala spare tire.) Actually my RX-8 just has a can of fill-it stuff.

Which seats do you have and how comfortable were they on the long trip?

 

5280 MCS: I just uploaded a few pics to my gallery. Check out the pics.

Richds: I'm guessing things are a bit skewed due to the following:
1) I'm used to my Altima, which has a smoother "floating" ride, and my girlfriend's Accord coupe w/ the butter leather interior. I have the leatherette, which is comfy, but far more pleasant for around town, fast corners and the winding road up to my house. The seats are comfortable, but firm and hold you in place.
2) I was going an average of 80 to 90 mph for hours. The speed must have hurt the mpg.

Clarification: I LOVE the car, but I'm deaing with city driving, and quick turns. If I were doing the long straight freeway or highway commute thing, I'd want something a bit more comfy.

 

I just put about 1000 miles on a trip to Asheville NC over the last week also. I have about 2400 total so far. I'm still waiting for my cruise control so I was in manual mode the whole way. I haven't done a long trip that way for at least 12 years. Other than maintaining a steady speed it was not too bad. The super steady steering, handling and smooth power at any RPM made the MCS very easy to control in any situation. The standard cloth seats were very comfortable for me and passenger. The ride is comfortable except over expansion joints on concrete highways where is can get super annoying for me. I think it a general small car problem and is very similar to the Honda's I've had in the past. 120 MPH would fix it, maybe I can get a doctors note? Like MiniMorMir I think I'll take my girlfriends 07 Jetta on our next long trip, but only for these small regularly spaced bumps, it's fun dodging around the others. I'm hoping non-runflat tires will take care of the problem for the MINI one day. Computer said I averaged over 32 MPG and climbed from 31 the first half of the trip.