the journey is going on and the little car got a new mark on the odometer yesterday. Here are some observations:

The engine rpm stability seems to improve in the last 100 miles of driving. It may be associated to the cooler temperature being now in the 60-70s since last week. When the exhaust rumble is sounding nice, the noise coming from the engine bay is more associated to a rough diesel engine and not particularly pleasing.

The performance stays pretty much the same at a combined 27 mpg and I am surprised not to see any significant improvement in this matter for a car that is always feed with premium fuel as recommended.

The biggest asset and credit is definitely in the handling department. It has for sure the sports car attitude at its best. The steering is quick, suspension tight, braking outstanding and a body integrity that continues to impress me over the journey.

I also have some disappointments. I would have been happy with more reclining space for the passenger seat. Yesterday, as the passenger myself, I realized it is very limited. This is definitely not a long distance driving car to be comfortable for your guest to relax.

Until now, the manual A/C controls are the worst I have ever experienced on an economy car. There is not enough detents on the right wheel to make the cabin comfortable between cool and warm settings. Furthermore, the left control wheel for the blower would benefit from another lower setting for better modulating of the air flow.

I still greatly miss some basic instrumentation as temperature and turbo boost on a car like this one and I don't understand why it is available as standard equipment on other mini models.

Overall, my excitement about my JCW Coupe is fading a bit but It is still nice, exclusive and enjoyable.

 

You may want to get the temperature thing looked at by the dealer. I have the standard climate control, and the right temp wheel has 9 detents. The left fan wheel has off and 4 fan speeds. I like it better than the ACC I had on my 2007 Mini. 27 MPG is about right in town. Gas mileage doesn't change with breakin I don't think.

 

I am surprised you prefer the manual A/C over the automatic. Can you explain why?

27 mpg in town seems good to me. I cannot go better than 24/city and 27/ highway.

 

27 ish in my 14 mile each way 5 day commute in decent traffic most of the time. Sport mode on always and I enjoy my drive . Lower gears. Revs up. Seems normal to me. I think the mileage gains on theses cars is more a stead state low load cruising game. One thing when people post their avg mpg, they should also post their avg mph to put things in perspective. Sent from my iPad using NAMotoring

I like the manual controls. If I was gonna say something negative I would say the markings don't have enough contrast for a quick glance down while driving.

 

The ACC messes with the fan speed, usually it's lower than I want. When I want A/C I want it cold, not 72 degrees. I just turn the fan up/down. Heat is different, but there's enough adjustment in temp for me. I didn't mind auto CC, but I don't miss it. The thing I miss is Comfort Access.