I made my monthly pilgrimage to my Mini dealership today (#57 on the list- ordering my chili red/white MCS in 1-2 months- yea!) and they had a car on the lot with the new anthracite trim. I really like it. I think it looks much better than both the silver and alloy patina trim options, especially with the black seats and door panels. Has anyone else seen the anthracite trim? Does anyone have it on their Mini? What do you think of it?

Also, I was planning on getting the sport package, which comes with the 17" wheels. But lately I've been reading a lot of bad press about the 17" tires. I've read in several reviews that they make the ride much harsher. I've only had the opportunity to drive the MCS with 16" tires, and it drove great. Are the 17" tires an improvement? I like a car with a tight, road hugging feel, but if the 17" tires add unecessary harshness to the ride, is it worth getting them? Should I just get the other options in the sport package with the 16" wheels? Any input in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jay :smile: :smile: :smile:

 

The 16 and 17 tires on the S are runflats. I didn't see much difference
in the ride in either. I put 800m on 16s and 450m on 17s. Either one
gives a 'sports car feel.'

 

Go to "Top Gear" on the BBC web site and you'll find a very nice review about the MINI. The one thing they do point out is the 16's perform much better than the 17's. I lived in the UK for some years and know for a fact they love their cars and will tell it like it is.

I wanted to get 16's on mine after reading the review, but getting the Sports Package; you only get the 17's. I would have to pay extra to get the 16's with the Sports Package.

 

Can you elaborate on the anthracite trim? Is it a new color that has just been made available? I just ordered an "S" with silver interior trim because my wife and I didn't really like the alloy patina trim. I wonder if I could change if I liked the anthracite better?

 

The anthracite trim is a dark metallic gray color with sort of a textured appearance. I found it to be much more appealing than the silver or the alloy patina.

Jay :smile:

 

Jay,

Can you sneak back and take a picture(s) for us of the anthracite trim?

(insert mission imposible music here)

Motor On.

 

I have been racing small cars ( VW Rabbit, GTI) for about 12 years, on a closed course you will feel a big difference between the 16s and 17s inch wheels. I will agree that the 16 inch will give a better ride quality, but the 17s will always give a bit more support and grip. I have driven both MCS with 16s and 17s run flats, and unless you know what to look and feel for, you won't feel the difference.

 

I'll try to get pictures. The problem is that I won't be able to get back there until next weekend and by then, the car may have sold.

Jay :smile:

 

>>I'll try to get pictures.

Here's one from the MINI Configurator:


I should be taking delivery of my MCS w/anthracite trim on 10/21 or 10/22 depending on when dealer prep is done and I get a chance to get it.

I'll post pics of my interior then.

-dq

 

It looks MUCH better in real life. The pictures I've seen so far don't do it justice.

Jay :smile:

 

Antracite was offered on UK cars last year. Saw one this summer in London.

Looks much better than patina, which really looks cheap. I know of several S owners who have painted this ugly feature as a result. The designer went over the top with the interior in general giving the car unique character, but the patina was a bit too far from being done tastefully and looks just awful as many have reported.......

Also..............Silver will be easier to paint with touch up match if nicked than either anthro or patina, etc. Therefore, silver rules in my book......................

 

I like the patina, but then I'm a bit "over the top" as well

 

well, there are now photos of the interior with anthracite posted to the gallery and on this thread in MINI Discussions:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ic=2572&11

-dq

 

If you keep the Patina real nice and clean (shiny), it looks nice...

Rocketboy_X