HELP; Wifey looking at a new Cooper Cab: Auto question
Discussion
Hmm, looks like my reply earlier in the week didn't get past the power cut.
The standard Mini automatic is the Aisin 6-speed torque converter (the Sport Auto is, I think, the ZF 8-speed); it would be similar to the Mercedes' transmission. I think your wife would have no problem driving it.
I've the R56 auto and it's the same one in the F56 with a few tweaks. Normal mode is fine for commuting, changes up at 30, 40, 50 so minimal revs when driving in urban areas. Smooth changes are encouraged by feathering the throttle at the appropriate time; you learn the box and anticipate. It does occasionally get flustered, for example, trailing into a sharp junction and then hoofing it out will cause the box to pause as it shifts down. If you know this is going to happen then a quick dab on the paddles to shift down before entering the junction will smooth progress (which is what you'd need to do with a manual). Generally, it changes far better than I ever managed with the manual.
There is a sport shift mode, accessed by pushing the lever to the left. This holds revs longer, and makes the paddle shift hold the gear (in normal mode, the box takes over again after about 10 seconds) unless you are about to stall. It also has a sequential mode in this gate; the paddles are much closer to hand but it can be fun to use the lever.
The standard Mini automatic is the Aisin 6-speed torque converter (the Sport Auto is, I think, the ZF 8-speed); it would be similar to the Mercedes' transmission. I think your wife would have no problem driving it.
I've the R56 auto and it's the same one in the F56 with a few tweaks. Normal mode is fine for commuting, changes up at 30, 40, 50 so minimal revs when driving in urban areas. Smooth changes are encouraged by feathering the throttle at the appropriate time; you learn the box and anticipate. It does occasionally get flustered, for example, trailing into a sharp junction and then hoofing it out will cause the box to pause as it shifts down. If you know this is going to happen then a quick dab on the paddles to shift down before entering the junction will smooth progress (which is what you'd need to do with a manual). Generally, it changes far better than I ever managed with the manual.
There is a sport shift mode, accessed by pushing the lever to the left. This holds revs longer, and makes the paddle shift hold the gear (in normal mode, the box takes over again after about 10 seconds) unless you are about to stall. It also has a sequential mode in this gate; the paddles are much closer to hand but it can be fun to use the lever.
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