RE: Mini Cooper S gets DCT 'box
Discussion
I liked all the iterations of the Mini Cooper S until the current one. Almost went for a 2013 model - it was a superbly driving car in a subtle grey with no stripes.
The new grill shape and rear lights which followed didn’t work for me but even more so was the cringe inducing dash message “Maximum go-kart feel” - I believe this happened when you switch to sport mode.
I don’t know - maybe I am getting old or too cynical but this single patronising message made me realise this is not the car for me - nor will it ever be no matter what new thing they do to the styling.
The new grill shape and rear lights which followed didn’t work for me but even more so was the cringe inducing dash message “Maximum go-kart feel” - I believe this happened when you switch to sport mode.
I don’t know - maybe I am getting old or too cynical but this single patronising message made me realise this is not the car for me - nor will it ever be no matter what new thing they do to the styling.
We're on our second Bini. The first was an R57 Cooper S convertible which had a great engine (later 184 unit) and really fun handling, but became unsuited to our needs through no fault of its own. To reflect changing circumstances and needs, this was replaced with an F54 Cooper D Clubman, which I will admit has "challenging" styling, but is a really practical, refined, good to drive and beautifully finished mini-estate. You can fit two small dogs in the boot, two growing kids in the back, and it still drives like a Bini, despite the size. No, of course it's not a B-road weapon, but it's a very, very good FWD chassis that's more than capable of putting a smile on your face on a good road. Lovely steering by modern ePAS standards too, alongside a supple ride that copes well with our crappy road surfaces.
Of course there is a handful of bitter people who can't move beyond the whole BMW/Rover thing, and of course those who refuse to accept that the classic Mini, for all its considerable charm and cultural significance, simply wasn't a viable proposition for the 21st century. Beyond these however, I've never understood the amount of hate the Bini gets, particularly from people who enjoy driving.
Of course there is a handful of bitter people who can't move beyond the whole BMW/Rover thing, and of course those who refuse to accept that the classic Mini, for all its considerable charm and cultural significance, simply wasn't a viable proposition for the 21st century. Beyond these however, I've never understood the amount of hate the Bini gets, particularly from people who enjoy driving.
RBH58 said:
If they had a real sense of humour, they’d release a Brexit Edition with 1970s British Leyland build quality. 
You mean they haven't released this already?At good proportion of the 40 or so we have had on the fleet here seemed to have a 70`s BL vibe going on with leaks, lots of warning lights for no apparent reason,steering issues, gearbox issues, chocolate interiors, cam chain death rattle & our last remaining one, that I can`t return until July, still has a clutch pedal problem the dealer can`t fix!!
I really don't know who is in charge of the production vehicles side of Mini but they basically want taking out back and given a good shoeing.
Since R53 (and arguably) R56, it's been downhill on styling front and uphill on the size and weight front.
The current line up of Hatchback (which looks like it's trying to vomit out a black frisbee...(not forgetting the fake bonnet scoop)
or the five door with the worlds worst ratio of front to back doors...
or the current Clubman where they ordered the rear lights before deciding where to put them...
(please, in the facelift, just rotate the lights 90 degrees. It won't cost anything with respect to manufacturing costs, just put them where they belong!)
It's coming to something when the most appealing car in the range is the new Countryman which at least looks in proportion and the styling cues fit the car. Unless you look at the cost where you realise that a reasonably specced one to look like they do in the ads is north of £30K.
Some people may not have liked the R53 when it first came out as it was not a "real mini" but in hindsight, it may just have been the highlight of the brand since it's relaunch. Which is sad in so many ways.
Since R53 (and arguably) R56, it's been downhill on styling front and uphill on the size and weight front.
The current line up of Hatchback (which looks like it's trying to vomit out a black frisbee...(not forgetting the fake bonnet scoop)
or the five door with the worlds worst ratio of front to back doors...
or the current Clubman where they ordered the rear lights before deciding where to put them...
(please, in the facelift, just rotate the lights 90 degrees. It won't cost anything with respect to manufacturing costs, just put them where they belong!)
It's coming to something when the most appealing car in the range is the new Countryman which at least looks in proportion and the styling cues fit the car. Unless you look at the cost where you realise that a reasonably specced one to look like they do in the ads is north of £30K.
Some people may not have liked the R53 when it first came out as it was not a "real mini" but in hindsight, it may just have been the highlight of the brand since it's relaunch. Which is sad in so many ways.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff