RE: Mini Cooper S Works 210: PH Fleet

[culpz]

cerb4.5lee said:

culpz said:

I'm quite a convert to autos now, after having DSG. Hasn't Mini now adopted BMW's DCT gearbox for the new LCI model? It'd be interesting to see what that's like, although i never drove the automatic version anyway.

Yes the DCT is available on the One/Cooper and Cooper D I believe, I think its still a slusher on the Cooper S although I'm not 100%.

Cooper S get's it aswell:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=17...

[cerb4.5lee]

culpz said:

cerb4.5lee said:

culpz said:

I'm quite a convert to autos now, after having DSG. Hasn't Mini now adopted BMW's DCT gearbox for the new LCI model? It'd be interesting to see what that's like, although i never drove the automatic version anyway.

Yes the DCT is available on the One/Cooper and Cooper D I believe, I think its still a slusher on the Cooper S although I'm not 100%.

Cooper S get's it aswell:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=17...

Cheers.

[daemon]

DDg said:

daemon said:

The previous "upgrade" to give you the proper multi media display rather than an old fashioned radio style became standard - visual boost it was known as as an option

Some packs changed. No difference to the interior otherwise

Thanks. So LCI isn't a must, then.

They also bumped the price up by £1,000+ but as you say, of significance LED lights are now standard as is Visual Boost, which would have cost you around that anyway.

Other cheap but effective options that are worth ticking the box for (IMHO) :-

Anthracite headlining (£120ish)
Central arm rest (£120ish)
Driving modes - gives your Sport, medium and Eco (£120ish)

I also did Harman Kardon sound upgrade over and above all of that and the LEDs and visual boost, on top of the Seven pack which was an upgraded Cooper S spec.

[nunpuncher]

DDg said:

Thanks. So LCI isn't a must, then.

The Union Jack lights are a big turn off for me to the point that I won't order a new one unless they can be changed. It will sound stupid to people that don't live here but in the west of Scotland you could open yourself up to all sort of abuse, labels and possible vandalism driving around in a car with light up union jacks. Some people here are a bit backwards.

[daemon]

nunpuncher said:

DDg said:

Thanks. So LCI isn't a must, then.

The Union Jack lights are a big turn off for me to the point that I won't order a new one unless they can be changed. It will sound stupid to people that don't live here but in the west of Scotland you could open yourself up to all sort of abuse, labels and possible vandalism driving around in a car with light up union jacks. Some people here are a bit backwards.

+1

Same here in Northern Ireland.

[culpz]

That would be my worry too.

[Jon_S_Rally]

I've just spent a week running around in 2018 Cooper hire car. I wasn't sure I would get on with it, but I must say it's a decent drive. It seems to have plenty of grip, is confidence inspiring and actually pretty comfortable and refined over long distance. The engine is typical modern turbo lump. I wasn't expecting much, given that it's only the Cooper, but it can make reasonable progress. Just a shame that the power delivery is akin to that of a diesel and the gear ratios are too long. I would imagine it's good fun in 'S' trim.

What disappoints me about it is the fact that, as a practical means of moving people and things, it's genuinely fking hopeless. It's a pretty big car these days, but the interior space is still dismal. With me driving, no one can sit in the back and the boot can't even take a small suitcase. The relatively steep angle of the windscreen also means that you are forever looking through a colony of dead insects that haven't been swept over the roof.

I understand the positives. I like a car that is fun to drive and has a bit of character as much as the next man but, in the desperate quest to try and make this look like an old Mini, they've actually made it really poor when it comes to the stuff that really matters to a lot of people. As a fashion accessory, or a second car, then maybe it would suit but, in the real world, there is no way in hell I could choose one of these over a Fiesta ST or similar. It's just too compromised when it comes to the mundane, but actually quite important stuff.

[daemon]

Jon_S_Rally said:

I've just spent a week running around in 2018 Cooper hire car. I wasn't sure I would get on with it, but I must say it's a decent drive. It seems to have plenty of grip, is confidence inspiring and actually pretty comfortable and refined over long distance. The engine is typical modern turbo lump. I wasn't expecting much, given that it's only the Cooper, but it can make reasonable progress. Just a shame that the power delivery is akin to that of a diesel and the gear ratios are too long. I would imagine it's good fun in 'S' trim.

What disappoints me about it is the fact that, as a practical means of moving people and things, it's genuinely fking hopeless. It's a pretty big car these days, but the interior space is still dismal. With me driving, no one can sit in the back and the boot can't even take a small suitcase. The relatively steep angle of the windscreen also means that you are forever looking through a colony of dead insects that haven't been swept over the roof.

I understand the positives. I like a car that is fun to drive and has a bit of character as much as the next man but, in the desperate quest to try and make this look like an old Mini, they've actually made it really poor when it comes to the stuff that really matters to a lot of people. As a fashion accessory, or a second car, then maybe it would suit but, in the real world, there is no way in hell I could choose one of these over a Fiesta ST or similar. It's just too compromised when it comes to the mundane, but actually quite important stuff.

As a Cooper S owner.... I agree with most of that. Its a second car for us, so practicality isnt an issue. You're right, the boot cant really hold luggage - when we went on hols recently we put the back seats down to chuck the cases in. Theres just the two of us so no issue, but for a small family, i could see it being problematic.

I'd have considered a Fiesta ST if they could currently be bought new (and also my BIL runs them - its his "thing", so i didnt want to tread on family toes), but i'd say as an all rounder the ST would be the better car, albeit perhaps not having the Personality of the MINI.

Bugs are a problem yes - i have to wash the windscreen far too often.

Chances are it'll never have anyone in the back seats so the space problems arent an issue.

BUT, in fairness, i dont think they're pitching them as your only car. Most if not all will be bought as second cars, or by people whos lifestyle suits its constraints.

The Cooper S is a fun little thing. 192BHP from a turbo'd 2.0 litre 4 pot, so plenty of poke and torque BUT more significantly for me, very easily tuneable.

[Matt Bird]

nunpuncher said:

daemon said:

You're right

Thats clearly a press spec car thats had a lot of options boxes ticked. Some people do go mad on the spec but you really have to be realistic, particularly as a lot of stuff adds close to £0 value come resale time.

I guess the best way to buy a high spec'd one is as an ex demo or ensure you're getting a stupid amount of discount on a new one.

Pushing £30K for a MINI (and not even a JCW) and i think there are better cars out there for the money (BMW M140i springs to mind for kick off)

While I agree that £30k is a tad heavy for a mini (and not even the most expensive model) it is a far more enjoyable car than the BMW M140i, Golf R or Leon Cupra 290 from my ownership experience.

I'd be tempted to agree with you! Certainly preferable to an M140i for me, different though they undoubtedly are.

[cornishboy1970]

Much better article than the last one....

Anyway, I will be in the market for one of these at the end of the year and have test driven a Works 210 and a full JCW, both in Auto with the full Pro exhaust. Love both of them and leaning towards the JCW as I prefer the seats, brakes and 231hp as opposed to the 210 on these. However, from what I have read these are the sweet-spot in the range and I am wondering why.

I was wondering if anyone has a direct comparison between the two and can provide more of a real-world explanation on the differences and why the 210 is a better choice. If I did go for the JCW it would have to have the variable dampers as the internet tells me these are a must.

The car will be a daily over a 30mile B-road commute and will have regular visits back to the homeland from Brizzol so needs to be a nice compromise between fun/power and comfort on the work run.

cheers

[daemon]

cornishboy1970 said:

Much better article than the last one....

Anyway, I will be in the market for one of these at the end of the year and have test driven a Works 210 and a full JCW, both in Auto with the full Pro exhaust. Love both of them and leaning towards the JCW as I prefer the seats, brakes and 231hp as opposed to the 210 on these. However, from what I have read these are the sweet-spot in the range and I am wondering why.

I was wondering if anyone has a direct comparison between the two and can provide more of a real-world explanation on the differences and why the 210 is a better choice. If I did go for the JCW it would have to have the variable dampers as the internet tells me these are a must.

The car will be a daily over a 30mile B-road commute and will have regular visits back to the homeland from Brizzol so needs to be a nice compromise between fun/power and comfort on the work run.

cheers

I'd go for the JCW. The brakes alone would be worth it for me. Granted, the standard brakes are fine for 95% of occurences but when you're [i[really[/i] pushing on i personally dont have that absolute faith in them.

And yes, with the JCW getting the 30% stiffer Sport suspension, i'd be seeking out with variable dampers.

[steve-5snwi]

Our Cooper S has the variable dampers ..... not sure they are a must. I keep toying with the 210 tuning kit but think all i really need is the exhaust, i'd have it mapped elsewhere, unless the 210 software is like a mountune map where the figures are low but in real life its faster than the aftermarket.

[daemon]

steve-5snwi said:

Our Cooper S has the variable dampers ..... not sure they are a must. I keep toying with the 210 tuning kit but think all i really need is the exhaust, i'd have it mapped elsewhere, unless the 210 software is like a mountune map where the figures are low but in real life its faster than the aftermarket.

I think they're a must if the alternative is the +30% stiffer that the JCW has.

My MCS is stiff & bouncy as is, wouldnt fancy +30% on top of that in a daily driver....