So, having missed the launch even due to work, I decided that being the fan boy I am and the fact since I saw the concept a few months back I fell in love with this car, I felt the urge to go and test drive it to help me make my mind up if I want one when my lease is done in October.. so here it goes:
I drove this:
A 14' Reg MINI Cooper S in Volcanic Orange/Black contrast roof.
Chilli/Media XL Pack
Lighting pack inc. LED Headlights
First impressions:
I had a gander over to the car and had a nose around the car, the first thing that hits me is how it stands out, not just the colour but subtle things like the lights on the rear, they are ok looking but not really my thing. From the front I love what they have done however, looks a little less hairdresser imo! (If you can ever not look like one?) but overall a very nice looking car and the color suiting it very well.
I then sorted my seat out, now being a 6"2 lad and 21.5st, most small cars are a challenge for me but this wasn't too bad, they only niggle I had was my knee having to lean on the door but with a better seating position i'm sure I could have sorted that, but as I know had 45 mins I wanted to get going. I had a little play and found where all the important stuff was and off I went. Had a little poke on the accelerator and could just feel it wanting to bite!
The drive:
So, being in Stafford I went toward the A34 to have a blast down a nice NSL road. I put it into sport and a nice little red LED around the center came on with 'Sports mode' on the I-Drive screen.
Up came the NSL sign and I had a good old hoon. This thing is seriously quick. The acceleration was fantastic, turbo kicking in almost straight away at around 1200rpm. It flung me back in my seat a bit. Along with a lovely sound whirr from the turbo and the occasional hiss from the DV. The 2.0 Tub they've stuck in it was a lovely little drive and great sounding and developing a cool 189bhp, getting the occasional pop from the exhaust when lifting my foot off.
Through the lanes on the way back, the car felt responsive, typical MINI Go Cart handing i'd become used to with my old Cooper S but felt more refined and a hell of a lot quicker. Sometimes you feel like you're driving on rails a bit but it defiantly held the road well.
Interior:
Again, this has been updated along with the car, gone is the center console speedo, that's been moved to infront of the driver along with the rev counter. It struck me as being a lot more BMW'esq in it's design with the inclusion of it's own version of the I drive system and an optional HUD which I really did like.
The seats were supportive and comfortable to sit in as well.
It felt well put together and functional. a lot like a good BMW.
Do I like it? hell yes. Absolutely loved it.
Feel free to ask any questions
I drove this:
A 14' Reg MINI Cooper S in Volcanic Orange/Black contrast roof.
Chilli/Media XL Pack
Lighting pack inc. LED Headlights
First impressions:
I had a gander over to the car and had a nose around the car, the first thing that hits me is how it stands out, not just the colour but subtle things like the lights on the rear, they are ok looking but not really my thing. From the front I love what they have done however, looks a little less hairdresser imo! (If you can ever not look like one?) but overall a very nice looking car and the color suiting it very well.
I then sorted my seat out, now being a 6"2 lad and 21.5st, most small cars are a challenge for me but this wasn't too bad, they only niggle I had was my knee having to lean on the door but with a better seating position i'm sure I could have sorted that, but as I know had 45 mins I wanted to get going. I had a little play and found where all the important stuff was and off I went. Had a little poke on the accelerator and could just feel it wanting to bite!
The drive:
So, being in Stafford I went toward the A34 to have a blast down a nice NSL road. I put it into sport and a nice little red LED around the center came on with 'Sports mode' on the I-Drive screen.
Up came the NSL sign and I had a good old hoon. This thing is seriously quick. The acceleration was fantastic, turbo kicking in almost straight away at around 1200rpm. It flung me back in my seat a bit. Along with a lovely sound whirr from the turbo and the occasional hiss from the DV. The 2.0 Tub they've stuck in it was a lovely little drive and great sounding and developing a cool 189bhp, getting the occasional pop from the exhaust when lifting my foot off.
Through the lanes on the way back, the car felt responsive, typical MINI Go Cart handing i'd become used to with my old Cooper S but felt more refined and a hell of a lot quicker. Sometimes you feel like you're driving on rails a bit but it defiantly held the road well.
Interior:
Again, this has been updated along with the car, gone is the center console speedo, that's been moved to infront of the driver along with the rev counter. It struck me as being a lot more BMW'esq in it's design with the inclusion of it's own version of the I drive system and an optional HUD which I really did like.
The seats were supportive and comfortable to sit in as well.
It felt well put together and functional. a lot like a good BMW.
Do I like it? hell yes. Absolutely loved it.
Feel free to ask any questions
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