Turbos.
It's been a couple of months since i sold the CSL. Despite the good intentions, i have really missed it, but ultimately it was the right thing to do.
I had more or less lined up my next car. I wanted it to be small and relatively cheap to run, but wanted to have lots of toys to entertain me through winter. It's surprising how many cars don't fit this criteria, so in reality the Mini picked itself.
I originally intended on getting a normal Cooper S, but it was difficult to find the right spec. However, a lot of the JCW models come fully kitted out. Mine cost the owner when new a whopping £32,000!
After picking it up, i got the race team to remove the optional high level spoiler (thanks for swapping jayxx83!) and spotlights. I wanted the car to be subtle, which i think is achieved especially with the all grey paintwork.
I haven't modified it yet, excluding the fitment of an optional part alcantara wheel. I saw it on eBay and thought it would be a nice reminder of the CSL! It's nice and chunky, fantastic to hold, probably better than the CSLs in fact. Other than that, i got the team to give it a general service with replacement brakes.
So, what do i think of it so far? I haven't owned a FWD for a couple of years now, so i have to re-learn some aspects of driving it. The LSD means you certainly have to hold on when going down a bumpy road at speed! The turn-in on these Minis is amazing though. The term 'handles like a go-kart' is as cliche as it comes, but it really does apply here. It's very throttle sensitive with DSC off.
The gearbox is nice and positive, but i might have to change the slightly annoying gearknob. The pedals are well spaced but there is not much footwell space (i'm only a size 9). It has a 6 speed 'box that is quite tightly spaced. This means you have acceleration even in 6th which is fun at first, but i would have preferred it to have been an over-drive so i could get better MPG (currently at 30MPG).
I've grown to like the supercharger whine, but it's best to change no later than about 5000rpm as the engine is a bit coarse after that. The exhaust is great fun with engineered pops and gurgles on the overrun. It's good that it isn't boomy but can be enjoyed with the window down.
Overall then, i really like it. It doesn't have runflats so the ride is actually comfortable. The Recaros are probably the best road seat i've ever sat in and everything is nicely at hand. The only real downers are the fuel economy and teeny boot. With it being just me in the car most of the time, it's not a big deal though.
I know the Minis are loathed on here but i question how many people have actually driven one to compare. If any locals want to do a comparison, let me know :approve:
I had more or less lined up my next car. I wanted it to be small and relatively cheap to run, but wanted to have lots of toys to entertain me through winter. It's surprising how many cars don't fit this criteria, so in reality the Mini picked itself.
I originally intended on getting a normal Cooper S, but it was difficult to find the right spec. However, a lot of the JCW models come fully kitted out. Mine cost the owner when new a whopping £32,000!
After picking it up, i got the race team to remove the optional high level spoiler (thanks for swapping jayxx83!) and spotlights. I wanted the car to be subtle, which i think is achieved especially with the all grey paintwork.
I haven't modified it yet, excluding the fitment of an optional part alcantara wheel. I saw it on eBay and thought it would be a nice reminder of the CSL! It's nice and chunky, fantastic to hold, probably better than the CSLs in fact. Other than that, i got the team to give it a general service with replacement brakes.
So, what do i think of it so far? I haven't owned a FWD for a couple of years now, so i have to re-learn some aspects of driving it. The LSD means you certainly have to hold on when going down a bumpy road at speed! The turn-in on these Minis is amazing though. The term 'handles like a go-kart' is as cliche as it comes, but it really does apply here. It's very throttle sensitive with DSC off.
The gearbox is nice and positive, but i might have to change the slightly annoying gearknob. The pedals are well spaced but there is not much footwell space (i'm only a size 9). It has a 6 speed 'box that is quite tightly spaced. This means you have acceleration even in 6th which is fun at first, but i would have preferred it to have been an over-drive so i could get better MPG (currently at 30MPG).
I've grown to like the supercharger whine, but it's best to change no later than about 5000rpm as the engine is a bit coarse after that. The exhaust is great fun with engineered pops and gurgles on the overrun. It's good that it isn't boomy but can be enjoyed with the window down.
Overall then, i really like it. It doesn't have runflats so the ride is actually comfortable. The Recaros are probably the best road seat i've ever sat in and everything is nicely at hand. The only real downers are the fuel economy and teeny boot. With it being just me in the car most of the time, it's not a big deal though.
I know the Minis are loathed on here but i question how many people have actually driven one to compare. If any locals want to do a comparison, let me know :approve:
may be a tad jealous......seriously considering making a mini purchase in a year or so.....
