My 2nd New MINI Cooper - September 2004

I collected my new MINI Cooper on September 28th 2004.  Here are my initial impressions. 

For long term impressions click here to read my rolling report.

Specification:-

• MINI Cooper (facelifted model with Getrag gearbox)
• Sport Suspension Plus (as fitted to Cooper S)
• ASC+T Stability & Traction Control
• Chili Pack (sports seats with leather and lumbar/height adjust, 3-spoke leather steering wheel,16" 'Fin' Alloys, rear spoiler, front fog lights, interior lights pack)
• Manual Air Conditioning (including chilled glovebox!)
• Power folding mirrors with heating.
• Thatcham Category 1 Alarm
• CD Boost with MP3 and Harman Kardon Speakers (320 watts through 8 speakers!)
• Brilliant Silver fascia interior

The exterior - I chose red & black as it is another classic Mini colour used in the 60s on production cars.  My Mum & Dad had one this colour in the late 60s.  My MINI is the facelifted model with a new front and rear and new alloy wheel design.  I really like the new front although I think the new headlights & taillights are a bit 'bling'!

Driving it - I was expecting it to feel slower than my 2001 MINI due to its newness but otherwise very similar.  I was wrong.  It is MUCH better to drive!  It feels more responsive, turn-in is improved and overall the handling feels more 'tight'.  This is despite it having exactly the same specification as my previous MINI.  The new Getrag gearbox is clunkier than in the previous car and feels more mechanical and has lower ratios in 1st and 2nd .  The 3 spoke steering wheel is superb - smaller and much better to drive with.  The plastic gear knob is a backward step though. 
The steering whine which I suffered in my old MINI has all but gone!  I never liked this - it didn't seem in character for a sporty car.
It feels far better built - no creaks or rattles.  Yet.

Interior - again I chose red & black (grey really) for the inside... this is a more subtle option than the previous all-red interior which included the carpet and side panels.   
The sports seats are a nice addition with their lumbar support, leather, red trim and better side support. 

The roof-mounted clock has moved into the speedo which is a backwards step, its place being replaced with 2 more map-lights to join those already in the roof.  4 map lights!  There's also 'puddle lights' under the doors, lights in the door handles, lights in the vanity mirrors, lights at your feet...  Mum said it looked like an aircraft with them all on.
The top of the dashboard is now soft, which is nice.

A grab handle has been fitted above the passenger seat which would be nice if it wasnt so huge and in danger of bashing the passenger's head!  It should fold away.

An extra side sun visor has been added on the driver's side.  This should be useful as there has been times when I could have done with this in my previous MINI.
 

New or improved options (not fitted to my previous car)-

Trip Computer - this has been improved to offer instant-speed readout and instant-MPG.  this in addition to the range, av. mpg, av. speed and temperature readouts already present.

Harman Kardon Stereo - this was my first real luxury item.  With 8 speakers pumping out 320w and the new MP3-compatible head unit this was quite a step on for me.  I'm still experimenting with it but it seems impressive to me!!  Read more about it here.  The speakers look fab and are covered in real aluminium panels, but the stereo looks utterly normal and therefore shouldn't attract thieves.  I like it this way anyway as its easier to operate than an aftermarket one and is also more in keeping with the rest of the dash design.

Folding Exterior mirrors - This was my second real luxury item.  At the push of a button and at up to 15mph, both mirrors fold away.  This is very useful for me as I have to sometimes park in some very tight spots!