Archive for April 2004

1 JULY 2004

Sections: Uncategorized Apr 26th, 2004 28 Comments

The changes begin.

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MINI Bluetooth Kit Reviewed

Sections: R50 (Coupe), R52 (Conv.), R53 (Coupe), Reviews Apr 26th, 2004 44 Comments

Here's a review from 1st time contributor Dave Carroll about the highly anticipated official MINI Bluetooth Handsfree Kit:

I had the Bluetooth Handsfree Kit installed yesterday. It costs $450 plus installation labor. It took my dealer less than 2 hours to install it.

It works really well with my Sony Ericsson T610 and I'm very impressed with the voice quality and recognition capabilities. It takes a few seconds to set up once, and from then on it's totally automatic. The voice recognition is much more reliable than what's built-in to my phone.

It does seem to use the oval grille near the sunroof as its microphone. This is not a button, however. The activation button for the system is located on a separate control unit installed with the system.

Not only does it automatically connect and disconnect to my phone wirelessly, but also it automatically mutes and un-mutes the stereo when a call comes through or when you need to make a call. The woman's voice who guides you through the menu options is pretty typical of voice automated systems, but the voice control is extensive, including dialing numbers, using the built-in phonebook, even calling MINI roadside assistance.

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Introducing the 170hp 2005 MINI Cooper S Cabrio

Sections: Uncategorized Apr 23rd, 2004 25 Comments

…and Cool Blue. The cabrio version of the 2005 MCS has all of the mechanical improvements listed below as well as in this article. The MCS Cabrio will debut at the first at the Madrid Autoshow and then shortly after at the Birmingham Autoshow.

You can check out more pics of the new the Cool Blue 2005 MINI Cooper S Cabrio here: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Introducing the 2005 MINI Cooper S

Sections: Uncategorized Apr 23rd, 2004 67 Comments

…and Hyper Blue. As stated in the article below the 2005 MCS will come with 170hp on tap and torque has been increased by 10 Nm, peaking at 220. Top speed is increased to 138mph and 0-60 times should improve slightly as well. According the MINI's latest statements the 2005 Cooper S will begin production in July and by that rational shipments to the US should start in late August.

For a better view of the new Hyper Blue 2005 MCS you can check out larger pics here: 1 / 2 / 3

Official News on The 2005 MINI Refresh

Sections: Uncategorized Apr 23rd, 2004 26 Comments

It's been talked about on this site and others many times but now the news is official. This is from MINI PR:

From July 2004, the MINI hatchback range will receive an enhanced interior and exterior look. In addition, modifications to the transmission will increase engine flexibility in the mid range. Trevor Houghton-Berry, general manager MINI UK said: “Clearly we did not want to change a winning formula – customers love the friendly face and retro interior of the MINI. This model update is merely a few subtle tweaks to make the MINI even more desirable than it already is.”

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MINI Wins Automobile Mag Readers Choice

Sections: Uncategorized Apr 22nd, 2004 1 Comment

With the MINI having already won Automobile Magazine's “Allstar” Award for “best small car” now comes word that it's won the “Reader's Choice” award as well. You'll find the news in May's edition of the magazine.

The Allstar award is voted on by the magazine's writers. The Reader's Choice awards are voted on by, you guess it, readers. A big thanks to all those that voted!

Some Thoughts On The MC40

Sections: Uncategorized Apr 22nd, 2004 11 Comments

While I personally have no issue with the MC40, its cost, and its spec, Ian Cull has some interesting thoughts on the uniqueness of having one of the 1000 made.

BTW the first batch of MC40s should be showing up at dealer now if they aren't already there. The price has gone up to $7000 for the package and there appears to be some small spec changes.