The Horn Test

Sections: In the Press Jan 20th, 2005 26 Comments

How's this for a different kind of car comparison…

mini

BBC News World Edition recently covered a survey of 25 top selling cars in the UK – and their horns. Apparently, the sound of the beep is becoming an important factor for shoppers when considering a vehicle, and that auto manufacturers are paying more attention to the relationship between a model's horn and it's perceived personality.

The study, taken place at Cardiff University, was commisioned by Jamjar Cars, one of the UK's leading online car retailers. The survey was led by Professor Theo Van Leeuwen, an expert in the meaning of sound at the University. The results of this survey are posted here, along with MP3s of each horn tested, measurements of loudness and somewhat vague “semiotic profiles” explaining the character of each toot.

Of particular note on the sites are the photos of the recording process – both show researchers poring over a Cooper One. Of course, MINI is also represented in this survey:

High pitched, but fairly soft, with little tension and roughness. A laidback and nice sound, not overly aggressive or tense.

Not too shabby.

While many of the other vehicles featured are not available stateside, it's still interesting to see how the cars stack up against each other, and where their honks fall between “discreet” and “aggressive”.

And, if anything else, you can finally get that recording of a MINI horn for your iPod!

Written By: Lawrence

Angel

“High pitched, but fairly soft, with little tension and roughness. A laidback and nice sound, not overly aggressive or tense.”

I think the horn on a MMINI sucks. The first time I layed on the horn when some jack off cut me off, I thought it wasn't working. I could barely hear it and the jack off certainly didn't hear it either.
SuperCharged

Although I havent had first hand experience in that regard, from the recordings I listened to on Jamjar.com I would have to at least agree that the MINI's horn sounded the least tense by far.
Tom

Yes Angel I agree with you, same situation happened to me so much I had to do something about it. I installed a pair of the PIAA horns – though it was not an easy install – the difference is a nice pitch that is loud and gets the SUV and truckers attention – I personally do not want to become a bug on someones windshield. The horns in the MINI are buried in the front fascia, but it was worth it – people may not see me but they hear me!
Damon

I disagree! The MINI has a great horn and much larger sounding than any other small car I've driven. It sounds better than the Honda S2000 and the BMW 3 series. The TT has a nice sound. People are always very surprised when honk (always politely) at the great horn.
Nathan

Here's a new one for you. When we first showed the car to my parents my Mom said, and I quote, “the horn does not sound British enough”, whatever that means. They loved the car otherwise.
michael Boice

Perhaps we'll see, no, hear variable horns at some point in the future; hit the horn once and it takes on the sound of a polite reminder, hit it again and the sound becomes more assertive, one more time and it absolutely commands attention.

Off the subject, but I would like folks to test the windshield washer jets too. Most are inadequate and the Mini's fall into this category. The Mazda 3 for example three jets per side making coverage great while reducing the amount of fluid required to clean the windshield. I'm still fussing with these things.
dave

High pitched, but fairly soft, with little tension and roughness. A laidback and nice sound, not overly aggressive or tense.

Reminds me of a wine tasting commentary! Oh for Monty Python still being around. A parody of Australian wine sketch with horn sounds instead . . .
nevin musgrave

First time I tried the horn I was really dissapointed. I felt it had an American car sound to it and did not do this wonderfull little car justice!
Bart

It has a horn too -?! cool…
RB

OMG…I gotta say the Monty Python comment was dead on!

MINISTRY OF HORNS

High pitched, but fairly soft, with little tension and roughness. A laid-back and nice sound, not overly aggressive or tense…..and just that slight hint of KISS MY ASS.

I was hoping for Chateau du neuf MAC TRUCK.

+++RB
alpha-6

Anybody know how to make the horn sound of the MINI into a ringtone…..that'sd be great and annoying!
Brian

I like the horn.. Sounds a lot fuller and bigger thatn the car would suggest. I hate the horns on Hondas.
dave

anyone else wonder why they're recording the horn sound wqith the hoot (bonnet) open? I know of very few people, personally, who drive down the road with their hoot open ;-)
http://www.MINI.PassionRoad.com CruzinChris

I have put air horns in all my cars, but found the MINI's horn to be great one and don't plan to replace it. It does sound American though :)
morknmini

Monty Python on wine and perhaps a wee bit more. Might similar descriptions apply to the semiotics of human conjugation? Happy honking.
Ken Charpie

The F-250 that TRIED to run me off the road today definitely DID hear my horn!
JohnDough

I only listened to the horns listed near the MINI. MINI was a double-shot “honk-honk” and the others were “blaaaaaaaaaat!” Thought it showed some respect for the MINI. What are horns good for? Maybe warning pedestrians when you're going slow. Displaying displeasure with others' driving (if you get past their cell phone). Friendly greeting. Anything else?
http://chicagominiclub.com Victoria

I'm sorry…I can't stop laughing after following the link, scrolling too fast, and imagining a car called the “Vauxhall Asthma.”

FWIW, my horn is rarely used, but when it is, it's heard. Note: in my neighborhood a five-shot would get me shot, so I always keep the toot count low.
Sparky

“My, that's a good, woody-sounding horn! But the 'onda had a very tinny-sounding horn, wot?” I miss Monty Python, too.

I think I want to put a Dukes-of-Hazzard horn on my Mini. Remember that one? Played the first line of “Dixie.”
allan MICHAEL

we got a great horn!
Vanwall
I had a big PIAA set on my old Mini – the box it came in had a picture of a tractor trailer rig on it – and it was deep and loud. I used it fairly often, as small as I was, and one day I had to really lay on it after being cut off by an F150 on the yellow, who then ran the red light in front of me. I had to brake hard just to stay out the intersection, and after I stopped honking, the guy in the car next to me at the light said, “Let’s swap horns! Your’s is waaayyy to big for such a tiny car!” ;-)
```
     BCNU,
   Rob in Dago
```
Barry / 10 Ball

Someone had asked why they were tessting horns with the hood open. This preceeds the implementation process for the Mini to meet the upcoming Euro pedestrian crash standard. Immediately before a pedestrian impact, the Mini will fire explosive latches to open the hood and then automatically start tooting its horn pitched a wee bit higher, not so soft, with great tension and downright rudeness — how dare you crumple my hood!!
Adam S

These folks sound like they’re trying to outdo the wine snobs… “An agressive nose, with hints of leather. Poor, harsh mouthfeel, but a long, satisfying finish. Best after 2003. 6,000 cases made; 3,000 imported to the US.”
phaedrus

Anyone else think the pre-1998 Porsche 911 horn sounds the sweetest? Sort of a shrill, two-tone blast that befits such an autobahn missile. It’s just unlike anything else. I’d love to get my hands on one for my MCS.
ALVAN LICHTENSTEIN

I HAVE A MINI S CONV ON ORDER,JUST WAITING FOR THE ARM REST TO BE INSTALLED.THE ARM REST SHOWS ON THE WEBSITE MINIUSA, BUT THE DEALER HAS SAID THE FACTORY HASN’T GIVEN THE “OK”.DO YOU HAVE ANY WORD ON THAT? AS A SIDE NOTE I PLAN TO ADD THE JCW AND ADD 18″JCW WHEELS
Hugh Sherry

Positive I saw aftermkt air horns…just can’t remeber where. I’m expecting my MCS this month so I have aftermarket research overload.

← A World of Parts MCS Automatic Paddles →

Sort by MINI model

Recent BimmerFile Stories

MINI Model Cheat Sheet

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Hatch
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Hatch
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: Hatch
R57: Convertible
R58: Coupe
R59: Roadster
R60: MINI Crossover
R61: MINI Crossover Coupe
3rd Gen MINI
F55: Clubman
F56: Hatch
F57: Convertible
F60: MINI Crossover
F62: Traveller

Advertise with MotoringFile

If you or your company are interested in advertising on the most influential MINI website in the world, please visit our Advertising section. If you have further questions about becoming a sponsor or would like to see our rate sheet please feel free to contact us directly.