Jul 30th, 2005
Cnet, long a destination for those looking for computer related reviews, has now starting taking cars for a spin. While you can imagine that they focus more on the technology behind the car rather than sheer performance, they don’t do a bad job of giving a good high-level overview in their write-ups. Recently they had a chance to take out the MCSc for a bit of testing. Here’s an excerpt from the review:
The Mini’s boxy, bulldog style and sporty performance make it one of the most fun-to-drive cars ever sold. And the convertible version just makes it more so, albeit at a $4,500 premium over an equivalent hardtop. However, that top is power operated and has a sunroof that partially opens. Premium and subcompact may seem contradictory terms, but not here.
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Jul 30th, 2005
This past Thursday we here in the NY/NJ/CT MINI Club lost a very dear member. Ed Smith a.ka. Maxamini passed away suddenly a week before his daughters wedding. Ed was a hilarious man, a practical joker a real character. Almost like someone out of a movie. He was well know on MINI2 and our local club site (nemini.org). He was notorious for running around always putting rubber duckies on peoples antennas and in their cars. He was an organizer for MINIs on Top and great with all the children. The relevant threads with pics of Ed are here:
[ nemini.org/Forums/viewtopic/t=2912 ] newmini.org
[ mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1833025&posted=1 ] MINI2
Anthony
Jul 29th, 2005
For all those considering Solar Red and or Space Blue we’ve got some closer real life shots for you. As previously mentioned Solar Red will only be available on the Cooper. Space Blue on the other hand will be available on both the Cooper and Cooper S. Neither of these new metallic colors will be optional on the Convertible however. Confused yet? Good, because both colors will also be available with the new US Spec Checkmate Package (including blue and grey interior). Of course neither the Checkmate Package nor Solar Red will be available until 10/05 production. Okay, now I’m confused…
Jul 29th, 2005
This just seems wrong on so many different levels:
[ 2005 MINI Cooper S Hatchback/$47,568 ]
Via DaveZ
Jul 28th, 2005
From MINI UK Press:
The MINI Convertible has taken the top trophy in the convertible category at the annual Auto Express magazine New Car Honours awards. The MINI Convertible launched in 2004 comes in the three variants of One, Cooper and Cooper S and beat off rivals including the Renault Megane C-C and Audi A4 Cabriolet. The fully-automated roof impressed the judges, as well as all the fine attributes of ’stylish design, top-notch quality and fun handling’ present in the hatch. The success of the MINI Convertible is partly responsible for the four consecutive record UK sales months MINI has enjoyed since March 2005.
Jul 27th, 2005
[Updated 07.28.05]
In 2005 MINIUSA dropped all availability of the original two-spoke steering wheel that was the original wheel released with the new MINI back in 2001. While it remains available in most markets around the world, the two-spoke is now completely unavailable in the US. Obviously this has ruffled a few feathers. Here’s a typical reponse taken from a comment section of a MotoringFile article a few weeks back:
I would like to know why won’t MINIUSA offer the two-spoke steering in the US? If it’s offered everywhere else in the world then why not here? It’s not like they have to make it special for the US.
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Jul 27th, 2005
From MINI UK Press:
Not satisfied with the biggest options and accessories choice in the small car market, a new roof decal has just been added to the list. The silver chequered flag roof decal particularly suits the body colours of black-eye purple and hyper blue and can be perfectly teamed with the silver bonnet stripes. The price is £99 including VAT, excluding fitting.
No word yet on US availability.
