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.
Not only do you get Mini’s trademark style, which has been subtly freshened this year, but parent company BMW has made nearly all the advanced electronic systems offered in its own cars standard or available in Minis. Rain-sensor wipers, park distance control, a trip computer, a DVD-based navigation system, Sirius satellite radio, and a Harman Kardon DSP stereo can all be had.
[ Cnet Reviews the MINI Cooper S Convertible ] Cnet
While Cnet’s overall ranking might ruffle a few feathers (they gave the MCSc a 6.8 out of 10) you may want to take a look at other reviews for a numeric comparison. You’ll find the MCSc actually scored quite well.
(Thanks Angelo)
<p>When did Cnet start rating cars? that’s kinda odd…</p>
<p>Looks like a reason to write off driving a bunch of cars.</p>
<p>“How can we expense this?”</p>
<p>Gabe, you may be able to writing off the purchase of all things MINI. After all, MF justifies it.</p>
<p>BTW, I am not a tax consultant, and this does not constitute legal/tax advice.</p>
<p>I like ALL MINIs, but I love my MCSc. Actually, with the top up, I think it looks more aggressive than the MCS (due to the forward sloping back of the ragtop). No bias here ;)</p>
<p>I don’t listen to anything Cnet has to say anymore. I had them review an MP3 player I was improrting from Korea. They rated it low they told me because of the crappy headphone that came with it. Then I read all of the other reviews and they said to throw aways the headphones and the headphones were the worst on all the ones rated higher. I asked the person that reviewed it about it and they had no answer. But I could also see that the other companies had advertised on the sight. So now you see how that works.</p>
<p>Quote: “you may want to take a look at other reviews for a numeric comparison.”</p>
<p>Doing that made me feel better. The MCSC got the same score as the Civic Hybird, and almost as good as the Scion xB!…give me a break. </p>
<p>One of their criticisms is the speedo is hard to “spot” in the central location?? Guess it needs to be bigger than a dinner plate.</p>
<p>They didn’t say the speedo was hard to spot, they simply said it was out of the driver’s line of sight – and they are right. As much as I love the look of the speedo in the middle (it’s usually the first thing first time MINI passengers comment on), I rarely use it…I always use the digital one in the tach as much easier to go from driving to glance down at.</p>
<p>They seem to rave about the car, saying nary a bad thing (the line of sight remark on the speedo and the plastic feel on the switches), so I’m not sure why it achieved such a low score.</p>
<p>Don’t all the scions have a center speedo too?</p>
<p>This has nothing to do with this article.
I have been reading your web site for a year and a half and find that your faithful contributors are Very Knowledgeable and Helpful so I have a couple of questions that I need input on.
I have an ‘05 MCS and I would like to know if anyone out there has opted for the DINAN Upgrades – CPU Upgrade and the Sealed Air Intake Unit?
They say a 12 horse gain with just the “chip”, is that true, is it noticeable and what does it do to gas mileage and warranty? Also, is their Sealed Air Induction System any better than just replacing the factory air filter with a K&N Free Flow Filter?
What else can a person do that will not Void the Warranty or break the bank?</p>