In this months Winding Road, they have a very fun piece that is not really versus as much as it is a good comparison of the MCS, the Volkswagon GTI and the Volvo C30 T5
>A Swede, a Brit, and a German wander up an Italian hill to search for a bucket of driving goose bumps.
>Staying sort of true to the squared-off, tin can feel of the original 1360 pound 1960s Mini Cooper S, our nouveau Cooper S hit the nearby scales at just 2601 pounds.
Of course we already know they liked the MINI, but there were a few new additions to the review, especially about the seating.
>You can get two adults back there on a dare, maybe, but you’re better off with little kids, a barrel of small monkeys wearing fezzes, or just one adult human sitting sideways (maybe with a split personality to make it effectively two back there).
They didn’t even mind the run-flat tires too much.
>Whereas we began the day slightly prejudiced against the Dunlop run-flats on the Mini, they performed more than well enough, though their density did thump us slightly over road imperfections.
Winding Road is unique in it’s delivery system. Only available online, not in print, has given them the ability to offer it free of charge. All you have to do is provide an email address so they can tell you when the next print-ready issue is ready for download. For this review alone it is definitely worth subscribing.
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Cool – thanks for the tipoff. I subscribe to Winding Road but hadn’t read the latest issue.
I looove Winding Road. Great publication!
This issue of Winding Road has a wonderful article on the Audi R8…my first lottery winnings car (when I win the big one).
It really is a shame that the new MINI has such crappy interior bits. I hope they have that on their list of updates for the mid-model freshening, it could really make for a great overall car. It’s hard to see that interior compared to the GTI interior, which is very classy looking. I like character, that’s why I have my car, but I also appreciate quality and tasteful design.
Every review I read on the R56 states that the quality of the interior is much improved over the R53. Until I see one in the flesh I’m confused over the complaints over the interior. The toggle switches are specifically singled out as being upgraded.
I think it’s more appearance than actual quality of materials that is garnering the comments. Plus, I don’t think anyone reviewing the car is comparing it to the old car, rather, as with this review, they are comparing it to the current competition. I have no doubt the pieces will probably rattle less than my R53, but the center stack still looks really chintzy.
Having been in the R56 at detroit, it is dramatically improved in terms of interior vs. R53, no comparison.
However, while R56 is better inside and cleaner outside, I can’t get past the new headlights. Instead of the upright bulldog look of R53, the R56 looks like it has two wandering eyes, sort of the opposite of the Morgan Aero 8…
Last, after sitting in the R56 I wandered next door to the VW stand where they had an orange special edition GTI on display. The car was very hot — great stance (suspension lowered this year to match euro spec) and amazing interior.
Hard to justify the R56 when the GTI can be had for the same money.
However, when I see an MCS it always turns my head and makes me want one. A GTI is a really good car, but in the end, just a really good car and nothing more…
I love this article (even if it really isn’t too in depth) because I’ve been more than curious about these exact three cars. After watching Tom Ford’s Fifth Gear review of the C30, my interest was definitely peaked. A fun Volvo? Wow. I’m especially anxious to drive all three this fall back-to-back and see for myself.
Even if GTI is a really good car and it looks somewhat more elegant, there is something bland about its road mannors and the general feel to the car that is simply out classed by the MINI.
The C30 is a interesting newcomer — since the writer describes it as worlds apart from the S40 and V50 on which it was based. I’ve test driven the S40 and V50 before, they have quite a bit of sportiness to them, but feels a lot calmer than the MINI. I trust, however, because of the BMW influence and expertise at suspension tuning, the MINI will always be more of a “driver’s car” than the C30.
Sitting sideways in the back seat was a life-saving position in the old Minis, ‘specially when riding at midnight down Lombard street in 15 seconds or so with a demon pilot…or so I’ve heard.
BCNU,
Rob in Dago
I’d love to read this article, however, my computer will not download it. Would anyone out there in Miniland be good enough to pop it in the fax machine to me(440-333-1305)? Thanks!!!
Hey everyone. Thanks for nothing.
Speaking from experience- I had a 2002 MCS with a few perf mods and sold itfor an 06 MkV GTI mostly due to the articles out of Europe. Well ,yes it is fast and yes the interior is better quality but no ,not as much fun to drive. I only have 5000 miles and thinking of selling it for an 08 MCS.