MF (Pre)Review: Automatic
For those of you who listened to recent episodes of [White Roof Radio](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/whiteroofradio.com-mini-cooper/id77840861?mt=2), you probably heard that we are currently testing [Automatic](http://www.automatic.com). This accessory acts as a smart driving assistant that communicates with a car’s on-board computer and uses a smartphone’s capabilities to provide insights and data points on how to improve your driving style. Additionally, Automatic [partners with car manufacturers](http://9to5mac.com/2014/09/15/automatic-link-ford-sync/) to have their platform integrated into infotainment systems.
Since most of us on the team are fans of new gadgets, Automatic was kind enough to land us a review unit and we finally found the time to set it up last Friday. We will have more to share after a month of use, but we can already tell you that the install is straightforward and that the app is well designed and user-friendly.
My first drive tracked by Automatic was a 407 miles round-trip between Boston and Manhattan where I averaged 32.3 mpg after 7:30 hours of driving for a total fuel cost of $46. All in all I scored 47 out of 100 but that’s probably because I followed French speed limits.
In any case, if you have questions regarding the device or specific features you’d like us to investigate, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments section. Also make sure to check out their introduction video below.
<p>I’ve been wanting to read more on this and hear what it’s like in the real world. Can’t wait to hear more!</p>
<p>My initial impression is that for spirited drivers the smart driving assistance is not going to be very useful. However, all the other features are pretty cool (i.e. crash alerts, engine health and vehicle geo-location) and it is definitely a data heaven for nerds like me.</p>
<p>Very cool. Looking forward to seeing screen grabs of that data.</p>
<p>Here is the recap of my first week. More screenshots will be posted with the full review.</p>
<p>I’ve had Automatic for just over six months. The data is <em>beautifully</em> aggregated, but the scope of the data is limited. The features range from helpful to redundant (overlapping with the MINI’s onboard data), but the current feature set is also limited. So much so that I pretty much stopped looking at the App after the first month I had it installed.</p>
<p>Overall, I would say the most valuable feature to me will be having the code reader on hand if and when my MINI throws a code. If a scan tool is something you’ve been considering, I’d say choose Automatic as the device itself offers an interesting experience – possibly the best in the category – and the capabilities should continue to expand over time.</p>
<p>The IFTTT integration is another reason to check out Automatic if you’re into that sort of thing. Also check out Automatic.com’s community for a really good source of information about the device. You find tons of staff interaction, Q&A and information about feature requests.</p>
<p>Thanks for your feedback Matthew. Checking what’s on Automatic’s Community is definitely part of my review plan.</p>
<p>I’ve had the Automatic since the launch. My MINI driving coworker and I joke that the lower score the better. You are having more fun that way. The beep for aggressive acceleration is like getting a coin. ;)</p>
<p>We’re on the same page :)</p>
<p>How does it work for an R50/53 with that wacky flip down OBD port? Any way to get it to stay in the up position with the Automatic dongle plugged in?</p>
<p>I haven’t tested it but I’m sure it works fine since the video above was shot with a R50. Bear in mind that Automatic works only in the US with any car sold since 1996. You can check you car’s compatibility here: <a href="https://www.automatic.com/cars/" rel="nofollow ugc">https://www.automatic.com/cars/</a></p>
<p>I’m sure it will plug in, but since the R53 OBD port has a 3 inch door that flips down and hangs down and the port itself faces toward the floorboard, it will be a bit of an issue to drive with it in all the time.</p>