MINI Cooper S (F56)
Yesterday I was filled with free times so I took a drive to MINI Showroom to test drive the new MINI Cooper S that was launched not too long ago. As usual my friendly salesperson, Virginia, was there to sort out the test drive for me. I was planning to "thoroughly test" the car but was cut short due to the pouring sky after I received the key. So I just drove the car around the showroom area for no more then 10mins in a sensible manner.
MINI being MINI and having owned one, one would expect the usual from this new model. However, I got a few key points to point out. Firstly is how quiet the new 198hp turbo-charged 2.0 4 bangers is, not exactly MINI way. Second is how responsive the throttle is, an instant light tap on the pedal and you can feel the car ready to take you to the twilight zone. Third, turbo lag is almost non-existent. Fourth, even thought I didn't do much performance test, the gearbox was certainly a big step-up as it shift-up/down way way faster and smoother compare to the previous Gen! Lastly, the exhaust note is intoxicating, I was driving below 3000rpm and below 80km/hr and the exhaust note is pumping out loud pop which is very notable inside the car. In previous Gen owner would have to activate sport button to hear the "pop" note around 3000rpm range.
S model is fitted with LED DRL, Bi-Xenon, LED Fog lamps and LED Tail lamps!
S model comes standard with JCW Steering wheel, Pedal shifter, a large color LCD Central screen (upgradable to even larger 23cm LCD!"
JCW Steering Wheel, nice!
Sadly, the tacho meter is no longer located at the center console like previous two Gen's. It is now relocated next to the speedo. The fuel gauge is located on the right side. The speedo also house a small color LCD for car information
S model comes standard with Full leather interior with Alcantara insert! Sadly MINI still hasn't consider putting electronic seats in their range!!!!!!
MINI Cooper (F56)
The Blue and White is the MINI Cooper. A step down from Cooper S. It is still fitted with turbo-charged 3 cylinders engine but only 1.5. It is cheaper by $10k. Being cheaper also means less equipment. It doesn't come with LCD infortainment, no Pedal shifter, less leather and of course a less powerful engine.
A different front bumper as compared to S
Oh it also doesn't come with any LED for both front and rear lamps
See the tiny screen in the center console? Yeah, those are non-colored screen. LOL. Color screen is an option below S range.
Semi Clothed/Leathere
And lastly the best H2O I ever tasted
The bright orange S model is priced at BND64,000++ showroom, exlcusive of insurance. The standard S is actually quite equipped but of course you can personalize your own MINI by adding more accesories and equipment. Draw back on that would be waiting period and price hike. Nothing is free! If S is out of your budget maybe you can consider the non-S model or wait for MINI One that will be introduce to Brunei very soon. That is another $10k cheaper then non-S model but is fitted with puny 1.3 3 cyclinders turbo-charged!
No comments:
Post a Comment