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SmithyInWelly

I'm ashamned

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Took my car into Winger Bimmer today for a couple of WoF related bits n bobs and they gave me a loan car. It was a (oxymoron alert) demo Mini Countryman and I'm ashamed to say I actually liked it.

1.5 litres with attached hair dryer - high riding, easy access, a bit of room (for a small car)... ok performance around town and reasonable handling too (no, it's not a track car), good connectivity, visibility, safety, economy, and a bluddy comfortable driving position with plenty of head and leg room (not that I'm a tall unit but those who are would appreciate it.

After years of derision of any Mini that isn't actually mini, I think I get it now.

Would I buy one? Well; of all the ways that immediately spring to mind of how to spend $50-odd k; of course not. But I can see why some people would. I may need an intervention.

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We popped in to Coombes Johnson in Hamilton for a chat with 'Parts' and had a browse while waiting. (Actually, I wanted to dribble on the Z4M out front.)

We also saw the 3-pot Mini. It's not a bad car, but if we were to have a 'new' Mini, it'd be the Clubman, with the side opening rear doors.

Edited by gjm
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They are more or less a X1 which I think is a great town car for alot of the same reasons the Mini is but to me the X1 is just a bit more comfortable and smoother. Minis are fun wee cars when you put them in sport mode and go for a blast

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I agree, they've sort-of got the Mini driving dynamics right, they all drive pretty well and respond reassuringly to a bit of right foot. Some of the JCW variants were really good fun.

 

 

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The most unexpected thing for me was the driving position and how comfortable it was, I've never driven anything remotely like a "crossover", only the occasional SUV and ute. The greater distance between the floor and the seat squab probably (unknowingly) put me in a better (more upright) posture.

Edited by SmithyInWelly
to right a wong
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If you want some good around town point and squirt fun you have to go a long way to beat a John Cooper Works version of the 3 Door hatch. Just like the Italian Job, although try not to drive up the pavements, the police take a pretty dim view of that kind of thing.

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2015 JCW sold (withdrawn from tm) by BMW CHCH after being listed for a day or two at $37k. it had only done 30kish kms and it was the real deal.. absolute bargain!! 

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