[g9icy]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

Do they have a good, small car, go kart style feel and direct steering, whilst also having a bit more quality and a character to them, absolutely.

I didn't get any of that from my drive of the Countryman, but I'm guessing it just isn't designed to handle that way being taller and more practical than a cooper/etc.

[boba-fett]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

the soft top was always going to be the marmite bit, and as someone who never chooses a sunroof as he doesnt open them, its a bit left field - but never had one and you dont know if you like something until you try it! To be honest, driving it yesterday it didnt feel any different to a hard top with an anthracite roof lining (which we had on the first F56) but lets see how it goes over time. Cant imagine much top down motoring in the next 3 months, but who knows...

I'm a convertible fan. Two cars in one and opens up for a completely different driving experience and mobile tanning machine!

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by Grant_7

Congratulations! That does look very smart. Be interested to see some interior shots when you get chance

However I think you need to admit the truth....it was my purchase of an (almost) 20 year old Mini that put you on track, wasn't it!?! You'll be chopping the i-Pace in for a >20yr old E39 next...

Here you go, excuse the photography, was on my way to a meeting and didnt have masses of time...

Again the new dash is a bit marmite, but I like it, definitely more modern than the old analogue and why waste space on a dial speedo when you use the digital readout...

Coped well with the cut and thrust of the M25

[KRS_SN]

I drove a clubman as a courtesy. Apart from that terrible 1.2 diesel engines clatter it was ok. Infotainment was ok not too cluttered either and some buttons and knows etc.
The mini is one of those cars which has pulled off not being stereotyped elegantly ie a wide range of owner ages types sexes etc.
Enjoy!

[un1eash]

Rarely look at the digital dash as we have HUD in the Clubman but it is a little niggle that the digital dash isn't central to the wheel.
Sorry if you hadn't noticed.

[Bryans69]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

a boot, erm.... yeah, it has a back seat!

Go on, what have you gone for...?

Don't really want to dump a full set of wet dive kit on the back seat. Didn't want to derail your thread, so will do a separate one once I've had a chance to take some photos. But nothing too exciting, and very much low budget for now

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by un1eash

Rarely look at the digital dash as we have HUD in the Clubman but it is a little niggle that the digital dash isn't central to the wheel.
Sorry if you hadn't noticed.

and now I wont be able to unnotice...

except I wont remember by the time I am back from Edinburgh (hopefully!)

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by Bryans69

Don't really want to dump a full set of wet dive kit on the back seat. Didn't want to derail your thread, so will do a separate one once I've had a chance to take some photos. But nothing too exciting, and very much low budget for now

yes I guess that does make a difference! Mine will rarely see more than a coat, a laptop bag and an occasional weekend case...

No worries about derailing, threads go where they want, that is part of the fun!

[Scoobyd]

Great choice Ian! Can't go wrong with these. Girlfriend has had a convertible Mini Cooper S from new. It's 7 years old now and you'd have to prise it out of her hands! Loves it. Manual too, which impressed me when she ordered it! I've driven it a lot and it's a hoot. The way the Mini drives is unique to most other cars I think. Enjoy!

Edited to add, I'd like to think you'll get the roof down more than you'd expect. Adds another dimension to driving. I've certainly never got tired of it after 17 years with my E46! Which reminds me, I really must update my thread from a while back with my new addition too...

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by Scoobyd

Great choice Ian! Can't go wrong with these. Girlfriend has had a convertible Mini Cooper S from new. It's 7 years old now and you'd have to prise it out of her hands! Loves it. Manual too, which impressed me when she ordered it! I've driven it a lot and it's a hoot. The way the Mini drives is unique to most other cars I think. Enjoy!

Edited to add, I'd like to think you'll get the roof down more than you'd expect. Adds another dimension to driving. I've certainly never got tired of it after 17 years with my E46! Which reminds me, I really must update my thread from a while back with my new addition too...

Cheers, I'm hoping that it will be with me for a while. And we'd spotted there was a new addition with the loaner the other day...

[Grant_7]

That's a smart looking interior, and it's nice to see the switches lined up on the centre console that's the same style as mine. Good continuity. Those seats look great too!

Originally Posted by KRS_SN

The mini is one of those cars which has pulled off not being stereotyped elegantly ie a wide range of owner ages types sexes etc.
Enjoy!

This was a big factor in buying mine (a stop-gap car); the ability to sell it to anyone rather than a certain demographic.

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

the soft top was always going to be the marmite bit, and as someone who never chooses a sunroof as he doesnt open them, its a bit left field - but never had one and you dont know if you like something until you try it! To be honest, driving it yesterday it didnt feel any different to a hard top with an anthracite roof lining (which we had on the first F56) but lets see how it goes over time. Cant imagine much top down motoring in the next 3 months, but who knows...

Winter top down is the best
Heaters on
Heated seats on
Cold air rushing overhead
Perfect 👌🏻

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Winter top down is the best
Heaters on
Heated seats on
Cold air rushing overhead
Perfect 👌🏻

Its been at home whilst I have been letting the train take the strain to bonnie Scotland this weekend so not moved let alone had the roof down. I'll try and get out in it more this weekend, but away again next weekend.... without it!

[kzg1969]

A bit late to this party.....

Only just a couple of year back and i would never have contemplated a convertible or an EV - now i (will soon) have, but the other way round from you ('vert first).

That looks a lovely little motor....may it bring you many happy miles