[Big G]

All,

I've only driven the manual MCS (which was great), but since my commute to work is fairly stop start, O would like the comfort of the autobox with the option of manual paddle shift if required (I had an s-tronic TT briefly, and it was great). The videos of the auto look good and the exhaust "burp" is exciting too, but I've read a couple of reviews that advise to stay away from the auto?

From here - http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/291730/mini_cooper_s_review_price_and_specs.html

"Avoid the automatic gearbox, though. It’s slow to respond to manual over-rides and defaults to changing up as soon as possible in ‘Drive’, or trying to buzz the engine if switched to ‘Sport’. The manual box is definitely the one to have."

Certainly sounds quick enough to me on the following vids:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVtjngI5v44

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZoqu90OknQ

Also, the 0-60 time is quicker than the manual, so it can't be that slow to respond?

Help a bro out with a decision!

 

[lawrothegreat]

It's a much improved version of the automatic transmission that was used in the second generation, however it is worth noting that an 8 or 9 speed is likely to become available in the next eighteen months. From a purist perspective one could argue that a manual is more fun than an auto, but if you previously driven automatics and are considering this again on the basis of stop start traffic, then it sounds like that would be a good direction to go. Several on here have praised the auto box and you have the performance and economy benefits.

 

[Hat]

I was in a very similar place and was lucky enough to get to test drive both a manual and auto S. My overall impression is that the auto box takes absolutely none of the fun and excitement out of driving the car. You have the best of both worlds in effect; full auto or semi auto with the paddles, plus sport mode which does a great job of holding onto the revs and maximising the engine torque. This is in addition to the sport mode for the overall ride, giving you sport-sport mode! The auto also gets the JCW steering wheel with red stitching and matching gear lever gaitor as standard. The S gets a slightly improved mapping to the Cooper auto as well. And you get 'launch control'

After trying both, and being faced with that daily stop-start commute, ive ordered the auto

 

[olires]

The guy on the factory tour mentioned a "ZF" automatic gearbox. I have no idea what that means!

 

[lawrothegreat]

ZF is a manufacturer of transmissions. I understood the current auto is supplied by Aisin, the next 8/9 speed auto will be ZF sourced.

 

[JCinSyd]

I really liked the auto in the test drive

 

[ZeH]

Automatic!

Automatic for sure! I've the F56 MCS and the automatic gearbox is pretty fantastic: fast, smart, uses GPS to shift down when approaching bends or roundabouts. No need for manual at all. Period. I've also a Mercedes E350 Bluetec with the new 9G-tronic, and I prefer the 6 speed of my MCS, by far. Really surprising.

 

[Hat]

Automatic for sure! I've the F56 MCS and the automatic gearbox is pretty fantastic: fast, smart, uses GPS to shift down when approaching bends or roundabouts. No need for manual at all. Period. I've also a Mercedes E350 Bluetec with the new 9G-tronic, and I prefer the 6 speed of my MCS, by far. Really surprising.

Worth pointing out the GPS trick only works if you have sat nav

 

[Kiwi]

Manual for sure unless mini changes to BMW's 8 speed which is fantastic in sports mode.

 

[MintMark]

I think with automatic you get the coasting function in the green driving mode... it sounds like it automatically decouples the engine from the wheels if you're not changing speed.

Just from reading the brochure...

 

[Hat]

Yes i remember reading that mark. Also the stop start actually works a bit better for me as it operates as soon as you come to rest with your foot on the brake, which is standard auto procedure, rather than the manual where you have to choose to put the car in neutral. Lift off the brake and it restarts which is faster than having to depress thr clutch and select a gear

 

[subguy658]

Tried both, liked the auto

I test drove both and ended up with the auto. I understand the "purist driver" and why they swear by manual transmissions, but in traffic having to constantly shift.... I was asking myself, "Why I am I doing this to myself? To impress a purist?" The auto kicks butt and in sport mode even more so. Plus, I can still drive with a hamburger in one hand and an ice cream cone in he other.

 

[patch]

tsk tsk, you shouldn't eat sugar and fat at the same time.

I test drove both and ended up with the auto. I understand the "purist driver" and why they swear by manual transmissions, but in traffic having to constantly shift.... I was asking myself, "Why I am I doing this to myself? To impress a purist?" The auto kicks butt and in sport mode even more so. Plus, I can still drive with a hamburger in one hand and an ice cream cone in he other.

 

[sunspot72]

I went with the Auto (which was what I also had in the previous Mini) and it is vastly improved. It is a belter of a car. Still trying to work out if the engine sound is a bit rumbly on even light acceleration, i.e.: just the sound of the new engine. I might be overthinking it though.

 

[Matt]

Manual box for me every time... if i want to coast i simply put the car into neutral, its really not that hard.

The stop start feature... i like the ability to keep the engine running if i know the lights are on a quick change... seems little point letting the engine stop for 10 seconds, for it to have to start up again. Wondering what the longevity will be like on the starter motors these days with all this stop starting?

also like the ability to change gear and maintain full control of the car (ie driving the car round a bend and not coasting), never been a fan of auto boxes, apart from the dsg style.. with twin clutch, with these there seems to be a bit more connection between you, the engine and the road.

what really bugs me is why launch control is only available on auto, would be a handy feature on manual boxes too... where you are able to floor the accelerator pedal, the ecu maintains revs (at max torque/power)... while you drop the clutch. My focus ST had this and it was a blast on the track.

i guess with stop start commutes why have a mini... id use a smart car and keep the manual box mini for the open twisty turny roads

 

[Hat]

Each to their own, which is why there is the option to choose, but i wouldnt criticise someones decision because it doesnt match mine. Stop start is tried and tested technology, it reduces emissions and improves efficiency. Starter circuits are designed to manage this technology. Again there is the option to turn it off if its not to your liking.

Deliberately coasting in neutral is illegal btw

 

[MintMark]

Each to their own, which is why there is the option to choose, but i wouldnt criticise someones decision because it doesnt match mine. Stop start is tried and tested technology, it reduces emissions and improves efficiency. Starter circuits are designed to manage this technology. Again there is the option to turn it off if its not to your liking.

Deliberately coasting in neutral is illegal btw

I've heard people say that coasting is illegal too but I don't know if it's true. If it was, why would the automatic minis do it automatically?

In the pdf owner's guide it says not to coast down hills becuse you miss out on engine braking... you probably need the energy recovery to keep the battery topped up so that next time the mini stops the engine you have a chance of starting it again

 

[Hat]

Im not sure how mini are getting around that. maybe because the car is technically still in gear, it actually decouples the engine and driveshaft?

Edit a quick google suggests it is not illegal in itself but could be construed as a driver not having full control of the car. Its questionable as to whether it saves fuel also, although im sure the mini system takes this into consideration

 

[MintMark]

It sounds just as you suggested... you're still in position D but the engine is decoupled and idling. This carries on until you brake or accelerate.

There's a whole section on it in the owner's guide. Mini seem to encourage it... the car keeps track of how far you've gone while coasting and that imroves your minimalism rating.

It also tots up how much energy you recover from braking (not sure if that's engine braking or the brake pedal... anyone?)

 

[Iznik]

I don't think you recover any energy using the brakes; just engine braking (and alternator-as-generator).