Hello all,

Name is Steve, and I'm just about to place an order for a new Cooper S. Unfortunately I wrote off my '55 Focus ST in May - not a major crash, but one of those things where it was engine damage and left it in a state of "not viable to repair"....

So, I had a demo Cooper S for the weekend, took it to Bristol to see my boy and I think I'm hooked. I was thinking about red, but I've gone with black, to the following spec:

Chilli Pack
Seats in black/black
Multifunction Steering Wheel
Ltd Slip Differential
Centre Arm Rest
Colour Line Dark Grey
Interior Trim Piano Black
The 17" Crown Spoke Alloys are finished in black also.

Obviously I've taken the TLC pack, I can't understand why anybody wouldn't.

Have I missed anything obvious ?

I'm working out finances this week and plan to order this weekend for a Sept 1 delivery.

Regards,
Steve

Hello and welcome to MCUK That's a great spec... You'll find it hard to wait until September... Why not try and get to one of our meets? You don't need to drive a Mini to join in... Hope you enjoy your stay...

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Black and blue all over
Full Aero Kit, Black II Tailgate release/Scoop, Orciari scuttle scoops, Dechromed Beltline, A-Panels, Door Handles in Black II, Black Fascia in Black II, Headlight rings and Aero grill surround in Hyper Blue, Stubby aerial, JCW CF Dash and Gearknob, JCW Sparcos and rear bench, GTT Strut Brace, 15% Reduced Pulley, Borla Race Catback, Janspeed Manifold, GP Intercooler, Newman Cam, 550cc Injectors, Colder plugs, Mynes Tune, Dave F Hybrid Airbox, KW V1 Coilovers, r56 Brakes

Hiya Steve, sorry to hear about the Focus, pleased to hear about the Cooper S and that you have found our forum.

Take a look at the Visibility Pack you would have probably had a quick clear windscreen on the Focus and already know how handy they are!

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Welcome to MCUK ~ how did you find us?

Out of interest, how did your old ST compares to the test drive in the MCS?

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To Get ~ JCW AeroKit Front Bumper and Side Skirts, JCW GP Rear Bumper Trims, Aero Grill, 11% or 15% Reduction Pulley & Janspeed Manifold

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Hmm, that's a question.... I miss the power ! The torque (over 300 ft/lbs) but I won't miss the fuel bill or the turning circle

Seriously, the ST was a great car, fast competent, not too much torque steer, and so comfortable. The MCS is fun, no doubt about that. I was a bit surprised with how well it did some overtakes along the A4 on Sunday coming back from Bristol.

I think I haven't driven the MCS enough to really compare, but the ST took us to the Alps, the Vosges, Belgium and a few UK destinations too, and I got very used to the comfort levels that the ST3 provided. It was a real drinker though, 23mpg was not uncommon, and a spirited drive through the back lanes of Buckinghamshire could easily end up in sub 20 MPG Best I did was just over 300 miles between tanks, not great when you're touring.

Now I'm back working in the City full time the Mini will be a weekender and tourer (I already have 3 trips sorted for Sept & Oct!!)

Looking forward to meeting a few of you too.

Steve

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Steve, AKA "The Jelster"
Looking forward to the fuel bill after running a 270 BHP Focus ST !!

I'd be interested how you'd compare them over time. My cousin has a standard ST and his dad who's a bit of a Ford / RS fan having owned several Cossie's an RS2000 and an RS200 thinks an MCS is a bit of a kinder-surprise toy in comparison. Although I know the ST is faster than an MCS. I reckon (from experience) that there isn't too much when on the twisty-turney's comparing to a standard ST.

You should defo get involved with the meets and also the club runs - it's a good laugh!

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Have Got ~ PlayMINI Exhaust, Dave.F Hybrid Air Filter, Custom BBR I/C Intake, Paul Martin & AndyH Detail, KW 35mm Lowering Springs
To Get ~ JCW AeroKit Front Bumper and Side Skirts, JCW GP Rear Bumper Trims, Aero Grill, 11% or 15% Reduction Pulley & Janspeed Manifold

~ MCUK Club Secretary ~
Contact me with your membership needs.

Hello and welcome to MCUK, bet you will be counting the weeks and days to your delivery.

The S is a fantastic car, glad your enjoying it. I'm just coming up to my first year and 12,000 miles of owning my 3rd MINI. The twelve months have also seen Gap in the Alps, Alsace with the club last month, and also a quick trip to the north west of France. As for economy, I managed 432 miles on a tank back from Alsace with most of the driving near 80 mph. Could ask for more frugal fun to be honest

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Hey Steve, welcome to MCUK. As Joe says, you don't need a MINI to come along to a meet. I don't even own a MINI, my other half (Mr Cooper) does though. They haven't held it against me for owning a Clio though! Get yourself along to a meet though, you'll love all of the guys and gals cars. Loads of fun!

The focus is a great car, but the Mini is much classier looking IMO. Welcome to the club!

Welcome to MCUK Sounds like your car is going to be very nice ! Take a good look at the options as there are some things that I wish mine had but is very expensive to retrofit - I think youve got most of the things that I would want but its always good to check again...

The mix of fun, speed and economy on the new R56s (the turbo minis) is superb IMO - you will enjoy it!!

Enjoy your stay

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Stock - although still tempted by a Janspeed, light wheels, R56 S brakes, and a GRS IC...