leonski

can anyone tell me what the new mini chassis is based on? i remember someone telling me ages ago that it is basically a golf but that doesnt seem right as bmw has nothing to do with vag group. are they getting mixed up maybe with new beetle? the reason i ask is that my sister is looking at getting one as a second car and she asked my advice. cheers leon.

Chelspeed

It's got the 3 series multi link rear suspension I'm told. So more likely it's based on the 3 series chassis. Perhaps the ridiculous compact, the "I'm-an-arrogant-****-so-I-want-a-BM-but-can't-afford-a-real-one" model.

We've got a Cooper-S. It handles really well at the limited speeds I'm allowed to drive it. Ride is surprisingly hard, particularly for what to my mind is primarily aimed at the fashionable girly type of market (and nothing wrong with that).

I'm told that a lot of the hard ride comes form the stiff sidewalls on the 17inch wheels with run flat tyres. Apparently a nicer ride on the 16inch but the 17inchers come as part of the extras pack (Chilli pack on S models) which is virtually compulsory for decent resale values.

Nice car.

leonski

ta mate