61 replies to this topic

[Juju]

No. He does. Really. here.

[Paul Wiginton]

Bless him, he cant help being a *melon*

Paul

[Marky Tizz]

I agree it is about time ENGLAND was dragged into the 20th Century, they could start with
(a) Fully adopting the metric system.
(b) Driving on the other side of the road.
© Sort out the timing system so that you multiply by 100 and not 60.
(d) Get all the decent Britsh architects back here.

Bell end much?

[mini-obsessive]

This saddens me greatly... i have just emailed the column though giving him my thoughts on his comments.. doubt its something that could be published though hahaha!

[Ethel]

Well, appreciation of the Mini does get in to your bones and as automative experiences go driving one is a close as you can get to the means of transmission.

[Sleepy Stu]

Im going to rock the boat here and say that i actually agree with Clarkson. In Britain we do cling insanly to things that are outdated just because they were good many moons ago and we feel they are part of our heritage.

Now dont get me wrong I live my mini and wouldnt change it for anything else but, Clarkson is right. Rover didnt update and didnt modernise it. Yes they made some changes along the way but nothing amazingly fundamental and when it had got so far behind everything else, that even its nostalgic value couldnt save it, it died. Not really surprising.

Then in come BMW who drag the mini into the 21st century and implement the changes needed and heh presto minis are selling again by the bucket load and making a profit.

[mini-obsessive]

My comment that i posted on the site has been published.. with that in mind i think enough said

[benmini]

Im going to rock the boat here and say that i actually agree with Clarkson. In Britain we do cling insanly to things that are outdated just because they were good many moons ago and we feel they are part of our heritage.

Now dont get me wrong I live my mini and wouldnt change it for anything else but, Clarkson is right. Rover didnt update and didnt modernise it. Yes they made some changes along the way but nothing amazingly fundamental and when it had got so far behind everything else, that even its nostalgic value couldnt save it, it died. Not really surprising.

Then in come BMW who drag the mini into the 21st century and implement the changes needed and heh presto minis are selling again by the bucket load and making a profit.

I heard somewhere or from someone that Rover designed the New Mini because something needed to be done because of safety laws on new cars, but they did not have the money to put it into production.

[yorkshirechris]

"dewy-eyed fools "

<-- is all I have to say on the matter.

That, and he's probably angry because he can't fit his massive head into a Mini and drive it to it's full potential.

[paulrockliffe]

Im going to rock the boat here and say that i actually agree with Clarkson. In Britain we do cling insanly to things that are outdated just because they were good many moons ago and we feel they are part of our heritage.

Now dont get me wrong I live my mini and wouldnt change it for anything else but, Clarkson is right. Rover didnt update and didnt modernise it. Yes they made some changes along the way but nothing amazingly fundamental and when it had got so far behind everything else, that even its nostalgic value couldnt save it, it died. Not really surprising.

Then in come BMW who drag the mini into the 21st century and implement the changes needed and heh presto minis are selling again by the bucket load and making a profit.

Can't disagree with that, but if BMW had made a two seater replica (looks and size) of the original then I'd be much happier!

[benmini]

he contradicts himself

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[mab01uk]

Im going to rock the boat here and say that i actually agree with Clarkson. In Britain we do cling insanly to things that are outdated just because they were good many moons ago and we feel they are part of our heritage.

Now dont get me wrong I live my mini and wouldnt change it for anything else but, Clarkson is right. Rover didnt update and didnt modernise it. Yes they made some changes along the way but nothing amazingly fundamental and when it had got so far behind everything else, that even its nostalgic value couldnt save it, it died. Not really surprising.

Then in come BMW who drag the mini into the 21st century and implement the changes needed and heh presto minis are selling again by the bucket load and making a profit.

I heard somewhere or from someone that Rover designed the New Mini because something needed to be done because of safety laws on new cars, but they did not have the money to put it into production.

BMW provided the money and Rover engineers designed most of it at Gaydon before the split.............see Link here for video and details:-

http://www.theminifo...showtopic=51737

[mab01uk]

Can't disagree with that, but if BMW had made a two seater replica (looks and size) of the original then I'd be much happier!

How about this new MINI Speedster coming 2011?

http://www.autoexpre..._speedster.html

http://www.thesun.co...icle2405460.ece

"The MINI Speedster will be the sportiest, most thrilling model in the range – so only the highest-powered turbocharged engines from the current line-up will make the grade.
Customers will be able to choose between the 175bhp 1.6-litre Cooper S powerplant or, for even more pace, a John Cooper Works version offering 208bhp. The latter is set to cover 0-60mph in six seconds dead, on the way to a 150mph top speed. Both models will feature EfficientDynamics to boost economy and cut emissions.
As with the current hatch, Convertible and Clubman, power will be channelled to the front wheels via a six-speed manual box – delivering MINI’s trademark go-kart feel. And thanks to a lighter kerbweight, plus lowered suspension and a wider front and rear track, the Speedster promises to be the best-handling version of the MINI to date."

[Ouster]

"delivering MINI’s trademark go-kart feel."

Felt like a limp dog when I drove one round Donington! "Oh, I'm understeering without realising it"

[erica]

No. He does. Really. here.

...my mini doesn't give me boils on my bits!