The same, but different

My Q5 is in for service currently, to get the keyless entry system working again, addressing a couple of service bulletins, and hopefully eliminating a rattle from the back of the car, and so I’m driving … a Q5! But this Q5 is not the “prestige” spec, so doesn’t have the B&O sound system, or navigation – and it does show in the interior with lower quality displays and poorer sound (though really that’s a good thing; it’s nice to know I got something for the extra money I paid!)


All the stereo / display controls are crammed together above the heating controls, leaving a lot of empty space around the shifter – compare my Q5 picture (left) with the rental:


The main display, in the center of the car, is smaller – and updates noticeably slower when for example scrolling through the Sirius radio channels; more noticeable still is the small display between the dials, with this rental Q5 having a single red color display with much bigger pixels (or less aliasing); it just looks lower quality!

Other differences include the speed-volume compensation (which is apparently randomly too loud in this rental Q5) and, strangely, much lighter steering – I definitely prefer my Q5 ๐Ÿ™‚

MINIsOnTop 2010

This year MINIsOnTop has a new organizational crew, so expect some exciting changes – the first, announced today, is that when registration opens soon, it will be “online”; no more printing and mailing of forms!
Donโ€™t fret โ€“ MINIsOnTop is happening again this year! Weโ€™re just moving a bit slower than our predecessors Ian, Theo and Michael did.
Registration will be online this year and will open soon. As always, it will be first-come, first-served. We recommend signing up for the MOT announcements list so youโ€™ll be notified when it opens.
After rave reviews last year, the Attitash Grand Summit Hotel will be our base hotel again this year. The Attitash is a luxury resort, centrally located in Bartlett, NH between the Kancamagus Highway and the Mount Washington Auto Road. Please call (800) 233-7699 to book your room and be sure to ask for the MINIsOnTop special rate! Please note: the special rate is not available for booking online.

Personally, I haven’t figured what to do with MINIsOnTop this year, as GPMINI will likely remain in Florida, and showing up in an “SUV” Q5 might be un-popular ๐Ÿ˜‰