Next Generation MINI Interior Revealed

Sections: MF Feature | R56 (Hatch) Mar 17th, 2005 83 Comments

mini

Welcome inside the next MINI. The photo above (courtesy of AutoExpress) gives us a very rough look at what MINI is planning for the R56 (in optional Nav. trim at least). But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves yet. AutoExpress doesn’t have the market cornered on MINI scoops. We’ve been working on one of our own lately and this article represents the first portion of what we’ve got coming in the next few days. So sit back, grab a cold beverage (or a hot one), and read on…

If there was one area that MINI definitely needed improvement (except maybe that iron block and single cam under the hood), it’s the interior. Specifically, I’m referring to the quality of materials and the general use of space within the cabin. Our sources indicate that MINI designers have responded with a thoroughly rethought interior. What they’ve done is keep the overall layout the same, but alter (at times radically) some proportions of various pieces. That means the general design language will stay vaguely the same. However, designers have had free reign to solve a few of the current interior’s shortcomings.

First off, the speedometer will grow in size to house a few other gauges and a larger digital display. On cars without the Navigation option (not shown in the above photo), that display will be a larger, two line version of what you see on your radio head-unit today. The speedometer in the non-navigation equipped MINI will continue to have a silver backer, the same as in the current car. In contrast, MINIs equipped with the navigation option (As shown above) will sport a large LCD screen located within the center speedometer. Speaking of that navigation system, don’t be surprised to see the new and improved version of iDrive bundled with the nav option on the next MINI (again similar to the 1 and 3 series BMWs).

The center stack will be slightly narrower and tapered (from back to front) for added knee and legroom. Below that larger speedometer will be the standard array of components, including a CD drive and controls (with no display as it will be within the speedo), heating and cooling controls with a high quality finish and a simplified toggle switch area. Where the current car is black, look for the new MINI to feature a silver finish. We can expect the climate control and stereo components to function a bit more like they do in the new 1 series and 3 series. As seen in the photo above, the auto climate controls will retain some of the current, old-school Mini logo inspired design.

Toggle switches will remain in the new car, but will change somewhat in functionality. They will also slightly grow in size. A few toggle switches may also move up near the rearview mirror. Directly under the lower toggle switches are the familiar cup holders. Only this time we are told they have been designed to fit more than a can of soda.

For all those concerned about the placement of the tachometer, don’t worry. It will stay in its current location just behind the steering wheel on all versions of the car.

In another sign of BMW influence, the next MINI may feature an ignition system similar to the new 1 and 3 series BMWs. These are essentially push-button systems that rely on a “key-fob” as opposed to a typical metal key.

On the wireless technology front, the Next MINI will also feature much better bluetooth integration that will come installed from the factory. The display will most likely be integrated into the multi-purpose display within the speedometer.

The steering wheel (not shown in the photo) is a two-spoke design that is actually more similar in shape to the version on the 2002-03 MINI than the current 3-spoke wheel. It does, however, share a similar center horn area to what is in the current 2005 MINI.

The side mirror controls will move from their current location to something a bit more typical on the driver side door. And speaking of those doors, the overall design will become a bit more stylized and, from the looks of the photos we’ve seen, less useful in terms of storage.

Look for more BMW-like seat controls, including a more intuitive mechanism to move the seat forward for rear access (similar to the 3 series coupe).

While back seat space will grow by a few millimeters, the overall look will remain largely unchanged. Improved plastics in the rear of the car will give rear occupants a much nicer environment however.

The boot will be very similar in size to the current car’s, but will add a few small but useful features. Since the battery will be moving near the engine (where it is currently on the Cooper), there will be a shallow storage area under the floor (potentially similar to what is found in the current 3 series wagon). Further, the boot lid itself may feature a small amount of storage for umbrellas and the like.

In the end, I think many people will be a bit shocked at the amount of change MINI was willing to make to the interior of the car. While they kept much of the general shape the same, many elements have changed drastically. Personally, my initial thoughts were of surprise. Although I have to say that I’m quickly warming up to many of the changes (and hoping others still have time to be massaged a bit).

It’s my guess, however, that many people will initially respond negatively to some of these changes. To that I say it’s important to keep in mind that there may still be a few alterations here and there before production. Also, keep in mind that there was initially quite a bit of negative reaction to the current MINI when it was first shown in the late 90′s. We all know how that turned out!

I had originally planned on releasing this information as part of a large article on the next MINI this weekend. However, with the release of the AutoExpress story on the new MINI’s interior I felt I had to post at least this portion today. Expect a full report on the next MINI, including exterior styling and engine range information, in the next several days.

Images

Written By: Gabe

http://www.matthewgifford.com/ Matt

When Gabe first showed me these pictures, I wrote back:

It was fun while it lasted.

I have to admit that it’s growing on me a little, though. There’s an older, more charming feel to the new design that the current one lacks. Still, it needs a lot of refining.
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

I’d like to see that center stack refined a bit. I wish we had a better image of a non-navigation unit. From the info I’ve seen I think that would look a bit more similar to what everyone is used to.

BTW a huge huge thanks to the sources used for this story. I’ve been working with a few people on this information for what seems like quite awhile now and it’s great to finally see it posted. Like I said above I had wanted to post it together with all the other information coming in the larger article however with AutoExpress posting their story I felt like I might as well put up what I had.
http://www.matthewgifford.com/ Matt

Definitely. I was about to add something about the center stack to my first comment.
TooLShack

So it’s different, but not that drastic. I just hope they use a higher quality plastic, and keep the option to have the dash the same color of the body.
http://motoringfile.com Gabe
A couple things I didn’t add in the article (consider this the MotoringFile back page):
- There’s a thin red light that is on the backside edge of the tach (not visable in this photo) – could this be for some type of HU display?
- There’s a row of buttons just above the shifter. One has the word Sport. Could this be a similar function to the sport button found on the BMW Z4?
- The heated seat controls stay in the general area as they are currently.
johnsocal

I hold back judgement until I see the final product , but I’m no fan of integrating all funtions of the headunit into the dash.
Kad

Gabe – The red light seems to be the hazzard lights button.

Btw, i want one of these alreadt. 2007?
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

The red light I’m referring to is behind the tachometer and not visable in the photo. I can’t imagine how it could be a hazzard light button.
Paul

What about all those who enjoy putting difference ICE in? That console doesn’t look to inviting from that point of view…

It does look cool though – although the plastics must be right – it could really be let down if BMW aren’t careful.
mataku527

changes don’t seem to drastic as many have said, but the changes are definitely numerous. I really like the interior of the current MINI, besides the cheap plastic part.

A few things though, I also do not like all the integration into the speedo, seems like it’ll just be too cluttered.

Second, i’m not sure why the toggle switches were made to be larger, IMO, they are pretty large already.

With the cup holders, another problem was that a conventional soft drink from a restaurant would run into the switches and such, hopefully they accounted for that, although it doesn’t matter much since drinks shouldn’t be allowed in the car anyways.

Also the door panels look really odd to me, definitely less useful as Gabe has mentioned.

One good thing, the new ignition system is definitely a plus. As well as the extra compartments in the boot.

all in all, can’t wait to see the new MINI’s
Pocket_Rocket

Perhaps the red circle is a boost guage? I think Paris Hilton could state it best if so… “Thats Hot”
dgszweda

This really changes the style of the interior. I really like the current style, even with it’s drawbacks. I like the fact that the Mini isn’t refined and it is unique. Mini appears to be bringing it more inline with the 3-Series or Z4 style. While I know the complaints, I am not sure what the need is to make the changes. They still sell more than they produce, so it can’t be market demands. The ’07 is quite a change. Do all these changes make the car better? Sure, a lot of them do, but in my opinion, it is starting to morph from a uniquely styled, quirky Mini, into a car that is fitting into a BMW corporate look and feel.

I like the fact that the Mini was the odd bunch for BMW. I like that I can sit around in an iron block, non techy engine and still blow the doors off of the Honda mega-overhead cam, super fancy engines. I like sitting at the gas station and telling people who ask me that is has a supercharger in it. A lot of people say the look and feel of the current car will be retained, and that they will reserve judgement when they see it. I say there is no way the look and feel will be the same. After 2006, the original feel will be lost. It has to. Sure it may still be a hatchback, that is quick and handles well, but it won’t be the same. The innocence has been lost. And corporate manipulation has set in. I am not spelling the demise of the Mini. I am sure it will be successful, but it won’t be the same.
http://telly.bravo5.org/blojsom/blog blalor

Holy write-up, Batman! Nice job, Gabe.

Some thoughts: Bigger speedo? Gawd. The current one is big enough and the one in this picture is really overwhelming.

As someone already stated, I don’t like having the radio display integrated with the other electronics in the car. I guess it makes sense from an integration and simplicity standpoint, but then you’re basically stuck with what the manufacturer gives you (or bends you over the counter for, in the case of the high-end options). As it is, you’re either stuck with the stock head-unit if you want to use the MFSW buttons, or you have to kludge something together. It’s a tough balance between usability and integration with the car and upgradability.

I still remember my mom’s first Honda Accord back in the ’80s that came without ANY radio; there was a blank in the dash which you could put anything you wanted into.

I do like the look of the new console, especially the more-usable (perhaps) cup-holders and what looks to be a clock.

I’m concerned about the MINI remaining a low-cost premium car. At least that’s how I feel about it… All this other glitz and electronics takes away from the less-is-more design of the original Mini which MINI’s done a good job with. I like being able to get a performant vehicle with gobs of options for $25k. I fear that the base prices will be hiked several grand…

I like the new doors; very hot-rod. I hope, however, that, with all the changes to the dash and doors, we don’t lose the sleek, bold look that’s gripped me so. I’ve ordered my MCS in Chili Red/Black with the black/red leather/cloth upholstery and red dash. It looks loud and bold, without being garish or cheap-looking (well, at least I hope so!). I think some of that’s already been taken away, from what I can see of the wood on the dash.

The all-red dash reminds me of ’50s-vintage Chevys. You know, the all-metal ones that would smash your head or knock it clean off in an crash? Yeah, that one. :-)

Unfortunately, I’m bracing myself for the backlash of comments from the naysayers and doom-and-gloom types. That’s gotten really tedious, folks. Grow the ** up.
Brian

Gabe, I heard that the red light behind the tach is for the factory alarm.

Cheers, Brian
KevinR

I thoroughly dislike the entire center section, from the top of the speedometer to the bottom of what I think is the radio. The odds of me hanging onto my 2004 model get higher with each release of information about the 2007 redesign.
ajigel

There are things to like and things that aren’t that great. The stereo/AC/Toggle switch area seems a little weird. Everything else sticks with the retro ideas, but this seems like one of the designers went overboard. It definitely looks like a concept model over a production model.

The rest is pretty good. The idea of increasing the size of the speedo to fit other gauges is pretty cool. Yeah, its big enough, but the idea that you have the tac and speedo, and nothing else is something I love about my car, and one of the things I don’t like about the setup with the navigation system.

Either way, we all know there’ll be some revisions, and that its hard to judge until the materials become a bit more clear. I’m holding off final judgements until I see the final product in person (really, can anyone fully appreciate a Mini until they’ve sat in one? Pictures don’t always do it justice), and looking forward to this with cautious optimism.
benjamin

I would like to see it finished, but it looks nice. I hope they dont chanage the exterior radically, and make the present design a clasic, like the past mini. But I see they are planning on doing it, so what can we do about it. It would be just another short-term consumer product, not a keeper. Here is a real challenge BMW, make it better without redoing it.
AaronNH

Overall it’s not horrible. I’d like to see a traditional stereo (something the aftermarket audio industry is fighting for). But what really bothers me is the term “i-Drive” being used in a new MINI article.. Now that’s just not right.
Rich

Well, I do think the dash looks much more like the classic Mini, which is nice. The speedo does not need to be that big. If you can read the oil pressure of the car in front of you, you know the thing is too big!

I think the center console is too empty looking. Hopefully that gets filled in more. As for the shape of it… ?, not sure yet.

Very nice write up though :).
http://www.jwardell.com/mini/ Josh Wardell

Actually I really like it. Not the look of the woodgrain but that would obviously be optional. They’ve made a bunch of good decisions. I do wish there were more toggles though. And of course iDrive is scary. :) But I REALLY like what they’ve done with the nav…the current one just doesn’t fit right.
nervous

Ya, it seems logical that the red light on the back of the tach could easily be the alarm indicator. Although, a heads-up display would be a welcomed James Bond feature.
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

An alarm sounds right. But in my mind it’ll always be a laser projected hologram :)
http://www.geocities.com/jaw0012/beetlemain.html MrV

Something that jumps out at me when I see the door is the speaker set up has changed drastically. It doesn’t look like either are as large as the current bottom speaker. (But the top speaker at the end of the door handle now) appears bigger than the current tweeter. That’s a big change. It will be interesting to hear the specs on these new speakers. I love the way the current HK sounds (I know, some will argue with me on that one).

I agree with Aaron. i-Drives are bad enough in the cars they are in. But in a MINI? The only excuse for this I can think of is that BMW signed a contract to order X number of i-drive components from the manufacturers, and they are just trying to get to that number as quickly as possible in order to get out from under that contract. I know that’s not true, but I just can’t stand the i-drive (yes, I’ve driven several cars with it).

In the end, the difference will be seeing it in person. The white door panel looks rather cool, I must say. But for gods sake BMW, lose the wood trim, it’s BMW yes, but it’s not MINI.

Can’t wait to see the back seat, not that anybody ever really sits back there in mine. The rumors of higher quality plastics have been around for the last year or so, and that part is definately much needed.
petecrosby

I like what they have done with the speedo and the fact that it stays there even with Nav. It looks like they have moved the cupholders to the rear, making them actually functional. I will miss the door pockets, though.

One other thing that jumped out at me and I don’t think anyone else mentioned it, is that they are moving the battery to the front on all models. If that is true, and even though there is mention of a small storage space in the floor of the boot, I wonder if there is going to be a spare tire on the S models. I hope so.
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

It’s my understanding that all models will continue with runflats. I would doubt we’ll see a spare, even on the Cooper.
ajigel

There isn’t a display for the stereo – Should it be assumed that this will be in the new super-sized speedo?
Steve

Having seen a Cooper mockup (w/o Nav) firsthand in a marketing survey last weekend, most of the changes described above and in the autoexpress pictures were still being considered.

The door storage is definitely diminished with the new door styling (not that I ever use it for much anyway). I do like the idea of keeping the center speedo with Nav – never did like the look of that lil’ speedo.

The cupholders were a bit bigger, but the most useful part was that they were set a bit further back from the toggles so if you have something taller than a can of soda it won’t lean into them.

I don’t recall a large light behind the tach, but there was a thin red light on the top along the seam (maybe about 4″ long). It was a model of the new tach, so I can’t be sure what it was for. I didn’t see the low washer fluid sensor on the right stalk as is on the current model.

The back seat didn’t seem much roomier, although the seat seemed to have less of an incline. While this would probably make it easier to get out – one of the survey questions was ease of entry/exit for the back seat – it seemed to take away a bit from the already sparse legroom (I’m 6′ tall).

If the opinions I gave at during the survey were of any influence, some of these changes may not come to light in the near future or may be further refined. At least one other person I talked to seemed to feel the same way.

One interesting part of the survey was a program regarding cost differences. It went through about 20 different pricing schemes for the Cooper vs S – I made sure to select the Cooper whenever the price differential was more than the current $3,000.
Michael

Hmm, well, all I can say is that it looks more British. Something about it reminds me of the Rover 75… don’t know if that’s a good thing or not. ;-)
Nicholas P

have to wait to see the final product, but i’m a fan of the way it looks now…sure it could use some minor changes (move cupholders out) and upgraded quality of parts, but this new mockup looks more like a BMW than a MINI…it just doesn’t seem to fit the MINI’s fun, go-kart, retro style…
http://www.detailingconcepts.com Matt

oh, crap! i like it. dial back some of the details, but overall i like what i think they’re shooting for.
scott

Not too shabby. Except for the integrated head unit display, I like the changes. I’ve never kept the stock stereo in any of my cars so the integrated head unit would be a drawback.

Can’t wait to see what the final results are.
Adam S

One thing that I’d hope to see is changes in the clock. I love the overhead clock, isolated from all other display elements, in my 03. I’m sadded by having it in the tach in the 05s.
phaedrus

Anyone else think this new two spoke steering wheel is downright awful? I didn’t think too highly of the pre-04 steering wheel either. Something about the way two spokes look — just doesn’t suit the small, sporty character of the MINI. A three spoke wheel would be better — perhaps something along these lines:

http://www.shopmomo.com/v635bk6c.html
http://www.lawrenceotoole.com/mini/mini.html lawrence::otoole

Gabe – first off, great article. I’m looking forward to the rest of the scoop…

After jumping over to MINI2 and checking out the pics, I’d have to say I like the look of the door panels. I never found much use for door storage, especially the way I take corners! The new stuff looks sculpted, and evolves from the current shape well. I too wonder how speaker arrangements will affect stereo sound…

I also like the cupholder and center tunnel revision. I also never really use the cupholders either (see reason stated above) but the whole sculpted look looks great, much more thought through. Let’s hope the plastic quality can back it up.

As previously stated, I too like the idea of keeping the center speedo with Nav – never did like the idea of a little speedo. Keep one big one where it is on all models – one of the trademarks of the original cars.

One thing I really didn’t like in the first generation cars is the arrangement of the climate controls in the shape of the MINI “logo”. Current cars with the auto climate controls have this treatment, but it’s somewhat subtle… not so as pictured here… making a big honking silver logo as the button arrangement seems a little gimmicky to me.

I welcome better plastics and better rear passenger environment.

Can’t wait to see what’s become of the exterior…
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

Steve – the light behind the tach I was referring to is the long thin one. Sorry for the confusion.
phaedrus

Sorry, Gabe. Forgot to make it a hyperlink:

http://www.shopmomo.com/v635bk6c.html
nfo

gabe.. so have people seen a full prototype of the next mini?? from the sound of steve’s comments it sure would seem like it!
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

Yes.
Lee Langston

I LOVE the new larger speedo. The rest is not too bad, though as far as the toggles, I would like more than we have now, not less.

I think overall I agree with the comments about integrating the radio into the car so tightly since it does out the kibosh on upgrading the head unit but of course it does make things a little sleeker which is why the designers do it.
Bart

I like the direction they are going- and I especially like integrating the nav into the round speed-o-meter ;)

I just couldn’t bring myself to order nav on my 05 MCS (though I’d like to have nav) because I strongly dislike the rectangular screen inside the circle.

I think it’s exciting!
MiniMonkey

I hate it. There is nothing good about it. As others have mentioned, it looses that retro, simple is better… look and feel. Too much BMW influence. The large speedo is crazy. The orginal classic Mini’s speedo was much smaller, and simpler. My god, the speedo is almost bigger than the steering wheel!

I had a BMW 745i, and went to an 05 Mini to get away from the push-button ignition and the iDrive. I hope they rethink all of this. Because I like having a key again.

Everything I’ve seen doesn’t fit the MINI’s fun, go-kart, retro style, classic car feel. The current Mini is refined enough. It’s unique – and it should stay that way.

One thing I would like to see, is an analog clock… just like the Mini Screen Saver clock. I love that thing… with it’s smooth, gliding second hand. I wish they would put that clock into the Mini. In fact, if a real clock was made (just like that one) for the home, I would buy at almost any price.

To me, the simple things are what makes the Mini a great car. Don’t give me a futuristic, plastic, looking and feeling car. They could make improvements, but without going overboard!
Bill Lawrence

It is evolutionary, but not so gradual that is becomes stale before the next redesign.

Overall, I like it. Overall, I am looking forward to the next MINI.
Pete in OC

I’m going to Pomona next weekend, for a marketing survey, Its a review of a future car interior. I assume this is what others have mentioned before.

I don’t like the images at all. The MINI legacy seems like it’s become a burden to the current designers, like its something that they must overcome.

The interior doesn’t look fun and friendly, like the current model.

I’m glad I bought my 05 MCS.
David

I think the new interior direction looks more grown up , but less “fun” at the same time. I fell in love with the original interior, so I’m biased in that respect.
Ed Venegas

Gabe – I doubt the thin red light you mentioned behind tach could be related to Heads Up Display (HUD). As you will remember from the way this unique technology is installed in new BMW 5 or 6 series today, the space required is just enormous. It has a large projector / glass area under the dash in front of driver which beams the info unto the windshield in very crisp resolution, regardless of sunlight. In fact, it is so space-consuming that BMW couldn’t fit into the just announced mildly redesigned 750! Unless they solved the space issues, the BMW model 7 series (the flagship of the line) will not get HUD until the ’09 total model redo. Z356
Brian

Just to end speculation on the enigmatic red light district, an anecdote. Me: “hey, where did the washer fluid indicator light go; it’s not on the end of the turn signal stalk.” Someone else: “that light has been moved to the speedometer display, and the alarm indicator has been moved from the right-hand stalk to the back side of the tachometer”.
nervous

Red Light District (con’t)… Steve (marketing survey subject w/1st hand knowledge) says “I don’t recall a large light behind the tach, but there was a thin red light on the top along the seam (maybe about 4″ long). It was a model of the new tach, so I can’t be sure what it was for.” -Let’s say/agree that there is a red light behind the tach and this is the alarm light. -Could the long thin red line of lights along the top seam of the tach be some kind of rev warning light?
nfo

i really really like the new interior… now i just really want to see the exterior a little less camouflaged than the spy shots we’ve seen!! gabe, i can’t wait for the full report!
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

To my knowledge there is only one red light. I’m assuming that it is indeed the alarm light.
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

I don’t want to get your hopes up… I don’t have any photos of the exterior other than what has been published. Just info :)

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