Some of the details look nice like the above mentioned logo in the tail lights.

Yes, was the first time I noticed those. In contrast to some of the other logo design-cues, this one is actually subtle enough for me to like.

I just wish the scoop was functional or not there. Well, it will give the aftermarket something to ‘investigate’.

This seems to be characteristic of the entire design of the R56: form over function.

ugg…don’t like those gills

This is possibly my biggest gripe of the new model. They are too big. You should see the side indicators in person, they are huge.

It’s like someone said above:

Exterior styling wise overall the “S” appears to be a caricature of the current R53

Contrary to what this poster is saying right after this quote, I feel the same is true for the Cooper. Everything has gotten just a little too big. The center speedo has gone from a bold design detail (remember, we did think it too was “rather big” way back in 2000 – it was much more prominent then it ever was on the classic Mini) to just plain ridiculous (which might be OK if the thing itself was well designed, but it doesn’t look nice either, with the integrated stereo controls), the black trim around the bottom of the car has become too wide, as have the side “vents” (do I see in one of those pictures they’re not even open anymore on the Cooper?), the number plate lighting on the back, the tail lights.

I still don’t like the center stack, maybe if the silver was replaced by the same shade of black as the rest of the stack it’s bareable.

Those wheels are uninspiring. (the 8 spoked ones make the S-lites look good)

Absolutely. Although I actually am a fan of the look of the S-Lites (S-Spokes over here in Europe), I can’t understand why they have ditched them in favour of these Crown Spokes. Maybe weight, but surely if that’s the case they could have made an S-Lite with the same weight. However, I fear they did it because the S-Spokes with its wheel nuts in plain sight just didn’t look sophisticated enough. To me, it’s another example of the form over function mentality that seems to have been the center theme when designing the R56.

You can also really tell where BMW has saved a few bucks here and there. Seats, Plastics, etc. I like some of the exterior details on the S like the chromed grill surrounds but the side vents look cheap to me. They lack the special details that made the current mini special.

That center stack looks really cheap though. Those close up shots make it look like there is a center plastic panel which goes between those side pieces. Seems as if you could just pop it off or damage it quite easily.

The front…egh. From some angles it looks cool, like a ’60s Volvo. But generally it’s like someone came and squished the front. The integrated headlamp/turn signals also really bother me. I expect that on a Lexus or something.

The design of the whole car confuses me. I’m seeing a lot of “bling” details that seem more inspired by rice rockets than Mini heritage. But then there’s an equal number of details, especially on the interior, that are very inspired by sedate BMW design. I noticed that especially the glovebox and the shifter are very BMW. Where’d my aluminum-topped shifter go? Even the center console, although not a direct cop from BMW, seems to convey that brand’s sensibilities. The seats, especially the headrests, look far too generic and lifeless.

Of course, seeing one in person will be a different matter. But right now, I’m left with very mixed feelings. Will my Cooper S be the last one I own? Time will tell.

Given that those wires were not present on the cars photographed at the press reveal/drive earlier in the month, my bet would be they are to help provide power to the car during the auto show and are not production spec.

too many unattended Loooong wirings/tubings in the engine bay near the wipers too…esp the ones that are blue…it really stands out…messy…sigh…

Love my R53 still…but its just me…heehee…

Happy Motoring people!

I also notice the bonnet release lever is now on the driver’s side. Interesting little change.

I’m trying to stay open-minded about some of the changes. (I’m still not sure what I think about the new console controls.) I agree that I need to see it in person – but I think I like it overall.

I didn’t see any photos of the new gas cap. Nor any good ones of the new C-pillar. I know we had some “spy shots” a while back, but I was hoping for another look.

The inside is growing on me. I really want to see one in person.

Whether we like the next MINI or not, this is it folks. If you want to replace your current R50/53 MINI with a new R56, this will be your only choice.

I can’t wait to see the Clubman. After the warranty expires on my ’05 MCS (March 2009) I hope that MINI by then offers a full factory JCW MCS, complete with DSG and AWD.

Did they cut something off and make it wear a dress? LOL!! ;-)

With the current model, it’s obvious that they designed the Cooper first, then ‘butched’ it up for the Cooper S.

With the next gen model, it seems to me that they designed the Cooper S first, then ‘de-masculinized’ it for the Cooper.

Why do I think this? It’s because with next-gen Cooper looks a bit disparate. The current Cooper has always had a distinct personality from the Cooper S, the next-gen Cooper looks more like a toned down version of the next-gen Cooper S. The bigger foglights and lower grill seem to ask for a more aggressive facade, which the Cooper S meets, but goes against what I feel the Cooper should be.

Am I making any sense whatsoever? :-)

The glove box worries me. Do the contents sit on the door?

That’s what everyone seems to think. It meshes well with the image posted previously on MotoringFile. Hopefully that cover will be coming off soon.