MotoringFile R56 Review Videos & Outtakes

Sections: R56 (Hatch) | Video Feb 10th, 2007 19 Comments

During the our day with the R56 last weekend, Dave and I managed to capture a few thoughts on the car as we were experiencing them for the first time. These are unedited and at times random reactions (captured via phone) to the car that I’m guessing will be shared by many of you when you also see it and get in it the first time.

Consider them video out-takes of the review published earlier this week on MotoringFile.

Written By: Gabe

Adam

Im loving that chime when starting the car =]
http://atlantaminis.net M. Dillon

…great work,as usual,Gabe;however,do you think it’s too late to capture on video the two moon/sun roofs working on the R56?

…for me,that’s the big turn on.
O(=^=)O Capn

Wow! I am shocked at how the huge speedo doesn’t bother me like it has up until now. It doesn’t look as big as in the pictures. I will wait to hold my judgement until I see it next week.
msh441

Where are those track and autcross videos, Gabe!?!

Now I know you and Dave shot SOMTHING!

Out with it!

;)
lavardera

Did you not realize that the dash panel opened to a small storage compartment when you were commenting on the size of the gaps around the panel?
Bilbo Baggins

Well done! Keep up the great work. It is a real shame that you are being forced to travel and test these cars under some of the most extreme conditions. I, for one, appreciate the sacrifices that your are making on our behalf. Your dedication is commendable.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Did you not realize that the dash panel opened to a small storage compartment when you were commenting on the size of the gaps around the panel?

Yes we did. As you can see in our flickr gallery (and below) we have that open in a couple of shots. However the car in video had a “door” that didn’t line up as well as the others on the press launch or at the Chicago auto show.
fdavid

Gabe: I seem to notice that you sound a little bit hesitant to say its an amazing car improvement (which is fine by me) However, I love your in depth input always. Personally, I am not too sure about the center console as it seems unnecessary “bloby” shaped (ie: CD slot). Maybe I am putting you in the spot here but are trading your ride for this model or rather waiting for MINI to fix any quirks that might come along in the first 2 years of production? * I will definitely buy another mini but not too sure yet if this car should substitute mine in the next 2 years.* Thanks again guys, great job.
bluzeke

. . . but you were making “motion” pictures there Gabe – I kept thinking, “Come on Gabe, push that glove box button, make those new features come alive! ;-)
lavardera

yeah – nobody has described the cool action of the door – the way it slides out first before pivoting open, like a vcr tape ejecting.
msh441

Track video. Track video! TRACK VIDEO!!!
David Brady

Wow! I don’t like the way the new headlights sit on the fenders. I really don’t like the gigantic center speedometer. It appears large enough to accommodate a flight controller’s display. The wing motif has evolved from subtle to in your face and too frequently repeated. I do like the ‘trim tab’ adjusters on the climate control. The ‘Traveler’ will have to have a lot of +++s to overcome these —s.
http://bravo5.org/ blalor

That scenery and 9Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Âº in New Hampshire this morning do make me miss Phoenix a bit. :-) Are those water bottles standard, or part of the Desert Southwest package?
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Track video. Track video! TRACK VIDEO!!!

Sorry – I was too busy driving :)
http://web.mac.com/theblackbrian/iWeb/Homepage/Home.html BrianBlack

So who is going to let me drive one in Vegas? ;-)
gabriel

There’re a buncha R56 track videos on YouTube that’re pretty good. Here’s one of them.
Ralph

The more I see videos and pictures of items in the interior of the new Mini the less I like it. For me, it’s not the size of the Center Stack/Speedo, it’s the fact that the Radio, display and controls have been incorporated into it. Costly repair if something goes wrong.

The volume knob isn’t even around or near the radio, the cheap looking plastic backing around the CD and switches, knobs, etc is, well cheap, and those cone shaped/jet engine exhaust looking vents…eeeegggh. Stick out far to much for my taste.

The glove box, not to my liking. Doesn’t appear as if it has a lock. Does it?

Finally, the analog needle gauges are gone and replaced by lights for fuel level and for engine temp.

I’m assuming the engine temp gauge is now an “idiot” light. Most driving enthusiast I know don’t like or want idiot lights.

While I sense for reading articles and listing to comments from Gabe that the car is better in performance, and other things, for me as a whole, the look inside at the dash, controls, etc kills it.

I’ve also read somewhere (in another review) that the outside mirror control which is now located on the arm rest at the door is awkward. The reviewer felt that it should have been left where it was as on the previous models.

No R56/2007 Mini for me. I’m keeping my 04 MC.
http://gskchicago.blogspot.com GSKChicago

I think the video’s are good – nice representation as far as video’s can go. Finally seeing the car live in person yesterday, I will say the R56 is looking good to me. Good enough to replace my ’05 MCS – can’t say as driving the car will be a large part of that equation. But in general, I will reserve my overall judgement.

Continued thanks for such comprehensive data!
msh441

Sorry – I was too busy driving :)

Oh-no! I’m a listener. I KNOW you doubled up with Dave at least once or twice. Had to be some more riding/video opportunies there somwhere…

ThereÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢re a buncha R56 track videos on YouTube thatÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢re pretty good. HereÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s one of them.

That’s old. From the Netherlands preview (but thanks for the effort-I appreciate it). I want Phoenix.

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