Southcoasttoday.com got to spend some time with the R56 and produced another favorable review.
>It’s easy to admire the modern Mini Cooper. It’s solidly constructed, cozy on the inside, corners like a rock on a string and is cute as the dickens.
>For its 2007 remake, German parent BMW continues with the same basic formula, although some size has been added along with more up-to-date features and content.
>Although the car — which is actually built in Oxford, England — is physically different from the previous model that launched for 2002, the changes are difficult to spot, even when the two are parked side by side.
>This time around, there’s an extra three inches in overall length and about a half-inch more height. The stylists left the Mini’s width untouched while slightly reducing the wheelbase (distance between the front and rear wheels). This mild resizing is most obvious forward of the front wheels where the sheet metal has been stretched to meet European pedestrian-impact regulations.
And finally, a review that does really hate the new interior, really.
>The word “startling” best describes the new Mini Cooper’s cabin, now dominated by a center-stack mounted speedometer that rivals a wall clock for size. It also houses the fuel gauge, assorted warning lights and the optional navigation system.
[ Drivetime: 2007 MINI Cooper] Southcoasttoday.com
Sounds like yet another review where the author failed to look at the specifications. The R56 is shorter in overall height, but narrower in width and 2 1/2″-ish inches longer. There is also no change in wheelbase from the R53.
Also they write the redline is 7,000RPM, where it’s actually 6,500 RPM [at least on the MCS].
Oh well.
Changes difficult to “spot on”? Jeez, these people need to have their eyes checked, really.
I agree about the speedo. This new speedo is just huge and overwhelming. 1st mistake was to integrate the radio in it (If the radio goes, you have to replace the speedo and viceversa…nice!)2) it has wasted space, just idiot lights and the illuminated gas gauge circular bar. MINI could have easily added at least a REAL water temp gauge and even oil pressure, volt gauges..but wait! That’s the chrono pack!.
The center console is busy, too many buttons, poor tactile feedback and non-intuitive. The first time I test drove a R56 I could not even turn on the radio (MINI has become more germanic now!) and the whole ergonomics are a disaster. I hope a mid-life revision of the R56 will bring a revamped console.
Hmm interesting. I like their use of the word “startling” when describing the interior and “wall clock” for describing the speedo 😛 I said basically the same when I saw the R56, but I’ve become accustomed to it – however, I still prefer the interior of the R53… “very James Bond-esque” according to one of my friends who drives an M6 everyday 😉