Sections: In the Press | R56 (Coupe) Oct 25th, 2007 10 Comments The Cars.com blog Kicking Tires updates their experience with the R56 Cooper S trying it out as a 4 passenger car for a 2 hour drive.
On the minus side, I took three kids with me on a trip to Milwaukee, and many times, the car itself – not just having to take a road trip with dad – sparked whining and complaining. At first, the two kids in the backseat were comfortable, but over time (the trip took about two hours each way), they began to complain more and more about their lack of legroom. Both are around 5 feet tall, and eventually, I had to move the driver’s seat up a notch to help accommodate them. That made my knees weary before too long, especially once I was off the expressway and onto city streets, where the heavy shifting began.
I’ve have had the chance to spend some time in the back seat of an R56 myself. For short distances, it’s really not that bad. Although I’m sure after 2 hours it would bet a little cramped.
[ Suburban Dad: 2007 Mini Cooper S Update ] Kicking Tires
msh441 Oct 25th, 2007 Link
Whining to get out after only a two hour drive?
My 13, 15 and 16-year old nephews whine to get INTO the car when they come visit. Each of them is over the 5-foot mark. I swear, any excuse they can find to go for a ride. It’s hillarious.
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glenn Oct 25th, 2007 Link
The R56 isn’t a long-distance family hauler?!!? Well, knock me over with a feather.
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RB Oct 25th, 2007 Link
Claustrophobic would be the word even though I do find the seating OK for short trips when the Ma-N-Law is aboard.
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Mark Smith Oct 25th, 2007 Link
Well chalk one up for lack of knowledge about the seat adjustment. The key when in situations like this is to height adjust the seat at least one and a half to two pulls upward. You then most likely will not have to move forward for the person behind you. I’ve done it plenty of times. I even took two other people on a 4.5 hour trip to D.C. from CT. for my family reunion and everyone was comfy. The R56 is much much better than the R53 in this area.
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greg Oct 25th, 2007 Link
This car sucks! I can’t fit my barbells and surfboard in it! Is this review for real? What a jackass.
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Edge Oct 25th, 2007 Link
It’s like I have always maintained… the MINI Cooper is a 4-seater car for short trips, and 2-seater car for long trips (including room for luggage).
Everyone I’ve explained it to that way “gets it”, and the car suddenly doesn’t seem quite as impractical any more.
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Dave T. Oct 25th, 2007 Link
The whole point of his follow up story was that the mini isn’t really for the suburban dad. The first time he had it he just had it overnight and didn’t get to fully test it out for long hauls with the kids. The SD LOVES the Mini Cooper. This is all we hear about in the office. I think finding out his kids couldn’t go for an hour or two without yelling in his ear saddened him greatly.
We clearly know what it was intended for. Please take the story in context.
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Motoring Advisor Oct 25th, 2007 Link
That review BLEW!
The MINI always loses out when the automotive press starts talking about practicality, yet they are always comparing it with 4-door transportation appliances.
The MINI is practicial. I have a wife and child. I carry stuff in it.
Everyone seems to want to think BIG.
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Brandon Haller Oct 25th, 2007 Link
We got rid of our minivan for our 2005 MINI Cooper S. We have driven with our two children (7 and 10 yrs old)all the way from VA to RI and back three times now (7 to 9 hours each way). They don’t complain a bit. This car is way more fun on road trips than our minivan was. We haven’t looked back at our decision (though we may consider the Clubman for a bit more room).
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Ernie Oporto Oct 25th, 2007 Link
With my wife, myself, and our 4 year-old in it, we get the same amount of groceries in it that we used to fit in the back of our minivan. Haven’t touched the minivan for any trip requiring less than the five of us. The 12 and 17 year olds get to fight over who will get to be the 4th one in the mini, and who gets to stay home. =) Some people know fun.
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