Consumer Reports Road Tests the R56

Sections: In the Press | R56 (Hatch) | Reviews Feb 1st, 2008 23 Comments

Consumer Reports gives us their thoughts on the R56 again, this time in video form. It’s nothing that we haven’t really seen or heard before like gripes about the ride quality, the back seat and center stack. But, overall, they liked it.

A great way to waste a few minutes on a Friday!

[ Road Test: 2007 MINI Cooper S - Video ] Consumerreports.org

Written By: DB

Nimcosi

Wow CR, just wow. “The ignition is more complicated. You now have to put the key fob in the slot AND push the start button.” As opposed to put the key in the slot AND turn the key? Complicated indeed.
Eric

“Back seat has enough room for a small pet” my Ass!! I fit my Newfoundland/Lab in the back of my Vert with top up without any issues. He’s happy as can be!
greg

You put your dog in the back seat! Animal crualty! That’s what laps are for. Of course, I have a Cinese Crested.
dave

my german shepherd/chow sits in the back of my r53 happily, and now the seat back is full of dog hair
RoccoRocket

Consumer reports know nothing. I did not waste my time looking at the report. I learned long ago, THEY SUCK!
Jim W.

Is this a pet in the car thread? My Bichon/Poodle is named Oscar, and he doesn’t really like riding in my MINI.

Yes, he gets a lap to sit on in the passenger seat, but perhaps it has more to do with the fact that his trips usually involve a haircut, a trip to the vets, or the traumatic “neutering day” ride….

…rather than the smallness of my R53!
Craig

It took them 11 months to produce this? They’ve had that car since March.
Phil

I think that the mainstream media is a little out of whack. Maybe john Q Public’s expectations for cars are equally whacked. What do people really need? I am 5-11 and can sit comfortably in the back seat of my Cooper S, as long as the front seat is pulled forward a bit. It’s true that I wouldn’t want to sit back there for hours, but packages and dogs? It’s a car, not a couch.
Phil

I think that the mainstream media is a little out of whack. Maybe John Q Publics expectations for cars are equally whacked. What do people really need? I am 5-11 and can sit comfortably in the back seat of my Cooper S, as long as the front seat is pulled forward a bit. Its true that I wouldn’t want to sit back there for hours, but packages and dogs? Its a car, not a couch.
RoccoRocket

I have driven a MINI with 4 6 foot and over adults in the car. I am 6′ 5″.

Heading to the dragon; I had so much stuff jammed in that the wheels were rubbing on the larger bumps.

My dog is 11 lbs. He fits just fine.
c4

If if were up to Consumer Reports, that bastion of automotive knowledge, we all should be driving around in pale beige colored, 4 cyl Toyota Camrys, with plastic wheel covers and velour seats…. You know so the packages and the dog can ride in utmost comfort.
rkw

Man, you folks are way too sensitive about this review. The criticisms are expressed very mildly and are things that most people will notice on their first encounter with a MINI. I think the review is quite positive.

And all of you have small dogs? My current dog (90 lb greyhound) and previous (100 lb lab) cannot fit on anybody’s lap, and cannot share the rear seat of a MINI with a person.
emtrey

I always check Consumer Reports the auto reviews very carefully before I make a vechicle purchase. I also check in with Car and Driver and Top Gear when I need a new washer and dryer.
msh441

I’m just shocked and amazed that CR had the car on a TRACK! Wow! They EXCEEDED my expectations, personnaly.
gokartride

I agree…a very favorable review. After months and months of reviews, commentary, and actual driver experience it’s clear that R56 is a really great MINI and a sound evolution of the car.
lavardera

The review was fine – the heck with that, lets make fun of the way he waves his arms around when he talks.
add84283

I think they could have used the word iconic a little more….but at least they seemed to like the car.
Jimskater

CR’s review has obviously lead to some raised eyebrows. Evidently, at some point in his career, the narrator was told “Stop squinting!”

Otherwise, a pretty fair review. I agree with the criticism of the location/layout of the controls–their placement is pretty counterintuitive. At 6’4″, I turn the R56 (or any MINI for that matter) into a 3 passenger car. So we keep the luxobarge for family outings. Problem solved. Besides, the MINI is for me–and I don’t give a rat’s behind about the rear seat space.
edijak

Backseat, backseat-heck. I took mine out to lighten the weight and am now designing a full rear deck with side fencing so I can haul around my 6’5″ Motoring Advisor to point out the awful placement of those controls. Fencing is being erected to keep the MA’s arms in place cuz he gets excited and waves alot when he finds a control to use. Geez-forgetaboutit-CR does not have a clue about Motoring and driving enthusiasts. Their audience is really the other 800MM motorist of which only 56 read their reviews anyway, and besides you can get another $50 bucks off without the toggle swithces.
edijak

PS. The toggles are ICONIC
lavardera

I’m pretty sure he said IRONIC.

Like the way his arms waved around when he was standing still.
http://mini2.co.za Timmee

funniest comment thread of the year, so far
JS

I’m especially fond of the New ’07 Torque Steer Feature……even with LSD!

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