With all the recent R56 reviews coming in across the automotive landscape, I wanted mention our plans for reviewing the new 2007 MINI. I will be taking part in the first US launch event for the 2007 MINI this February in Arizona. I’ll be publishing photos to the site throughout the day and writing some quick reviews throughout the event. I’ll give my overall impressions of the new car in one (hopefully not too long) review that will be on the site within a day or two.
My overriding goal will be to focus on the enthusiast aspects of the car and how it compares with what we’ve all come to know and love about the R50 and R53 MINIs. As always, if you have any specific questions and concerns you’d like to see covered, let us know in the comment section below.
I would like to see if and how they addressed the strut tower mushroom problem in the new design.
Seats….The lack of well bolstered seats has long been an issue to many people
Squeaks, rattles, annoying dashboard noises… do they exist with the R56?
How does the stock stereo sound? This is important, because the stereo is integrated into the dashboard, and not a typical replaceable head-unit. Therefore, going with an aftermarket stereo (a.k.a. ICE), will be a much bigger hassle, correct? So if possible, please give the stereo a good test drive, too.
I’ll be interested in your 1st impressions of the fit, finish and overall in person looks as I’m still running luke warm on the design. I presume you’ll be driving it so that will be good to hear how it handles, being the Hot Shoe you are. ;¬) Hope to see some Pros & Cons!
Sidebar…
My first encounter with the mushroom thing came up last week. A friend gave me a Dinan STB (B’Day). The driver side bracket would not sit flat. My SA said ” That’s too bad, but not our problem under warranty. It’ll cost you $250 to fix.” He tells me that the Z/8 has the same problem. Suggested I call my insurer, “road damage”. He tells me that there is a bearing in that area that should be replaced and that they use a big hammer and a 2×4 to flatten it. Fred Flintstone would be proud.
I’d reall like to know how the Run Flats feel. Are they too hard? Is there plenty of grip? So far, not much has been said about them (that I could find). I am thinking that new rubber may be my first mod’ if these are as bad as the ones on the ’03 I drove.
Thanks,
J
I’d like to know if tall guys still fit. I’m 6’5″, the current MINI fits fine with the seat to the floor. I’m hoping that doesn’t change on the new model.
As for the runflats, they are supposed to be significantly better both in ride quality and grip to the previous generation runflats. I don’t doubt that; but what I’d be more interested in is how the new generation of runflats compare to nonrunflats–how much of the gap has been bridged between the two.
As for Gabe’s review, it’ll be interesting to see how it compares to Paul’s–it’s already been mentioned that Paul was very positive about the new car, but I’m predicting Gabe’s view won’t be quite as glowing–the reason being that from many of the auto mag reviews I’ve seen, the overall impression has been the new car is more refined, and is better for the everyday driver (which probably more accurately describes Paul–I do not mean this in a negative sense by any means, as this probably describes the majority of Mini owners), but for the driving enthusiast, the outgoing model offers a more visceral driving experience, and given Gabe’s affinity for getting on the track, driving enthusiast probably is a better description of his style. It’ll be interesting to compare and contrast the two reviews.
I’m waiting for the new model to decide wether to add the JCW engine kit to my 2006, or trade my 2006 in for a 2007,(although I’m leaning toward the former, but I need to see/drive the 2007 first). Can’t wait for more reviews to come out though.
I will be very interested in your view of the R56 overall. My question would be a rather broad one, after examining it closely does it fit your concept of being a good step for mini? Does the overall design and layout speak as clearly to you in the same way that your current car does?
While comparing and contrasting is very valid, it seems to me that my adoration of my current minis is not the result of one or two designs but rather the cumalative of the car as a whole.
For me the what makes the current MINI such a blast to drive, and so different from most contemporary cars, is the steering. Very quick ratio, very direct feel, and not overly assisted. I would like to know how the R56 compares? And what about this mythical “Sport” button?
I know this is silly in light of the more serious issues already pointed out, but:
I’m wondering if, with the raised belt line which seems to rise to the driver’s shoulder, the MINI is still fun/comfortable to drive with arm resting on the open-window door or if the door sits too high now. Not a serious problem, but it is how I do my daily driving.
I think we all expect the R56 Cooper S to close the gap on the current JCW in terms of performance. Can this be quantified? Are there hints about the likely power and torque figures for the R56 JCW? Motoringfile has suggested 225-230hp, any confirmation of this? I wouldn’t be too worried about getting this FWD power down to the road, I believe the Mazda 3 MPS with 258bhp does it without any problem. To eager2own, it’s a pretty dumb thing to have any part of your body hanging out of a car in the 21st century. Your driving technique belongs to the 1950’s.
AUSMINI, why are you hating? Where’s your motoring heart?
Gabe- Hope to see you there as I am in Arizona. I heard that it might be here a couple months ago when I picked up my ’06 MCS.
AUSMINI . . . sometimes you just got to relax. I don’t drive on my daily commute like I do on the track — but if you hear of a good deal on a ’57 ‘Vette, do let me know.
I confess that when it comes to MINIs, I don’t really know what an “enthusiast” is any more.
…I don’t have any questions(your past stories are proof that you just stick to the facts…good or bad,in regards to the MINI line). However,in light of the passing of Ed Bradley,I would state what he stated to Larry King in an interview:”…just tell a good story…”
Gabe: find the biggest sharpest bumps
take them on an arc while pulling 0.7 g
and tell us if the suspension offers supple grip
or bouncy chatter.
DJB Mushroom man:
See how Rolls avoids the mushroom problem(<a href="http://stylizedfacts.com/STi/2006/10/robust_shock_towers_by_rolls_r_1.html" rel="nofollow ugc">http://stylizedfacts.com/STi/2006/10/robust_shock_towers_by_rolls_r_1.html</a>).
<a href="http://stylizedfacts.com/STi/2006/10/robust_shock_towers_by_rolls_r_1.html" rel="nofollow ugc">http://stylizedfacts.com/STi/2006/10/robust_shock_towers_by_rolls_r_1.html</a>
can never figure how to post urls here
MF eats the underscores.
<a href="http://stylizedfacts.com/STi/2006/10/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://stylizedfacts.com/STi/2006/10/</a>
Rolls shock towers (<a href="http://stylizedfacts.com/STi/2006/10/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://stylizedfacts.com/STi/2006/10/</a>).
<a href="http://stylizedfacts.com/STi/2006/10/robust___shock___towers___by___rolls___r___1.html" rel="nofollow ugc">http://stylizedfacts.com/STi/2006/10/robust___shock___towers___by___rolls___r___1.html</a>
dc:
Supple grip or bouncy chatter? I would rather the suspension communicate to me what is happening on the road. No E-Z-Ride suspension for me, thank you. (though it would be nice during commutes, I must admit)
What’s the safety testing/crash dummy findings with larger cars/trucks, SUVs, RVs/Semis?
Hey dc – now THAT is a strut tower!
Pardon if this has already been mentioned, but I would like to know if there is any hope for modding the air scoop in the S to actually have a function. Is the plate inside the scoop removable? I really like the new design – it’s growing on me quite a bit – but I just can’t get past the non functional hood scoop.
I think we have an answer on the strut towers – when you run the new US configurator and get to the Accessories section under JCW, check out the strut braces you can add. The strut tower is pictured and it looks solid, like a “mini” version of the RR strut tower with some thick metal.
This is good!