While there’s been a lot of praise for the 2007 MINI on both MotoringFile and elsewhere in the automotive universe, all is note quite perfect with the new car. So in an effort to let you know that you don’t need to sell your MINI and immediately rush down to the dealer to get a new one, here’s the full list of critiques we have with the R56. And for the record, we’re still big fans of the R56. In fact after seeing it and experiencing it on the road and track, we think it’s generally an improvement in almost everyway over the MINI that preceded it. But that doesn’t mean it’s perfect.
* The cheap looking center stack. “What was MINI thinking”… is the common first reaction when people see the R56 interior for the first time. While the redesign is generally very successful, the design and execution of the center stack (above the toggles and below the speedo) screams cheap.
* Steering feel, while great is only about 95% as great as before.
* No Supercharger whine. While this makes for a refined feel, there’s little question some of the visceral excitement gone.
* Steering quickness, again while great it’s at around 95% of where it was before. Will most people notice it? No. Will you still care? Yes.
* The car looks like it sits too high. We’re told it’s not really higher than the R50 or R53 but in this department sometimes looks are more important than reality.
* No pulley like mod to suddenly gain 15 – 20hp. This means that all of us with a pulley on our R53s will find the R56 decidedly slower than our cars.
* No more engine temp gauge. Like most modern BMWs, the new MINIs do not have engine temperature gauges. The idea is that a thoroughly modern engine doesn’t need more than a warning light as they don’t necessarily need to warm up like older less advanced power-plants. We say bah. Give us the info anyway!
* MINI still hasn’t nailed the design on a rear aero kit bumper-cover, and the aero side skirts could do without the little fake ducts (like before).
*The plastic “grilles” in the A-panel that surround the side turn signal are a little clumsy. The Cooper’s is especially awkward. It’s almost as if you’re looking at a caricature of the original on the R50.
* Passenger Door storage is down
* 17″ wheels required. Previously you could get away with anything from 15″s to 18″s and the MINI looked great. Now with the higher beltline and raised hood (all in the name of safety of course) anything under 17″s has a tendency to look awkward. The only OEM exception I’ve found are the 16″ Bridge Spokes.
So now’s your chance to add a few. Although there’s one caveat: you cannot complain about a car you haven’t seen. And you can’t complain about the way the car performs without having driven it. We’re looking for some constructive criticism that MINI can actually look at while they work on the mid-cycle refresh of the R56 due in a few years.
So have at it!
Here’s my complaints as an owner:
The Cooper is not quite as much fun to drive as the old one as it’s less hyperactive and there is more of a cushion between you and what the wheels are doing. However as it’s not knocked off course as much, and rides better, it’s a lot more comfortable and threads a series of bends together in a nice flowing motion.
Proportions aren’t as nice as the old car, the raised bonnet and subsequent enlarging of wheelarches and lights to compensate is not a 100% success, and though I was happy to have 16inch wheels on my R50 Cooper, you really need 17s on the R56 as it looks undertyred without.
Cheap plastic pillar instead of wrap-around rear side glass – still annoys me.
I don’t like the gappy standard centre console either or the ugly buttons in the standard speedo, so I specced the very expensive Sat Nav
Storage space now even worse
I should point out that I am very happy with my R56 however!
I promise you will be seeing those same gains from a good exhaust/downpipe. You just wait ;-).
-Brian
most of my beefs have been stated, The center stack is a total miss and the bad side grills, esp on the cooper. There is an aftermarket sale waiting to happen.
The S Non-Aero rear bumper bothers me a lot more than the Aero version.
The Black “corners” of the rear glass are kind of funky shaped – reason? IT was enough to notice.
I agree with the tuning – a chip & an exhaust is most likely going to see some very nice gains.
Also – from what i have read, the burble is gone – that is sad. The burble makes a huge difference in driving our 06 MCS vs our 05 MCSa.
OTher than that – nothing huge stands out. I love the new sunroof that opens in the back – that has got to help with the wind buffering…
I am going to see the R56 tonite here on the west coast at South Bay Mini here in SoCal.
It’s gonna be interesting. I personally don’t find the changes that great on most of the exterior and feel the interior is a tad cartoonish, but I have only seen the pics here and elswhere. I understand there won’t be any test drives so that’s out but hope to get a good feel for the design. Maybe my opinion will change.
having only sat in the car at a focus group, my comments are limited to looks. that being said, BMW could make some very quick and crowd pleasing fixes if it were to:
– change the center stack plastics to black instead of that cheap looking grey. this would make the center stack look a billion times better overnight. mark my words aftermarket people!
– offer the side badging on the r56 as an option. it looks cheap now (i was never in love with it on my r53 either) but it could help to calm the look of the car if that big slab of “chrome” were to go bye-bye.
– lower the car! dimensions and optical illusions aside, it just feels like the car sits too high. if MINI were to lower it even 1/4 inch , i believe the effect would be monumental.
– reconsider the rear bumper. it’s clunky. it’s not elegant. it’s the opposite of sporty. there are amazing design cues all over this car, but the rear end seems to oppose all of them. if MINI can offer a rear bumper as god-awful as the one included on the aero kit, then it can offer something nicer just as easily.
even though i haven’t driven the car, and won’t until next week, i would like to underscore my shock at the loss of the exhaust burble. this seems to be one of the most defining elements of the MINI experience and one which ties the car back to its earliest roots and racing heritage. the very first mod i did to my 2005 mcsa was to have the jcw exhaust installed to accentuate the effect. i believe its integral to the MINI experience and i would urge BMW to bring it back – and fast.
finally, i’ll just throw in my two cents that i think the hood scoop has looked, does look, and will always look cool. so who cares if this rev of the MINI doesn’t exactly require it to be there? leave the scoop be…
– dl
The leaver to tip the seats forward is now on the top outer corner of the seat back, instead of the bottom pivot point. You have to reach in to pull the seat forwards. This is fine until you’re carrying something heavy you want to put on the back seat. Not only can’t you use your foot to depress the leaver, but (for UK) the drivers seat leaver can only be reached with your right hand, lest you want to break your wrist.
I also don’t like losing all that storage space in the small compartments in the boot. Where do I put the mini compressor, jump leads, tools, first aid kit, torch, etc., that was so neatly hidden away before?
I complained about the center stack the first day I saw a photo of it posted on MF. Granted, the center stack is all plastic on my ’05 ‘Vert, but the difference is that it’s all black. I think they should have kept the buttons and controls black instead of silver/gray.
No Temp guage? So my MA tells me to make sure that the engine is warm (esp. in the winter seasons) before I race between Stop Signs. 🙂 How do I know when the engine is warm with out a gauge? Also, in all my years of driving, it’s been nice to know when you are getting close to over heating as opposed to finding out about it after the fact.
Passenger Door storage is reduced? OMG! It was too little in the early models, then in ’05 they increase it enought that I can easily store something like bottles of water. And now you’re saying they made it smaller again?
Going to miss you, “super charger whine”, <em>sniff, sniff</em>
Hmm… I have to disagree with your comments about the wheel size. Not your preferences, but your recommendations. I think your bias towards large wheel diameter belies your, well, your youth! I don’t mean that as a knock. I like cars. I like performance cars. Yet I find extremely short sidewall tires almost “embarrassing”, as if I was going out with a baseball cap on backwards and my underwear showing above my belt line. I agree that 17s look better, and the Bridge Spokes are the only decent looking 16s. Mini puts too much apologetic zoot in their smaller wheel designs. Why make them look nice – they want you to spend on the larger serious looking wheels. Big contradiction from their philosophy on small cars, don’t you think? So I think what Mini needs to do is provide some options for better looking and wider wheels in the smaller sizes. Leave 18s as an option for those who wish to spend on them, and for who it fits the personality they want to project.
There seems to be a contradiction about tire size and performance. In most cases its clear that larger wheels/shorter sidewalls provides better steering feedback, harsher ride. Smaller wheels provide less unsprung weight, and depending on the tire less feeling. So what is the deal – why do so many Mini drivers who autoX or go to the track use smaller wheels – 15s in some case?
Poor center stack design/integrating stereo display in speedo display. Takes a big swipe at aftermarket stereo upgrades. boo!
So most folks don’t need the temp gauge for engine control. Fine. But here in the midwest I eagerly watch the gauge to let me know when it’s safe to turn the heater fan on (there’s nothing like a blast of 5 degree air to set the tone for the morning commute). :-7
I do not like the headlights. With the raised bonnet and the new lines, they look like they point out, not forward. The last generation looked well proportioned, while the new generation looks chunky.
All the complaints about the loss of the supercharger whine…and granted I have not driven the new turbo…does the turbo not whine when it spools? I have a VW Passat that has a really nice turbo whine when it spools…also…what about an aftermarket blow-off valve to make our mini’s “sneeze” between shifts? Turbos can make some cool noises…
I read somewhere about a softer more “airy” feeling clutch- meaning not as much pressure feedback(?)- can anyone confirm or deny these allegations??!?!
First of all, I think the Mini designers did an outstanding job on the exterior of the car given all of the criteria they had to work with. If the R56 design could have been applied to the same size package as the R53, I think there would be nothing but praise for the new car. Given the new safety requirements I think that the R56 very well done.
Some of the problems in the new design can be fixed by the aftermarket. Things such as making the scoop and side vents functional, and lowering the ride height will be easy to deal with. The issues that bother me are those that are too deeply embedded in the car to change. I’m mainly referring to the problems in the dashboard and center stack layout. I was hoping that the dash would look better in person than in the photos. What I found was that the overly large speedometer was not as bad as I had thought it might be, and the center stack was just as bad as I had feared, but the real surprise was the goofy looking new tachometer. This really doesn’t show up in most of the photos, but when you sit behind the wheel, it is obvious that the tach needle has been pushed toward the top of the gauge to make room for the digital readout. It comes across looking like an analog clock that has the hands accidentally mounted just off center. All of these interior issues would be too expensive for an individual owner to change.
I still say the R56 is a good design in spite of the problems, and some of these issues may be disappear as they become more familiar to the Mini community. Oh, and never underestimate the potential of a turbo… 🙂
. . . most of the above and, after seeing two models in the flesh on Monday for the first time – I really find the “rain-gutter” that now receives the wipers and rear bonnet line not particularly to my liking, it seems retro alright, but only in the sense of a 70’s GM car. Also, the side mirror housings seem to be on steroids. Still love to take a test drive though!
>I read somewhere about a softer more “airy†feeling clutch- meaning not as much pressure feedback(?)- can anyone confirm or deny these allegations??!?!
I’ve driven around 8-9 examples of the new US spec R56 and I think all but one of them was a manual. In every case the clutch felt identical to all other manually equipped MINIs I’ve driven over the years. I’m guessing whomever said that the clutch was light has simply forgotten how a clutch on abrand-new car feels.
The transmission on the other hand is much slicker a little less notchy and is a nice subtle improvement over the R50 and R53’s.
>Hmm… I have to disagree with your comments about the wheel size. Not your preferences, but your recommendations. I think your bias towards large wheel diameter belies your, well, your youth!
I love this comment 🙂
>I don’t mean that as a knock. I like cars. I like performance cars. Yet I find extremely short sidewall tires almost “embarrassingâ€ÂÂ, as if I was going out with a baseball cap on backwards and my underwear showing above my belt line.
It’s funny because that’s exactly how I find large sidewalls 🙂
>Leave 18s as an option for those who wish to spend on them, and for who it fits the personality they want to project.
They are an option.
>There seems to be a contradiction about tire size and performance. In most cases its clear that larger wheels/shorter sidewalls provides better steering feedback, harsher ride. Smaller wheels provide less unsprung weight, and depending on the tire less feeling. So what is the deal – why do so many Mini drivers who autoX or go to the track use smaller wheels – 15s in some case?
The needs of autox in many ways are different and unique from the real track or the street. However I will say that (based on my experience with a number of MINIs at various courses) there’s little question that tires with smaller sidewalls <em>generally</em> have higher ultimate grip. I’ve experienced this personally time and time again. All you have to do is look at a wheel size unrestricted race series (F1, NASCAR etc are all size restricted) and you’ll see the use of large wheels throughout. This is not by mistake.
But this debate has been done to death…
In addition to whats already been said, I’d add:
1. Gaps. Gaps everywhere! The wheel arches are the worst, but the headlights aren’t so hot either.
2. Black plastic trim. Much prefer the smaller trim on the R53; I think this may be part of the reason the new version appears to ride higher (and also needs larger rims to look properly proportioned. Its just too over the top.
3. The bubbel butt. The hatch looks like it belongs on an Acura RX-300 rather than a Mini–it just doesn’t look like it belongs on the car.
4. Lack of grill slats on the S–I’m one of the few that doesn’t like the aero grill look; give me slats and a nod to the past any day. I suspect this, and such minor irritations such as the wheel arch gaps, will be corrected in the future though.
But overall I think this car will be a success; if/when my JCW MCS dies, I’ll be right back in line for an R56.
<blockquote>lavardera Feb 16th, 2007 Link
Hmm… I have to disagree with your comments about the wheel size. Not your preferences, but your recommendations. I think your bias towards large wheel diameter belies your, well, your youth! I don’t mean that as a knock. I like cars.</blockquote>
Dude!
What are you talking about?
Youth has nothing to do with Gabe’s recommendations. He has stated more than once that larger wheels give the car more control for performance for everyday driving.
If you’re talking auto cross than just say so. I don’t auto cross and if I did I doubt that I would use the same wheels for daily driving.
And as far as age goes Gabe is over 20.
After seeing the car in person:
The dash looks like a remake of a 1959 Caddy dash;
by Dr. Suess. Ditto the center stack.
Side markers/vents look like bonnet release handles;
flimsy looking.
The cowl is no longer a painted piece with vents;
now cheap looking black plastic.
I’ll be keeping my 2002 MCS JCW forever. When time comes to trade my 2005 MC, I’ll be comparison shopping.
I miss Frank Stephenson. He knew proportions. Why is every photo of the new car shown from an angle? When you see the car from the side, it just isn’t proportioned right. Way too much gap in the wheel wells. Too much space between the tire and the inside of the rear bumper- even with 17’s.
Like i have mentioned before, the R56 design is more suited for the Traveler body design. Stretching the “weight” over 9 more inches works better. The current design is just too bloated for the short car length. Ditto on all the other comments. I’m keeping my 06 MCS as a classic.
My beefs, aside from the ones already stated… some worth repeating like the side grilles (awful!) and the center stack (not as bad as the photos but still bad).
Aside from these I would have to say that…
– The always centering turning indicator stock. I found this very awkward and I still prefer the click and lock approach.
– Stereo. Another “what were they thinking” feature. It’s non-intuitive and very clumsy to use. I can’t tell you how many times I changed readio stations instead of adjusting volume. The knob that comes ready to hand on the stereo is not for volume at all. Where is that knob you ask? About 9 inches lower, under the CD Slot on the front panel of the the center stack. Why?? And the 10 speaker system, which said “boost” on the radio but who’s dealer insisted was the HiFi didn’t impress overall. I get better sound out of my regular “boost” system in my R53. From the size and loactions of the speakers, upgrading is going to be difficult and expensive. Especially getting at those tweeters hidden inside the A-Pillars where some of the airbag assembly lives. For safety reason on the out-going MINIs, if these panels are opened they need to be replaced. Not sure if this applies to the new models.
– I liked how the interior feels much better put together, is more solid and of better materials but this, for me, seems to be at the mercy of perceived space. Upon entering the new MINI I immediately felt more cramped, like I was in a smaller car. There just more stuff around you and closer to you. The rear seating area felt similar for some reason. Perhaps just the color of the interior, with more black and dark greys, has something to do with it.
– A feature I liked and disliked was the user programmable functions button. I disliked how it was, again, not very intuitive. I hate features that require a trip the owners manual to use. That being said, I loved being able to make adjustments to a wide variety of software controlled features without having to make a trip to the dealer. One especially useful feature was being able to switch between imperial and metric units. On our Canadian MINIs our speedometers are metric only wit no inset digits for MPH. Same with out digital tack readout. With newest MINIs the Speedo is still metric only but you can set the tach readout to display MPH. I can’t stress how nice this is for those of us who do a lot of state-side driving.
– The much-discussed R56 Hood Scoop. I actually don’t mind it too much but, like others, wish it was functional. I took a look under the hood and there is indeed a cutout on the inside of the Hood sheet metal. That, coupled with the fact that the engine’s air intake is diectly in line with scoop at the rear of the engine compartment, I think it will only be a short amount of time before the aftermarket takes care of our concerns with a highly function ram-air scoop/intake combo.
– Lack of Supercharger Whine. I missed this too. And while there is some Turbo whine it’s not nearly as visceral. Now. This is interesting because, of what we do hear of the turbo, how much of it is real. Upon looking at the parts schematics I came across this part in the intake path called a “Sound Generator”. See it as Number 13 in the Boost Air Duct system in this <a href="http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=MF73&mospid=50031&btnr=13_1206&hg=13&fg=20" rel="nofollow">DIAGRAM</a>. So, in addition to intake and exhaust modifications allowing more sound, we may also see the aftermarket making changes to this little piece of technology as well.
I could probably keep going and write an entire article about the new MINI myself but I’ve said enough at this point. Get out and enjoy a test drive yourself and see how you like it. I really like the new car, but I also love my R53. Would I trade it in for the new one? Not yet. I’m gonna hold off for the ’08 to give MINI enough time to respond to initial problems and customer feedback, and for the aftermarket to get up to speed with the new model. Then let the games begin!
I agree R56 can’t be perfect…but some of the gripes mentioned here I agree with and some I don’t. I suppose I’m going to give it a chance to grow on me for now.
As great as R56 is I think there is still plenty of reason to be a R53/53 fan for those who choose to do so.
In any case, let’s complain carefully….remember complaints lost us the burble!!!
Not having ridden, touched, or seen in person:
Is there a possible North American version with a shorter snout and lower hoodline, thinner arches and functional hoodscoop?
kinda like the opposite of the uglifications that cars imported into this country got.
<blockquote>Hmm… I have to disagree with your comments about the wheel size. Not your preferences, but your recommendations. I think your bias towards large wheel diameter belies your, well, your youth! </blockquote>
Youth? I’m in my mid 30s. Is that still young? ;o)
No burble : (
R56ers can’t shine their headlights up at the sky after Midnight on the Dragon ; )
What has happened to Sparkling Silver? It’s gone from the colors list and the S Configurator.
Look for a “mid-life” R56 “refreshing” in late 2009 that will address most of the complaints set forth here. You got to have this car right for the “50th year anniversary”edition.
Frank Stephenson is working for Fiat. The new Fiat 600 is one of his latest works. I agree, Frank is a master of automative design and had he been kept in the R56 redesign, some of the questionnable details in the new car would have never seen the light of day.
I’d still like the clock back where it belongs, by the rear-view mirror.
Oh yeah and the loss of the exhaust “burble”is totally inexcusable!
When I went from my ’04 MCS to my ’05 MCS, the first thing my ears picked up was the throaty and popping sounds from the stock exhaust. The stock exhaust in the ’04 was toooo quiet compared to the ’05+ MCS.
I see this coming back probably in 2008 or 2009.
For this reason alone, I would not trade my ’05 for a new ’07. No way Jose.
HA! I know Gabe is over 20! I’m sure he’s at least 23 😉
And I know that real racing cars use low profile tires, but nothing that approaches the proportion of 18″ rims on a mini.
However, my point is that Mini offers plenty of nice 17″ and 18″ rims (even though most people interested in them would probably go aftermarket anyway). What they don’t offer is good looking 15″ and 16″ rims (in wider sizes).
Gabe is 30.
why can’t the sport button be activated via throttle positioning?
i.e., when you floor the accelerator or give it a quick burst, the sport mode activates.
Having been prevented from traveling for work on my 2006 MCS and a personal look see at the 2007 because of the recent Winter Storm and having read your review. I must say just one thing among a possible many, that is the main reason I ordered and took delivery of my 2006 MCS one year ago this month. I love the whine and felt that the TRIBEC engine got a bad rap. It sounds and performs like the wind.
I suppose when I order another MCS and this is my second one, it will be awhile down the line.
Thanks again, Gabe……
I wouldn’t be so worried about the pulley upgrade since this car will have ridiculous gains once those aftermarket exhaust start coming to the market. How to overcome the whining supercharger trademark noise? Just add a bigger exhaust in combination with a pop off valve and you will be in love with how scary your ride will sound. (not my thing though)
Still I don’t think this car makes me want to switch as of yet from my R53, lets wait and see
yikes! I didn’t mean t write that in bold!…my apologies ; )
Kind of a rehash of what’s already been written, but my list of needed improvements or bring backs for the R56:
– Redesign the Center Stack/Radio. Suggestion: Move the Speedo next to the Tac (like with the 05/06 when getting the Chrono Pack) and use the Center Area for Gauges, Radio (touch screen) with a few buttons and CD slot. If getting the NAV, incorporate Radio, LED readout, etc with touch screen and some buttons. Volume Control placement at radio.
– Bring back the Engine Temp Gauge and Fuel Needle Gauge.
– Move the Outside mirror control back to where it was. (Center between the seats)
– Boot Hatch Lid/handle – Chrome – Make it standard as was with the 04 Mini. Or for Pkg. Chrome Line Exterior – option to not have Chrome Mirror caps.
– Remove or change the design of the turn signal in the headlight array
– Bring back Clock, either analog (classic look) or Digital that doesn’t require to push a button to switch between displays.
– Bring back Anthracite seat and interior color option (Zero cost)
– Have more Leather/Cloth Seat color options Only two options now available on R56: Red & Black and Blue & Black. Bring back a Black & Dark Gray
– Redesign Air/Heat vents inside. More flush and less sticking out like exhaust cones.
– Improve the Multifunction button design on the Steering wheel. Go back to the 2004 Style. Drop the “Nintendo” game pad style.
– Redesign the Air/Heat controls. No Mini logo toy looking controls.
– Door side pockets. Redesign for better access and storage. Use something similar to what the Lexus LS 430 has.
Those are the main things, appearance/function items. Have to wait and see how it handles and drives.
who says the TRITEC got a bad rap? it’s legendary! bulletproof!
Gabe: I’ve driven around 8-9 examples of the new US spec R56 and I think all but one of them was a manual. In every case the clutch felt identical to all other manually equipped MINIs I’ve driven over the years. I’m guessing whomever said that the clutch was light has simply forgotten how a clutch on abrand-new car feels.
I disagree.. I am new to manual and I found the R53’s clutch to be much more stiff on the new test drive cars at the dealership compared to the R56. At the same time my roomate who drives a WRX found the R53 more stiff then his car but the R56 almost identical to his WRX.
This compendium of opinion points in one direction — south!
This car is destined to continue to draw negative press unless an unlikely comprehensive redesign is done.The negatives far outweigh the positives across the board both inside and out. Some of them may be successfully ameliorated by the aftermarket, but many will require a heavy-duty makeover that afternmarket revisions simply cannot change.
The size of the wheel openings, the horrible looking plastic C-pillars, the bloated looking front-end and excessively high looking side profile are just a few unsavory design detractors. Placed side-by-side the ’06 (and earlier) “Betty Boop” MINIs look far better than this “Ugly Betty” iteration.
Bottom line — My crystal ball predicts you will see a moderate decline in ’07 sales and a sharp increase in used “classic” MINI demand.
As we all know awkward lines and design details may appear to be less pronounced on a dark colored car which may
If any of you care to check out the Hamann. de website you will see that aftermarket cosmetics certainly help but cannot replace the comprehensive reconstructive surgery that this puppy requires. I think we all have a tendency to rationalize to appease our instinctive sensibilities and undoubtedly advertising hype plays a major role in stimulating the process.
Please excuse the typo omission following “dark colored which may … explain the color selected in the “Coop” ad series. Sorry about that, thank you.
Another minor complaint…the control stalks from the steering column (turn signal and wiper control) were CHEAP! Black plastic and very low-rent. And they are perfectly straight instead of the cool curvy levers of the previous gen.
At least this is what I observed on the pre-prod units at the NAIAS in Detroit. Not sure if production is different or not.
I really can’t believe what I am reading here! I owned a 2002 R50 and currently own a 2005 R53, and I think the R56 is a complete triumph! It is better in every way, especially where it counts… on the track. At least, that’s how all of us felt at Firebird Raceway earlier this week.
The nasty new interior is all I need to render my verdict: No Thanks!
The center stack looks ridiculous, as does the pizza pan center speedo and integrated stereo.
The red dash and chrome combo in my ’05 S cabrio looks worlds better than this new R56 mess. Which is a good thing, as I don’t need the envy right now. Ugly redesigns help me get more years out of my car. 🙂
I love the new R56…..I love them all. It looks good, just because it is new doesnt mean you should trash it!
Why my post was deleted?
The more I hear about this car the better I feel about my tweaked R53. She’s a keeper.
Signed,
R53LVR
I will check out the car in person this weekend, but so far there is not many things I like about it.
Still don’t get how BMW is marketing this as a more “mature” and “sophisticated” MINI, yet made it more toy like in many aspects, especially the mish mosh that seems to be the interior.
Bud, while I don’t love everything about the new car, and I’ll withhold judgment until my test drive tomorrow, I don’t think that a list of negatives on a thread about “misses” on a car that’s otherwise “an improvement” is a fair basis to say that the negatives clearly outweigh the positives. In fact, having followed what’s being said on MINI2 by folks who’ve been driving the car for months, it’s clear that, despite numerous gripes about the car, the overall feeling is that this is an improvement and not the beginning of the end.
Since it seems to be missed let me reiterate. Please don’t post complaints about a car you haven’t seen or driven.
And let’s hear some well thought out issues. There are some great thoughts here but many are obviously just comments left by people who simply think what they current own will be forever the best.
<blockquote>HA! I know Gabe is over 20! I’m sure he’s at least 23 😉
And I know that real racing cars use low profile tires, but nothing that approaches the proportion of 18″ rims on a mini.
However, my point is that Mini offers plenty of nice 17″ and 18″ rims (even though most people interested in them would probably go aftermarket anyway). What they don’t offer is good looking 15″ and 16″ rims (in wider sizes).</blockquote>
I do see your point. The way I understand it is that OEM wheels are a bit heavier to give the car a more settled feel.
That being said wider wheels would reduce the All Season ability for most commuters.
I guess the best thing is to give MINI credit for offering such a diverse range of wheels and wish Gabe another Happy Birthday. 😉
This will be a styling critique, as the line to drive one was long, and time was short. Seat time will have to come later.
Interior
Okay, okay, the MINI world is not ending – it just looks that way from certain angles; unfortunately, one of the worst offenders is right from the driver’s seat. The center stack really is cheesy looking, with ungodly plasticky looking, and feeling, knobs and controls – it is beyond me why MINI chose these design elements; they’re even somewhat confusing, and certainly non-intuitive. They have a “cartooney” look, a discordant design theme carried over onto the larger fender flares and an overall lack of subtlety and refinement, strangely in exact opposition to the mechanical end of the new design. The lounge leather was admittedly awesome, tho – the seats looked and felt like something from a much more expensive car. I’m all over those. The codpiece seats still look yucky to me, but they are quite comfy – I’d jump for the lounge, myself, tho. The pedals are bit too far apart for comfortable heel-and-toe, but I get a sense of more room in length for the front-seaters, at least as far as the general placement of things.
I’m not too sure about the interrupted oval elements in the doors; not only is there less storage all around in the interior – you can just about keep a pair of matchbooks in the rear seat “coin slots”, and maybe three of ’em in the extremely reduced front door pockets, and don’t get me started on the glove box: room for one only unless you cut the fingers off both – anyway, with the driver’s door open it looked like two broken rib ends sticking out of the red leather….uh….no. The back seats are still for Billy Barty and his family, but they’ll have more butt room, at least – sadly, my 6’2″ noggin says less headroom.
Exterior
As I mentioned, the bigger flairs are, well, BIGGER, and they serve the new design to keep the proportions commensurate with the first MINIs, but I can’t help thinking 3/4 of an inch less outside radius would have been more elegant. Under no circumstances should these be painted body-color, the car would look heavy and disjointed. I still would have an assendectomy if I got the newest MINI coupe – Sir Mix-a-lot might like it, but I see it as a styling continuation of the less stylish, higher belt-line – it looks fat-assed. Ixnay on the uttbay, guys, in the next new and improved, and try to slim down the chrome trim – looks like it was stuck on with a trowel, when it should be done with a fine camel-hair brush. The headlights are deceptively large – they look a helluva lot smaller than they really are…until you open the hood. Holy Cow! I can stick my head thru the headlight cut-outs, and I did so without removing my specs – freaking huge holes! I could only think of Mister Magoo, but that wasn’t the cartoon element they were shooting for, I’m sure. Speaking of opening the hood, interestingly, MINI has chosen a retro theme – they are acknowledging the blood line of old Mini release latch, literally. On the original Minis, the latch was hangin’ down right in the center of the open hood, and was a nice skull-gouger if you weren’t careful; the newest MINI has a frighteningly similar one offset to the right now, so if you do a lot work on your engine, better hope your genetics don’t hold the promise of male-pattern baldness. Then again you could always say you got the scars fighting Finnish sailors down on docks, I guess.
The presentation of the new MINI engine is BBBBOOOORRRIIINNNGG. What happened to that wonderful intercooler???, a flat-out loud visual that your ‘S’ had something special in there! Now there’s just a coupla boxes about the size of a fat man’s lunch, just sittin’ there like lumps. Oh the humanity – it will never, I repeat never, look as boy racer as the last ‘S’, sigh – remember when everybody would open their hood to show off, even the Coopers? I predict this will be less common. And what’s with the agricultural exhaust pipe cover right in front on the ‘S’ – it looks like something my 10-year old once hammered out of a Julian Pie tin in Scout Camp. Change the stampings there, boys. The best thing, tho, is this motor will be easier to work on, and has less of thrown-together look overall – a place for everything, and everything in its place.
The headlights really do look good with the hood closed, and if it saves a few jay-walkers, at least MINI did a bang-up job on the front-end styling overall, IMHO. The average joe will prolly not even notice any difference, and a lot of slight inconsistencies in the previous version are cleaned up nicely – the grill is beautifully proportioned, and no hint of the dreaded “snout” look. I’m not going to comment on the scoop – ’nuff said already, by just about everyone in the civilized world. The rear tail lights have a bit of the too-heavy chrome look, but once again, MINI has kept the faith with placement and shape. I noticed as well the rear wheel wells are less shrouded on the inside – the bits and pieces of the suspension are much more visible, giving it a look like a thinly-veiled racer. The new yellow – FEKKIN’ AWESOME! Close to Fly Yellow, and so much more warmer – way to go MINI!
Overall: Grade B
Outside: Grade – B+, with a mention in dispatches.
Inside: Grade – C, with a lot of homework assigned and the admonishment that the parents don’t do all the work.
Engine compartment: Grade – C+, with a chance to improve with extra project work.
For an evolutionary design, MINI got it pretty much right – strangely enough, on the way up and back, we saw a split window Beetle, an oval-window Beetle, and one of the last non-Super Beetles from the seventies – evolutionary designs that were related and deliberately so; MINI needs to focus on keeping the MINI an icon, and if that means a certain amount of sameness, they need to keep those basic elements just so; any tweaking should be done as carefully as possible. You don’t want MINI becoming just another small car that follows styling conventions just for the sake of caprice.
BCNU,
Rob in Dago
I saw the cars yesterday at the launch party and here’s my take on it.
Door pocket storage may be down, but there is now a net on the passenger side of the transmission tunnel. That looked useful as it’s easier to reach than the passenger door.
The new bonnet is the way it is because it’s cheaper to make, and boy, does it look it. When it’s open you see all sorts of clips that hold the chrome headlamp trims on. I’m sure they’re fixed, but it makes it look like they could fall out really easily. Also, there’s almost no sound deadening material under there – just a small patch in the center directly above the engine. Makes it look very basic / cheap.
I don’t really like the bigger black trim around the wheels, although I understand why they did it to keep the look of the proportions. It looks OK with the right color body and the right size wheels but the standard wheels on the Cooper just look way too small. They have a huge expanse of black in the wheel well, from the big sidewalls on the tires and then the bigger black trim. Looks bad IMHO.
The ‘secret’ glove box in one car I sat in opened to reveal an unfinished metal slot. It’s obviously meant to take the 6 disc changer, but I think that panel should either be fixed or the space should have a proper lining if the changer is not there. Maybe that was an oversight or the dealer was supposed to install the changer. The way that panel moves around before it opens does make it look like it’s broken.
As has been said before and will be said over and over again. The center stack is a real miss for me. I don’t like the silver plastics – too much of them and they look / feel cheap. I don’t like the big blank spaces of black plastic – what was the point in moving the radio into the speedo if you’re not going to do something useful with the space it vacated or to eliminate the space? And now that the radio is in the speedo, I assume that means there’s no aftermarket upgrade path at all. I know MINI is not the first to do that, but it’s not a trend I like.
I’ve had the chance to see the new Mini up close already, since it’s been on sale since November over here.
Interior-wise, I like most changes, except the centre console, the enormous speedo and the integration of the radio controls into the speedo. The centre console, I have to agree with previous posters, is probably largely corrected by making the controls black instead of silver, like it is with the “old” car. I like the subtleness in which the R50’s A/C controls look like a Mini logo, but almost everyone needs to be made aware of it. Not so with the R56, it’s glaringly obvious.
I’m not a fan of integrated audio systems, but it’s the tendency in the industry. However, I think Mini’s choice to put the controls inside the centre speedo is poor. The speedo has become too large now. I have no idea what came first, the decision to make the speedo even larger than it is on the R50, or the decision to integrate the audio controls into it, but the end result is a speedo that now really is much too big (it already was cartoonishly big on the R50), with a weird bunch of controls at the bottom that don’t belong there. I hope that with a mid-lifecycle facelift Mini will take the size down to the size of the R50 again, and put the audio controls in a more conventional configuration in the center stack below the speedo. I realise this will also mean that the current (very original) solution for the nav system, with the speed indicator running in a ring surrounding the nav screen, will probably not be feasible anymore because the speedo will be too small for both a screen and the speedo ring. Maybe Mini should stop trying to make the nav screen fit with the centre speedo design theme and just integrate a more square screen in the design of the dash for cars with sat nav.
Lastly, the side vents are just too bulky, both on the Cooper and Cooper S (while on pictures the chrome ones on the S bothered me most, in real life it were the huge black plastic versions of the Cooper that were just too much). I hope some after market company has someone with some good taste amongst their employees who can come up with a more distinguished design, maybe something with wire mesh (chrome or body color).
The wide black plastic trim apparently is dictated by the raised waist line, which in turn is dictated by a higher bonnet. I hope that by the time the next iteration of the Mini comes along, active bonnet systems are more common (i.e. development investments have returned, and production is a little less expensive) and the designers can return to the more sleak design of the R50/R53.
We went to the local dealer today and looked at them with the ’06 models mixed in on the lot. I think they’ll sell just fine. The only immediate visual surprises to me (seeing it in person) on the MCS was how “jacked up” it looks (riding high, like it was setup for off-road duty). Loved the phat tailpipes, surprised at the gaps required around the front headlights (the one I looked at most closely had xenon up front). I’d certainly want to lower the beast right away (in addition to opening up the fake front scoop). The net impression is that I’ll be quite happy with my GP for some time, and now I’m thinking about keeping my ’05 MCS longer!
I’m with your GadgetGav there are some major flaws in the design and we as readers welcome the opportunity that MF has provded to voice our subject opinions.
If this forum begins to censor and/or edit our freedom of expression for whatever reason it will have failed to fulfill its purpose and succeed to alienate its readers. Both negative and positve comments should be welcomed. I can appreciate the advisory issued stating that we should reserve our critiques until we actually see the vehicle and possibly drive it since our impressions of images may not always coincide with first-hand observation. In the case of the ’07 the impression is reghrettably identical — disappointing at best.
Obviously there are many who are offended by those of us that are guilty of ostensibly “bad-rapping” the R56. I don’t think any of our criticisms are intended to harm the sensibilities or preferences of our fellow MINI enthusiasts, we simply value the great opportunity that MF has afforded us to voice our opinions. We certainly respect disagreement and I, for one, encourage it. This is democracy and the way our comments should be perceived.
I’m not a previous MINI owner and don’t care to redesign this or the previous car or preserve it’s icon status. Here are some non-religious misses that really stood out to me today. All easy to fix!
1. Sunroof shade. It’s lightweight, otherwise I don’t know…
2. HVAC controls. Was this a Yaris through out? Needs some heft.
3. Standard Stereo sound. Take the $11.28 they spent on 6 speakers and triple it.
4. Cloth seat material. This fabric seems to be common now but seems cheap. (See VW Rabbit base 2dr.) Just the centers are fine but the with the sides it’s too much cheapness. Maybe a heavier side material or leatherette sides.
5. Seats can still use a bit of comfort engineering or something.(See VW.)
6. Standard instrument trim rings are cheap. Find something better for those that will not want to pay or see the nice chrome.
7. Windows did not auto up, only down. (See VW.)
I’m still amazed (well, amused) at how many people seem to think the R56 is the end of the world. “Ugly”, “a mess”, “nasty”, “cheap”, “huge”, “bloated”, “disappointing”, etc. But I’ve voiced that amazement vocally and sarcastically elsewhere. 😉 It’s good to know so many folks think I’ll be driving around in a trainwreck.
I do think that if you have a recent MINI that’s working fine, the R56 offers no compelling reason to trade up. (And frankly, it really shouldn’t.)
Hopefully next week, I’ll have mine in-hand and I can do some side-by-sides with our 2004 R50. I’ll post observations primarily on NAM, but also here as appropriate.
I too was among the group attending the unveiling of the R56 at MoP last Thursday (Kudos to MoP btw, it was a great event). Some observations:
To me the front end of the Cooper has lost the visual appeal of it’s predecessor, there’s very little character there anymore. The MCS, on the other hand, looks much nicer; the extra height (due to the turbo) and hood scoop really do help.
The large Speedo looks fine to me but the center stack needs some improvement. The volume control looks ridiculous sitting there by itself, I shouldn’t have to select the navigation system just to make the center stack look less offensive.
I have Auto A/C now but if I were purchasing an ’07 I would not select that as an option, doing so would result in 4 (one fake) additional buttons below the Auto A/C unit.
Talking of buttons, I noticed the Sports button was in front of the gear shift along with 2 other buttons (can’t recall what they were for); it just looked like buttons were everywhere!
Sport button – this is a MINI, why do we need to push a Sports button to get the throttle response and steering feedback that should be there by default?!
The 15 inch wheels on the Cooper looked way too small for the car.
The extra (‘secret’) glove box was left bare (presumably the CD changer was going in there) and looked ridiculous. The flimsy cover will, I’m sure’ develop rattles because there doesn’t appear to be much holding it in place. Why oh why can’t MINI just give us an in-dash multi-CD player like everyone else seems to offer (some as standard) instead of having to pay an additional $500!
Love the Lounge Leather seats – but are they worth an additional $1,900?!
Thanks for the opportunity to vent(!), hopefully BMW/MINI is paying attention and will rectify some of these issues.
2007 Mini Cooper S Improvements:
1. Solve all quality control & spare parts issues
2. Improve 0.39 Cd to 0.35 or lower like previous generation S. (2007 Non-S hood?)
3. Top crash test rating from IIHS
4. Does the 07 have full side curtains instead of tubular head air bags?
5. Add active head restraints
6. Gauges: boost, water temp., oil pressure & oil temp.
7. Non-run-flat tires
8. No-extra-cost lightweight wheels
9. Add more dealers — small dealer network