MINI Interior: How Would You Improve it?
The following report was written by our newest MF contributor Jon Durdick.
MINI has received an impressive number of awards since its re-introduction in 2001. Recently Ward Auto announced their 2010 top 40 finalists for interior of the year, on reviewing the list we realized one award that has consistently been missed by MINI is for its interior design. With the redesign already under way we can’t help but wonder if any of this almost universal non-praise has made its way to MINI. And we don’t look at this as an exclusive design problem. In fact it’s as much a quality as anything.
And it’s not just the R56 generation either. From the R50 to the R57 MINI has consistently created interiors that have garnered a healthy share of complaints. So we wanted to throw it to you, our readers. What would be your choice on how to improve the premium feel of the interior of the MINI brand? Keep in mind that the criteria that Wards judges on are the following:
– Ergonomics of the controls
– Quality and feel of the materials
– Overall comfort; fit and finish
– Value
<p>more of a wish… I’d love for the dash lighting to change colors to match the convenience lighting.</p>
<p>I like MINI interiors. I think they are well designed and trendsetting. But the horn should be moved from the center of the wheel to the perimeter where it used to be and the speedometer should be smaller. I’m curious who wins these awards, I haven’t seen any interiors that are better than MINI’s.</p>
<p>I should think everyone will wish for the radio and central controls to be better organized, and more logical.
I know it’s only a small car, but a few more nooks and crannies for sunglasses, coinage, etc., would be really nice, plus more practical door pockets that you could actually fit something in.
The horn would be better either in the center of the wheel, or at the end of the stalks (like the old Mini). I know I’ve hunted for the little horn buttons when the wheel’s turned and you need to let someone know you’re there!
Sometimes I wonder if the designers actually use a MINI, such as the Clubman rear doors having pockets that are rounded and shallow, allowing anything in there to promply fly out when you open or close the doors quickly…</p>
<p>I don’t think the speedo is too big – after all its really only half of the dial on the dash, the radio controls being the other half. It seems that a lot of people call the whole assemblyl the speedo and say its too big. When what they are really saying more or less is to move the radio and its controls out of the circular bezel. I’m pretty indifferent to that – I do like the display high on the dash and would not be fond of having to look down to the center stack for the display. That brings up the possibility of having a seperate display for the radio/audio functions – old school like cars of the past that had a DIN slot for audio components. This feels like a step backwards to me, when almost every car made now has the audio system integrated into the cars displays. I do think the lone volume on/off knob should be with the other controls. The location was handy without the multifunction steering wheel because it was very close to the shift knob, but with the MFSW standard now that rational holds no water.</p>
<p>The only other thing I would say is that there are too many single function buttons. Reminds me of the logic of a TV remote – have a function give it a button. All that can be handled on the display with an easy to use menu structure – like an iPod. Simple set of buttons does everything, and it all lies in the soft interface on the display. This also allows you to update the cars functions in the future via software upgrades.</p>
<p>As for the rest, the style, the look, the color options… don’t care much about that crap so long as it does not get in my way. The seats are good, the adjustments are good, its a good drivers car in all respects that matter to me. Don’t care much about awards either.</p>
<p>Get rid of that toyotic plastic feel, and bring it back to the more stripped down open feel from the first gen.</p>
<p>Also, get rid of that chunky/lumpy bumper car looking steering wheel. Bring back the two-spoke.</p>
<p>Ergonomics of controls: Fine, after a little relearning.</p>
<p>Quality and feel of the materials: Generally good, but the leather veneer on the lounge leather seats is very thin and easy to wear-through, exposing the green substrate. The cloth seats’ fabric is also thin. Durable? No issues with it after 17,000 miles.</p>
<p>Overall comfort; fit and finish: Great head room. Adjustable seat elevation very good. Driving position, very good. Lounge Leather sport seats are very comfortable, with good, adjustable lumbar support.</p>
<p>Value: Except for the thin leather veneer on the pricey seats, value is good. All seats should have the adjustable lumbar support, however. Switches and controls have a smooth, solid, confidence-inspiring character.</p>
<p>I’ve got a 2008 w/Nav, and have to say I LOVE the speedometer/screen, but HATE the menus. Wouldn’t mind having another 12V socket, too. Doubt either of of those concerns are going to matter to Wards. Oh, and floormats don’t stay in place. No hooks/clips/whatever to keep them down. Some more movement on the wheel-mounted audio/cruise controls would be nice too. Don’t like the lack of tactile feedback.</p>
<p>only thing that causes issue for me is the multi-use rocker buttons on the stereo. sometimes it’s hard to differentiate which button is associated with which display on the screen. when trying to use the phone numbers / radio presets i often pick the wrong one; having 12 buttons would be alot better than 6 rocker buttons. other than that, the controls are really easy once you’re used to them. also i’ve never had an issue with running out of space; i just wish i could get a parcel shelf.</p>
<p>Please put in a water temp and oil pressure gauges as standard in the S and JCW. Please do something about the giant circle/speedo; I’m tired of the rapper jokes I hear every time someone new gets in my car. Less plastic-fantastic please!!! Can you move the cup holders away from the dash a bit. God forbid I want to drive around with a water bottle and need to roll up the windows or lock the doors!!</p>
<p>As a 1st Gen owner, I like my interior as it is; however, adding a little more sound-proofing 2 combat rattles and including a standard armrest (other automakers include them as a stock item–y couldn’t MINI/BMW?)is all I can think of.</p>
<p>Here are some thoughts:</p>
<p>I much preferred the look of the original radio and HVAC controls of gen 1. While the current configuration is “cute”, it looks ridiculous in the more expensive trim levels. My $32k Clubman looked like a toy for that price.</p>
<p>How about a true off button for the HVAC versus having to hold down the fan whee? For that matter, throw out the current HVAC and start from scratch with a more purposeful (less stylish) design. The car has enough character that we don’t have to infringe upon function in every aspect.</p>
<p>While joy sticks are the rage, a touch screen NAV only makes sense for this car considering how close you are to the dash to begin with. Relative to idrive and other systems, the MINI’s NAV is simplistic and a joystick is not necessary.</p>
<p>Also, ditch the HVAC controls all together, or streamline them (temp & fan only) if you have the NAV like the 5 series. That would allow for even more storage.</p>
<p>Bring back the dual gauge option on the steering wheel and chrono pack. Some of us consider our cars real sports cars and the lack of an engine temp and oil temp/pressure readout are silly for a car with sporting pretensions. Adding these gauges digitally to the NAV would also add value to that option. Ducati’s and other sportbikes manage to show more info on their tiny LCD screens, why does MINI trail in this area?</p>
<p>How about an overhead bungee net for those without the sunroof. That would be great for sunglasses or anything else that is light and suited for storage above.</p>
<p>Make the Sport button keep its setting when the car starts up again. I like mine on all the time and I should have the option of keeping it that way.</p>
<p>I have steadfastly refsued to consider a 2nd Gen for no other reason than the interior has morphed into “trendy” vice “sporty”.</p>
<p>Sporty? I love my black surface on my dash, and my chrono package with gauges. Idiot lights may be fine for those that can’t understand what a gauge is telling them, but I like to monitor my engine and see a potential failure, before it becomes reality.
Sheehs, my wife’s Toyota Sequoia has gauges !! :)</p>
<p>And the way I drive, if I had to monitor my speed by looking out of my line-of-sight, every cop in the county would know me on a first name basis by now.</p>
<p>(and no, a digital speed readout in the digital window on the tachometer doesn’t cut it for me)</p>
<p>Even though we all know the decisions have been made already as we will be seeing the mid cycle refresh cars this fall in the U.S. I have one suggestion. Go back to Black Buttons as you have done in the Countryman. They look more elegant. I have quite a few people say they dislike the SIlver painted looking finishes in the interior as they look plasticky. I don’t mind them but I also see where people are coming from with this feedback. The Countryman interior looks richer than the R55/R56/R57 that we currently have. For all of you not in the know though I have seen pics of the updated radio for the cars (shown to me by Engineers from Oxford guaging opinions by MA’s from dealers that they chose) and the button issue has been solved. It’s a much more logical layout that what we currently have and I feel EVERYBODY will finally be happy with the radio operation for the most part.</p>
<p>Personally, I would like more real wood accents. I have the piano black and it’s just looks dusty and full of smudges all the time. This is my 2cents.</p>
<p>Gee, where to start here. First, the window switches are easily blocked by a water bottle or anything else in the cup holder. Ditto for the door lock toggle.</p>
<p>The navigation unit on my 2009 MCCS was outdated before it was delivered. Time for a re-think and probably a touch-screen unit over the old school BMW iDrive.</p>
<p>The big speedo, while cool, is useless. There needs to be a dedicated analog gauge or dedicated digital readout in the center pod. Yeah, I know I can display the speed in the existing space; but I prefer to have other information in that small space most of the time.</p>
<p>The climate controls could be higher in the center stack and the adjustments could be more sensitive. In my BMW you could set 1/2 degrees – like 21.5 – but the MINI doesn’t allow that and I find myself constantly adjusting the climate control unlike with the BMW.</p>
<p>The iPod/iPhone interface could also be in a more accessible place rather in the dark cave at the bottom of the center console.</p>
<p>The seat adjustment controls are in tight places, hard to reach if you have big hands. The seats could be more adjustable with more thigh & lateral support.</p>
<p>The front seat belts constantly get stuck as the seat shoulders are so close to the B pillar. If you don’t adjust the place holders perfectly, the buckle will bang against the pillar while driving (passenger side if unoccupied).</p>
<p>The plastics on the door and in other places in the cabin are pretty cheap and fit isn’t up to even Korean standards in some places.</p>
<p>The side map pocket/storage bin could be deeper and longer.</p>
<p>I’m sure I’ll think of more, but this is a good start.</p>
<p>Someone above suggested that comments about the speed being to big were wrong… The SPEEDO is TOO BIG! Other than that I’d say the interior gotten better, at least the new HK is pretty spot on.</p>
<p>Maybe change the cutesy winged thing in the center stack? I think the horn buttons should return closer to the hands so you don’t have to let go of the wheel.</p>
<p>Since I own an R53 I only about the newer dash because of a test drive. As an R53 owner I still find the newer steering wheel set up not to my liking and found the control buttons there a bit small.</p>
<p>I like the dark headliner that was in the Clubby I drove, and, as someone noted above, more sound deadening would be good.</p>
<p>My pet peeves on my R56-S:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>The driver’s side air vents are blocked by the steering wheel. Move the vents in or out to clear the wheel.</p></li>
<li><p>I cannot read the top of the tach because of the steering wheel. Reduce the size of the tach.</p></li>
<li><p>Add boost pressure and coolant temp guages as standard equipment</p></li>
<li><p>Have the TPMS provide actual pressure readings, not just low pressure alerts.</p></li>
<li><p>One-touch open sunroof to go with the one-touch windows.</p></li>
<li><p>“Menu” and “Volume” knobs for the audio system need to be repositioned for intuitive use.</p></li>
<li><p>The toggle bank should be full, even if the option is not present on the MINI (i.e. rear fog-light toggle)</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Next Monday morning erase “Unique” from the blackboard and write “Driver Intuitive”. The designers will be done by Thursday and have a long weekend to celebrate. Or tidy up their resumes.</p>
<p>I am used to the new dash by now on the ergonomic touchy feely end :)</p>
<p>2 things visually still bother me:</p>
<ul>
<li>the lone volume knob in the center console still makes no sense to me why it was placed there. it looks like a complete afterthought</li>
<li>the HVAC control pod … manual or auto, looks too cutesy with its MINI Wing Shape. This needs to be simplified I think. There are enough “cute” elements in the interior already like someone already mentioned.</li>
</ul>
<p>BTW, I would also love being able to have the dash lights change with the disco ambient lights.</p>
<p>Gauges: Water and Oil Pressure for S and JCW versions. They should be incorporated into the trademark large speedometer, or added to the tachometer display area as many after market products have.</p>
<p>Front Seats/Rear Seats: The back seats in my 2004 MCS are rarely used, and usually just hold cargo/sacks/luggae. I’d trade some of the padding in the rear seats for more plush seating in the front buckets. Driver comfort is important, so give us more padding up front in the seats, back and bottom. Adjustments are on front seats are great!</p>
<p>Dash Pillars: I am tall. The radio/climate pillars are in my way at times. Long drives, but also in short cruises. I catch just below my knee on those pillars, in either seat. Either pad them, or change their position by recessing them back further under the dash. If dash structural support is the issue, one large pillar to the floor in the center of the radio/climate dash area would also give more room for legs and the dash support.</p>
<p>Side Mirrors: Please develop wider angle viewing mirrors.</p>
<p>Cup Holders: Change positions from the dash pillars or under the dash to both sides of the emergency brake, and give us usable room there for item storage in between the cup holders and under the handbrake grip.</p>
<p>Door Storage: Neat design in theory on my 2004, but man, my gloves won’t even stay in there if I open and close the door. CD cases fall out or rattle as you drive. Pad it, vinyl it, some soft cover would be appreciated. Deepen the pockets if possible.</p>
<p>The Glove Box: Come on…take the Clowns on that design team, and have them dig ditches in a third world country….please… Make it so that not every item you put in there falls on your ankles when you open it. We do appreciate that it is climate controlled immensely. It a very nice touch! Makes storing medications on trips easy, which must not get too hot.</p>
<p>Keep the cool colors outside and inside coming!</p>
<p>Last one: More dark rim choices. Not just black. Gunmetal, brushed metals, contrasting finishes.</p>
<p>I am always shoked to see sooooo many complaints about the odd mini interior or control placements. I mean, 90% of cars outthere have perfectly boring and “well” placed controls. I drove many cars and can’t help but loving everybit of the mini R53 or R56 for that matter. Ultimately, we are all creatures of habit and we learn to get used to anything, including mini’s placement of this and that. It is a pure joy to be inside and I am NEVER bored at the red traffic lights. Thank you Mini, keep on improving and keep on doing the same too:)</p>
<ol>
<li><p><b>Dash materials quality – </b>Spend $ where it counts… a driver and passenger sees the dash buttons (and uses them). So improve the material quality. BAN SILVER PAINTED PLASTIC FROM THE LAND OF MINI Started in gen1 (at least on some interior trim choices, fortunately there was anthracite trim and others available), exaggerated horribly in gen2 (and no longer avoidable on the centre stack regardless of trim chosen), and previously the purview of cheap portable “hi-fi” electronics, it needs to be shown the door. You want silver trim in the MINI, only if it is actual metal should it be allowed.</p></li>
<li><p><b>Front seat comfort – </b>the MINI is reasonably comfortable for long distance travel, particularly the R56, but improvement can still be made in the seats. First, seat mounting should be lowered so it does not feel like you are sitting on a barstool (so annoying for us taller drivers)… such a seating would complement its sports car-like dynamics. Also, seat cushions should have an extendable thigh section like BMW has offered for years and years… make it an optional “sport seat”, or sell it as a factory-build JCW seat, charge what they feel is needed, and trust me the take rate will be high!</p></li>
<li><p><b>Sunroof – </b>Surprised no one has mentioned the sunroof. A SOLID SUNROOF SHADE would help with blocking light when not wanted and wind noise on highway trips (even with sunroof closed).</p></li>
<li><p><b>Gear shift / console / armrest – </b> All the armrest issues would go away, and the MINI interior would look a lot more sporting, if the centre console was raised as it is on all current BMW models, and indeed all sports cars. The mk5 and mk6 VW GTI draws a happy medium between full sports car centre console and the MINI design. It lends the car a much more driver-oriented feel.</p></li>
<li><b>Cupholders – </b> We don’t need more of these, but they do need to be moved a bit further away from the toggle bank as putting just about anything in them interferes with the toggles. A proper BMW-like console (see my #4) would solve this problem handily.</li>
</ol>
<p>Generally, I like the R56 interior (definitely moreso than the R53 interior). Primarily I would like to see an improvement in materials and fit/finish rather than a complete redesign. I agree that the painted silver plastic should be banished from the console, and, especially, the steering wheel, where the multifunction buttons make a quick, cheap first impression. The trim around the speedometer, etc. that you get when you don’t order the chromeline interior should also be improved — it, too, has that cheap silver thing going on.</p>
<p>I’d like to see the option of a matte black dash, probably to replace the shiny, plasticky “piano black” interior. I’d also like to see an improved wood dash that doesn’t look like laminated plastic. (I know it is supposed to be real wood underneath, but it’s just a little too shiny to make that impression).</p>
<p>I think the gaps between the dash face and the colorline trim beneath are too large and obvious. The “hidden compartment” door is too flimsy and cheap-feeling. The tachometer over the steering wheel is cheap-looking and should be made of better materials and perhaps redesigned completely.</p>
<p>The armrest could be significantly improved.</p>
<p>Finally, I think the interior is greatly improved in most cases by the matching leather-bolstered cloth seats (as illustrated with this article in the white seats that are not available as a standard option in the U.S.). However, $1,000 is a LOT to ask for leather-bolsters on cloth seats. Cut the price in half and maybe dealers will start ordering the cars on the lot with this option. (I can rarely recall seeing cars equipped with those seats sitting on a lot; I think in most cases dealers order their cars with leather or just stick with the standard seats, for obvious reasons.)</p>
<p>This seems like a long list of complaints, but shouldn’t detract from the fact that the interior is a very nice interior that is let down in a few key areas, and with a little improvement could be quite stunning.</p>
<p>Goat … that bar stool seat height you speak of is an issue with the more padded sport seats. they also rob you of more headroom. the standard seats are much lower to the ground feeling and still very comfortable. 6’7″ right here :)</p>
<p>i can’t complain in the seating / headroom / legroom arena with MINI as they are one of a handful of cars that are super comfortable for tall people.</p>
<p>They need to significantly change the center stack. The sea of flat plastic around the controls is such a turnoff in the newer minis. This revision clearly didn’t change that.</p>
<p>And bring back the 2-spoke wheel while you’re at it. :)</p>
<p>i personally think that the amount of customizable options in the interior is impressive and awesome… i would make the option of silver or black pieces all around though so the gauge clusters can be black or silver, and the radio controls.</p>
<p>How about more accessible JCW options? i know they’re big and all but $500+ for a steering wheel? Really?? i mean yeah it’s a great option, and feels wonderful. but come on, they make aftermarket steering wheels that retain the buttons and airbag for half that price in the honda community! Also for JCW, BRING THOSE RECARO SPORTSTER CS SEATS TO THE US!!!!!!!!! THEY MAKE THEM WITH AIRBAGS FOR BMW SO YOU CAN OBVIOUSLY DO THE SAME THING!!!!! Also on the JCW cars, make the Aerokit the Standard and have the regular body kit as an option! we’re already payin out the ass for the car cuz we love it, so don’t F**** us over by giving the biggest MINI market in the world the LESS exciting options! if people are getting JCW its cuz we WANT the sport, we WANT the speed, we WANT the handling and race like interior! if it’s blending in with the others people will say there goes another mini, not THERE GOES A JCW!!!! WOOOOW! also, have a couple smaller options added to your JCW Suspension kit, keep the spring rates, but lower the car just a little more, and make the 19mm rear sway that’s put on 3 way adjustable. if Renaults can come with that kinda awesome stuff, you guys sure as hell can do it!</p>
<p>Ya know how the NAV equipped cars have the needle on the outside… if you did that to the Tach, you could do a LOT with all that space in the middle, and i guarantee you it’ll still be really readable!</p>
<p>1 – Gauges. More of them.</p>
<p>2 – I don’t know anyone who thinks button controls in the shape of the MINI wings are cool. Seriously. The car has enough in it to remind people of what they’re driving to begin with.</p>
<p>3 – Silver plastic interior is horrible. If you load up a MINI Cooper S with the bells and whistles and spend ~30k on it, you want the inside of the car to feel like you just spent ~30k on it.</p>
<p>Even with these complaints, though, I like the MINI interior more than almost any other I’ve been in. Way more done right than wrong in there.</p>
<p>Speed display in the middle… don’t care about size, I never look at it. Put it in front of the driver, not something I have to turn my head to look at.</p>
<p>Cup holders and buttons for windows/locks just are in the way of each other.</p>
<p>Padding on door and center arm rest – a bit more padding. Feels pretty hard on the elbows after a bit of driving.</p>
<p>Radio with volume knob located somewhere else on the dash… that’s just wrong.</p>
<p>Get rid of the “one touch” window controls. It’s a pain to just crack the window. Either it opens too much or if you try to then close it a bit it closes all the way.</p>
<p>The button control for the computer is archaic. Make it a normal interface. Heck, if I can buy a touch screen GPS for a few hundred, why can’t you offer a similar priced GPS option… or for that matter just make it standard… and then include all of the computer options in it as well? A simple touch screen interface is much easier than the button on a stick interface that we’re currently stuck using.</p>
<p>I love my Clubman and have learned to live with all the wierd controls and layout but still wonder almost every time I drive it how the controls and interface passed any usability study. Wanting to do it in the style of the originals is admirable but in the last 50 years we’ve learned a bit about useability and should design for ease of use, not just as a throwback to some past model.</p>
<p>Paul said: <i>How about an overhead bungee net for those without the sunroof. That would be great for sunglasses or anything else that is light and suited for storage above.</i> YES!! Please find us a quick, easy, and (reasonably) secure place for our sunglasses. I would install this accessory right now if it were available. I totally agree with a minor cupholder re-vamp – get them away from the window switches and make them just a tad bigger around. I’ve crushed foam cups that were stuck in them – not fun to clean up. My seatbelts tend to get shut in the doors – got to remember to put them on before closing the doors – a fix for that would be great.</p>
<p>What annoys me is the almost cutesy, toy-like design. Materials have been iffy too. Surely they can come with designs for adults that are fun.</p>
<p>I have the perfect solution…keep the cheekiness of the interior design intact, but bring in the awesome quality/ergonomics of the 1st generation Audi TT. Real metal, very-high quality materials, everything where is should be (radio/HVAC controls), etc. I liked the design of my R53 (though it could’ve been improved slightly)…the R56, not so much. Get rid of the painted plastic, like someone else mentioned, and put some real metal in there (or nice, glossy or matte black buttons). As far as sound deadening, it adds mass, and most people don’t want the extra weight, or, at least, they shouldn’t. They should quell the wind noise, but let the intake/exhaust noise in…make it more visceral like the R53 was. If people didn’t want to experience the cool sounds of driving, they would’ve purchased a Lexus/Toyota/Benz. So, pretty much, R53 interior, Audi TT quality/ergonomics (or any Audi for that matter).</p>
<p>I would like to see the R53 size speedometer back. I think it looked much more classier than the one in the R56.</p>
<p>One last recommendation. Can you up the hp on the s & jcw a little. I mean the new hyundai sonata turbo gets 274 hp out of a four cylinder 2 liter engine and 34mpg. Do you think the people at BMW could do a little better for their cooper customers?? Just saying I don’t like to be shamed by HYUNDAI.</p>
<p>Floor mats that snap in place. I am so tired of the drivers side floor mat sliding around. Even my cheap-ass Ford Escort had floor mats that stay put.</p>
<p>Bring back the R50 toggles, The R56 ones are too quiet and stylised.</p>
<p>My only other gripe is the silver plastic everywhere, although the LCI should fix this.</p>
<p>Oh, and how about a lighter wood option as an alternative to English Oak.</p>
<p>I’ve made the comment many times. The American speedo is “empty” looking. The R53 showed MPH and KPH which was very cool. That thing is plenty big to add both again. Sporty!</p>
<p>Oil temperature so you know when the engine is warm (like evry BMW I have owned and own now). Thye window switches drive me crazy, I They need to be together in a central location away from everything else or put them on the door (like my BMW).</p>
<p>I think the Speedo should migrate over the steering wheel and get smaller. I know they are trying to imitate the classic mini with the center speedo . The classic mini only had the center speedo for 1 or 2 generations so lets move on like they did.</p>
<p>Not to compare it to a BMW but we are paying BMW prices so it should have a BMW quality feel.
At least have a option to have a high quality interior for those of us who have Minis that are getting close to the 40K range.</p>
<p>better and more storage areas. Like a place to store your sunglasses, maybe a cupholder integrated into the door with better storage along the door. I’m fine with the speedometer and even the controls for heating and cooling. The only thing that is a little annoying for me is the RPM gauge, I can’t see my rpms because the steering wheel is in the way. Not all people would have this problem, or maybe don’t care. Not a big issue but it’s something that could be better. I would love to see a special mount for Ipods and cell phones. I use my cupholders for this now and my sunglasses go in the annoying center area. The cupholders are in a bad spot for actually holding cups because you can’t access the toggles for windows and such and sometimes can be annoying for shifting. I do love the toggle switches, there’s just somethign about them.</p>
<p>So, I have an R50 and and E90 325i. My dad has an R56 Cooper, so I’m very familiar with the new gen too. I like some of the similarities (amber lighting, display screens, etc). However, I greatly enjoy the DIFFERENCES.</p>
<p>The MINI’s Speedo should be in the center. The R56’s is too large, the R50/53’s is the right size. If you drive enough, you know based on revs and what gear you’re in as to what speed you’re going. I would like an engine temp gauge, which I have on the R50 but is in abstensia in the E90 which makes knowing when the engine’s warm and more spirited driving can start a bit difficult. Maybe we just need the tachometer lights that go away as the engine warms like the M-cars have….</p>
<p>Toggle switches are very MINI and unique. And generations of BMWs had the window switches on the center console, very Euro. If your water bottle is in the way, maybe you shouldn’t be drinking in the car. The German’s are anti-drinks while driving, that’s why their cupholders have always been awful and I’ve never minded.</p>
<p>I love having no “high” center console. It keeps the MINI open and airy not to have a high center console.</p>
<p>I would lower the cowl to R50 height and make the dash as narrow as possible vertically. I’d up the quality of the plastics to at least E46 levels. I’d also improve gap tolerances in the interior and minimize the number of separate pieces. The R56 has different plastic around the air vents than the dash cover. Less lines equals more quality and less chance for squeaking. Just look at the improvement in the facelift of the first gen’s dash.</p>
<p>I like simple HVAC controls. The R56s are a bit contrived for no obvious reason. I’m happy that the painted silver will be going away.</p>
<p>While the interior of a $30k car should be pretty nice, you also have to remember the price span of the MINI and where the base price is. I’m MUCH happier with more money spent on the engine and suspension than just the interior. I knew when I bought my Cooper in 2004 where they spent all of the money and enjoy where they put it to this day.</p>
<p>The navigation system will have a joystick. BMW would have to overhaul its system for any changes to happen since it’s all run on common BMW electronics. And touchscreens just get full of blurry fingerprints.</p>
<p>MINI needs to not just stylize, but also design. Simplicity along with pillaging of BMW entry-level plastics will greatly help the interior. I rate the R50’s interior design a 9/10 and quality a 7/10 with the R56 getting a 7/10 for design and quality. Fun is rated at 10/10 though.</p>
<p>What about a screen that did more than nav. I don’t see why one page could be nav, another page engine info (oil and water temps and psi, boost in the MCS) and yet another page for what ever, the shopping list perhaps.</p>
<p>Evan,
I get a laugh every time I look at the cup holder in the 06 MC and see the no wine(ing) sign. I had an early 03 MC with no cup holder and liked it that way.</p>
<p>For those seeking less PlaySkool remember that these are the same guys that have recently delivered to you in all seriousness the Openometer and the Camden’s Mission Control.</p>
<p>Methinks we need a paradigm shift…</p>
<p>BURN the radio/speedo/center console to the GROUND!!!</p>
<p>Real leather everywhere, real metal… almost zero plastic. That would be a premium option. Also dual-zone climate control (my girlfriend is always cold). I’d pay $5K extra if I could get a high quality interior.</p>
<p>My thoughts after 1 1/2 years driving the R56 MINI One:</p>
<ol>
<li>More gauges would be nice (water/oil temps, etc.) – can be optional accessory</li>
<li>Both cupholders in the front, should be shifted back a little as putting anything in them would block the toggle switches.</li>
<li>More 12V sockets (in the back or in the armrest area).</li>
<li>Dashlighting that matches the mood lighting (or at least switchable) – I admit this is entering wishlish territory</li>
<li>Switch the tachometer into a speedometer (I’d rather have other info displayed in the small screen in the tachometer). The big speedometer – perhaps do something else with it… one large LCD multifunction screen for navigation/LCD gauge displays/radio/CD/MINI Connected Drive?</li>
<li>A non-disc based navigation (solid state or hard disk based like the new iDrive).</li>
<li>What’s the point of a Sport button when you can activate the same, by just shifting the Steptronic gear shift, which is easier to do?</li>
<li>The rear cupholder is too big, and too shallow. Any soft-drink can/drink bottle sized container placed in it, easily topples out when the car moves.</li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li>Make sure you can read the tach from any angle the steering wheel is tilted. You shouldn’t lose one aspect at the expense of another.</li>
<li>Provide more sensitivity to the fan. Low should barely be felt/noticeable. The MINI has such a small micro climate. Low fan with the heater on max hot, burns you. Useless.</li>
<li>Shrink/remove the center speedo. That monstrosity takes up valuable space where you could move the sport/dtc/etc. to a more proper place, . I hate spilling coffee on those buttons and you can’t even seen them from the driving position, which is further compounded if you have a cup in the holder.</li>
<li>if the Germans don’t like drinking while driving, then they shouldn’t have designed the cup holder where it was placed. Waste of space because using one negates the proper use of use of the other. A cup blocks access to the switches. </li>
<li>MINI needs to do their homework on the interior.Its horrible. American cars at least are functional (gauge view not blocked, climate controls controls the climate properly, intuitive etc.). I would love to get a European’s take on something like the Chevy Cobalt after living with it for 25k miles.</li>
</ol>
<p>Top on my list would be to separate the head unit from the speedo. An industry standard single or double din head unit would allow changes/upgrades easily. Access to vital information like, water & oil temp, oil pressure could easily be added via software for readout on the digital portion of the tach.</p>
<p>Oil temperature gauge is a must.</p>
<p>@ Juan Kilo. You were dead on with the dash console comments. Padding in that area would make the driving experience just that much better. I have really long legs and catch the pillar right under my knee as well, so padding or coming up with an extra 2 inches of leg room would be welcome.</p>
<p>Other than that, no complaints. The radio controls take awhile to get familiar with and I’ve solved the problem of cups blocking the switches by not bringing drinks in the car.</p>
<p>@carnell. So your fix for the drink wells is simply not to use them? That’s not good design advice.</p>
<p>@ Andrew Madrid. I did not say it was design advice, but now that I think of it it sure is cheaper than buying a new MINI simply because the cup holders have been moved 6 inches. As far as I have read, there have been other posts simply stating what they did not like without providing advice. I simply provided my way of dealing with an aspect of the car that I also found bothersome at one time. So as not to offend the theme of this thread, I suggest there be an option to not have cup holders.</p>
<p>@carnell. I hear you; just your statement made me laugh out loud.</p>
<p>@ Andy. Lol’s are always a good thing.</p>
<p>btw, the switches ARE not blocked by drinks. normal size 12oz variety types anyway. I just used it today for a fountain size small soda and had room to spare.</p>
<p>big gulp Ameri type, yes ;)</p>
<p>@aurel, I’m talking about 700ml (1pint7oz) sized water bottles (relatively small) which will make it difficult to do simple things like lock your door or roll down your window. Who drinks big gulps and drives a mini too? Sounds like two different people to me.</p>
<p>Some great ideas here. However I wanted to touch on a couple:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>While joy sticks are the rage, a touch screen NAV only makes sense for this car considering how close you are to the dash to begin with. Relative to idrive and other systems, the MINI’s NAV is simplistic and a joystick is not necessary.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>MINI’s system is pretty much identical to iDrive from 2006. Furthermore touchscreen navigation systems are a interface mess and have proven to be more dangerous to operate while driving. They will be going away in the coming years. The future is BMW’s latest iDrive and Audi’s latest MMI.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Personally, I would like more real wood accents. I have the piano black and it’s just looks dusty and full of smudges all the time. This is my 2cents.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The English Oak trim is real oak.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Real leather everywhere, real metal… almost zero plastic. That would be a premium option. Also dual-zone climate control (my girlfriend is always cold). I’d pay $5K extra if I could get a high quality interior.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>MINI offered real metal and wood in the trim options. However I’m guessing you’re talking about something more extravagant.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Top on my list would be to separate the head unit from the speedo. An industry standard single or double din head unit would allow changes/upgrades easily.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Gone are the days of the standard DIN headunit. It won’t be back.</p>
<p>For me personally I like the iconic nature of the MINI interior design. While I prefer the design of the R53 the R56 is definitely a more refined place to be. I have driven many of cars that are noted for the interior design and think MINI really has a ways to go with the refinement. The numbers of rattles in the MINI interiors is above what the top finalist have.</p>
<p>I have a lot of hope for the next generation cars, I am just hoping that MINI leaves it truly iconic (while leaving out the kitsch) while pushing the fit and finish. This is something that I expect out of a car that proclaims to be in the luxury brand.</p>
<p>Just a thought, and MINI I hope you are listening.
I think the volume knob should encircle the control knob.
Understand? leave the radio controls where they are but just fit the Volume knob around the control. wider and flatter. It’s simple enough so that either driver or passenger can just scroll it around and the control knob stays as is. there’s extra space in the speedo to push the radio controls over.</p>
<p>This in fact would solve some other problems, Now that the wasted space of the lone volume knob is free, Just push up the HVAC control and Toggle’s and now they are free of being blocked by a water bottle and minimal redesign of the entire center console of the car isn’t needed. If people Haven’t noticed. There isn’t any where else to put the cup holders unless you move them out towards the driver/passengers legs</p>
<p>OH and please fix the “Phone” button so that it brings you to the Phone menu, NOT the last call, same as the steering wheel. why the redundancy?</p>
<p>OH and please fix the iPod navigation. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE MAKE NAVIGATING THE IPOD LIKE THE CELL PHONE. Bring you to A-Z list and the chose which letter you want and go into that drop down. It’s quite annoying having to scroll all the way down to W with the two lines of screen we have in the regular system.</p>
<p>QUALITY! FIT AND FINISH! SOUND DEADENING!!! 100 sqft of sound deadening at 1.7 mm thick is .45 lbs per sqft. total weight added is 45 lbs. I would have found that Acceptable for the added benefit of comfort, less rattles and that solid reassuring feeling.
Higher Quailty materials, hell, make the buttons out of aluminum. that would be awesome. so would the decision to make the roof and pillars out of Carbon Fiber (MINI are you listening?)</p>
<p>I haven’t had time to read all of the above postings but if someone hasn’t mentioned already, GAUGES!</p>
<p>I may think of some other things later, but the first thing that comes to mind is the shape of the pedals. For me, the oval pedals make it harder to heel and toe. Something more rectangular would be better…</p>
<p>There’s a rule in fashion that says, get dressed for going out, then take one piece off (no, not your underwear). What it means is, it’s easy to over-accessorize. It’s easy to look cheap and tacky by trying too much with one outfit.</p>
<p>There are ways to get an innovative design aesthetic across without resorting to cliche’s. Keep it classy MINI, and please move away from all this cutesy, over-styled nonsense. Take a piece (or two) away and see what you think!</p>
<p>-Redesigned center stack with a smaller speedo. It looks fine with NAV, but cheesy otherwise. R53 center stack was much nicer to me.</p>
<p>-Less archaic NAV graphics. More map detail while you’re at it. I can be zoomed in all the way and it will show me side street names but not the major streets.</p>
<p>-LESS RATTLES! I’ve had the tach replaced, the new one still rattles. The sunroof rattles after 5 dealer visits! The secret compartment door rattles after being replaced. Armrest rattles. Rear panel by speaker rattles. I have only 14k miles and no runflats!</p>
<p>-Higher quality interior materials. Leather is low quality and too thin. Maybe a piano black interior line or anthracite bamboo for a premium. R53-esque JCW leather dash? See above.</p>
<p>-Standard 1 or 2 din radio, upgrading is impossible.</p>
<p>-Another power source.</p>
<p>-More sporty seats with extra bolstering for the JCW at least. Speaking of seats, how about a black cloth/leather combo like the rest of the world?</p>
<p>-Less clunky steering wheel. How about a flat bottom like the GTI, ect. on the JCW or as a JCW option?</p>
<p>-Better cup holders. The front ones block switches, the rear one is useless.</p>
<p>-More information. We need water or oil temps at a minimum without having to buy gauges or adding a scanguage.</p>
<p>I wonder how this interior passed through different committees to get approved? There is so much that is awfully designed, truly.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>HVAC — Abysmal with those silver wheels that you have to turn. It’s slow and cumbersome and not remotely cool in any way.</p></li>
<li><p>Give us an oil temp and dedicated digital speedometer in the middle … the large middle one is “cute” and all, but I agree that it’s useless for any serious driver. Make it smaller and less high-school teenage girl-like. And when I select the digital speedometer in the middle, why do I then only get to see two completely useless things on the bottom part: outside temperature and time??</p></li>
<li><p>Higher quality materials. This car is an utter rip off for the quality of the parts that make it. The super low grade leather, the chintzy plastic. Come on, we’re not driving Honda Civics here. I paid $33k for my MINI and it’s made with super cheap parts. No good.</p></li>
<li><p>The cup holders block switches; what genius designed this one?</p></li>
<li><p>The windshield wiper stalk with the button on the end for intermittent is silly. Make it simpler, no need to push this and that for a simple change of windshield wiper speed.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>It’s fairly obvious that this interior was designed for young women…the cutesy thing is painfully obvious. The R53 interior looked so much better and more in the spirit of great motoring cars. Lose the cheese, please!</p>