MINI at the LA Auto Show (Full Gallery)
We’ve just returned from MINI’s public North American debut at the LA Autoshow where both a Cooper and Cooper S were shown. The cars were swarmed by media as you can imagine however we managed to elbow our way in (and wait out the crowds) to bring you another look at both models. Enjoy.
<p>I don’t necessarily have an issue with the overall shape, and I like the rocketman/1st gen mini influence on the grill, but i think what I cant get past is the lower brake duct area and rear fog light section surrounding the exhaust. It literally looks like an afterthought. The rest of the car has a nice clean look but these two area are so broken up and harsh that it stands out from the rest of the car. Since I already got in on the last of the R56s I’m hoping that a mid cycle refresh will clean these areas up more or just incorporate them more into the overall design of the car. Aside from that I’m loving the interior. Although sad to see the center speedo go.</p>
<p>those closeups of the he lower brake duct area and rear fog light section surrounding the exhaust … oh my gaudy … there can’t be a safety issue story behind those … that just looks like a bad body kit. why?</p>
<p>Can’t be anything to do with safety, the Cooper does not have these.</p>
<p>Haven’t seen a comment on the prehistoric fish like, front end of the new little darlin.
I guess some of you like it !</p>
<p>Auto stop/start even for the stick? Are these US-spec cars? That is so sweet! I wonder if the engine cut-out engages while stopped in-gear or if you have to be in neutral?</p>
<p>Yes – check out our report on the F56 technology from a few months ago for details on this.</p>
<p>Auto stop/start was a stick only technology until recently- the system only works when the car is placed in neutral otherwise it would cut out when the clutch is depressed to shift (not so smart).</p>
<p>In order to work with an auto there must be an instant on high pressure pump. From the presser the “updated” six speed auto now has this (which to me indicates that this is not just the same old Aisin as significant engineering would need to be completed for that to happen).</p>
<p>Is there a dipstick anymore? If not, that’s scary thought!</p>
<p>There is no dipstick. However there is a full digital readout showing the exact oil level.</p>
<p>Its not gonna show the cleanliness?</p>
<p>I’ve worked as a tech for Mercedes when they switched to this type system and later as an Audi tech when they switched to dipstick-less readouts. In one word; nightmare. These systems are so touchy and a major nuisance to customers and dealers alike. There’s a reason Mercedes went back to having dipsticks and why Audi has been scrambling to save face after droves of angry customers continually are back at the dealer with low oil level and “top off” warnings on the dash.</p>
<p>I see the handle on the tailgate of the yellow one is chrome and not black.</p>
<p>Looks like both of these vehicles have a chrome exterior trim package (tailgate handle, front brake ducts (S) and rear fog lamp (non-S).</p>
<p>Total mess – reminds me of the Allegro. A nice design ruined by compromises in the name of meeting “requirements”.</p>
<p>The upscale Connected/Nav display really is orders of magnitude better looking than the standard display shown here. Enough so that I would feel compelled to order this option for aesthetic reasons alone.</p>
<p>And that’s exactly what BMW wants you to do.</p>
<p>Until you see the price. I can’t wait to see the cost for all these lovely technology options. Then I will likely be compelled to look for another car.</p>
<p>It’s such a conundrum. The “amazing bargain” $21,000 Cooper easily becomes $32K with nice wheels, decent interior trim, LED lighting, HUD and Connected displays … but nothing else in that segment compares to the MINIs quality, performance, economy and cache. Or offers such a comprehensive warranty and maintenance package.</p>
<p>My sentiments exactly.</p>
<p>It’s not only us complaining about the look. See this headline on Autoblog: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/21/2015-mini-cooper-hardtop-la-2013/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/21/2015-mini-cooper-hardtop-la-2013/</a></p>
<p>“2015 Mini Cooper stuns crowd, itself” and this quote, “The car simply looks like a frightened goldfish”</p>
<p>Autoblog. The Walmart of the automotive world grows an opinion.</p>
<p>And unfortunately they are correct on this one. MINI design must like the look of the front over hang, otherwise why would the exaggerate it with that protruding lower facia on the S.</p>
<p>“The New Original” funny slogan when they removed a lot of the ‘originality’ of what makes a mini a mini. Is it really ‘original’ to remove all these quirks? Gone are the center toggles for door locks and windows. Gone is the center speedo. Gone is the center mirror control.</p>
<p>I guess what they mean by “the New Original” is the scared to death Blowfish front end and the horrific fast-and-delirious lower fascia on the f&r bumpers.</p>
<p>Sad things happen when you take a beautiful design and incorporate customer surveys from people who moved from their grey boxcars to a mini and didn’t understand why it was ‘different’. Originality in the New Mini, unfortunately, is dead.</p>