There's a great thread at North American Motoring going on right now about dislikes and likes of the 2005 changes. I thought it would be an interesting topic to hear other people's opinions on. And with the first deliveries going on this weekend I thought it would be a good as time as ever to discuss this topic.

So from the vantage point of someone who owns an early 2002 MINI here are a few on my list:

Misses:

  • The clock integrated into the speedometer – presumable hard to read.
  • Limited use of the door storage space due to the new armrests.
  • rear blank plate in place of the rear foglight (US only) – I have a feeling that dealer optional rear foglight kit will be popular!

Neither a hit or a miss:

  • New facia on the Cooper – while I don't mind it I thought the original was a cheeky nod to the past. I'll miss it.

Hits:

  • New interior lighting near the rearview mirror. And that's plus the current lights in the middle of the car!
  • additional sunvisors.
  • Real armrests integrated into the doors.
  • New Getrag 5-speed in the Cooper.
  • 7HP extra in the MCS/better gearing on the Getrag manual.
  • Limited Slip Differential available on the MCS.
  • Interior chrome pack.
  • Exterior chrome pack on the MCS.
  • R99s!

I imagine this will change somewhat as I see more of the 2005s on the road and get to experience some of the new features first hand.

So… What's on your list?