Following on from our reports from the MINI Driving Dynamics Workshop at the Zandvoort Circuit, Netherlands, we compare our exclusive shots of the new R56 MINI Cooper S, with the outgoing model.

While at the test drive event of the new MINI prototype, MINI2 captured several exclusive images of the car to provide as much detailed visual feedback to our readers as possible. In this follow up article we compare some of our shots of the second generation MINI with new like for like images of the current ‘06 model year MINI Cooper S.

Our first shot is looking over the bonnet, obviously many changes in this area.

The “fuel filling” shot. Many of the more enthusiastic MINI drivers will recognise this angle, and again it had changed quite a lot.

Probably a less commonly spied perspective, but we thought it was interesting.

Rear spoiler is also quite different, following the lines of the roof more cleanly, and also mounted in three places.

The tailpipes, you can see the new location of the PDC sensors in the new MINI on the left too.

The front end, obviously a lot going on here, and also a lot still hidden behind tape on the prototype.

Another common perspective for drivers and owners, the rear view mirror!

Again, the frontal structure has changed dramatically, lift the hood and this becomes even more apparent.

The front lights and grille, an area of much debate already!

New MINI obviously has a larger bottom than before. Retains the “man on fence” image in the rear glass.

Head to head.

The front quarter view, you can see clearly the extra size the new model has at this end.

We hope that proved interesting, and a useful comparison side by side. It wont be long until the mask(ing tape) is off and we’ll have a clearer picture of the new car, until then we hope our reports from the pre-launch even have provided you with a good taster of what’s to come.