| Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo (original)
Having thought about this some more, I guess that BMW have done what they set out to do reasonably well.
Given the brief of providing more interior space, better crash protection, improved pedestrian safety, fitting a physically bigger engine, making it cheaper to build and not changing the appearance more than than necessary (whilst not being allowed to alter the basic platform of the car) they have done a pretty reasonable job.
What I can't understand is why they spent so much money developing the original car for a very limited sales projection. Then, with proven sales volume is 2 to 3 times what they anticipated, they tied their designer's hands by carrying over so much of the basic platform from the R50.
It's not an ugly car, it's still very much a MINI; it's just compromised and not as pretty, unique or clever as the original R50's design.
As for the R50's design looking dated, I don't understand why anyone would see that as a disadvantage in a car whose style is based on an iconic 1950's design If you're looking for a "modern" car, I hear that the new Renault Clio, the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 207 are all very modern and very nice
Tigger.
you allways put it SO RIGHT Tigger, this is spot on!  | 
