[rawk]

The bonnet dimple is gone too...there, just to the left of the right headlamp, it's been all smoothed out on the R56.



Thanks Tonyt3 for the demo pic.

The new styling has lost the character that the 1st generation screamed...I see an abrupt end to the 'cute' factor too.

[AidenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by rawk

The bonnet dimple is gone too...there, just to the left of the right headlamp, it's been all smoothed out on the R56.



Thanks Tonyt3 for the demo pic.

The new styling has lost the character that the 1st generation screamed...I see an abrupt end to the 'cute' factor too.

The character is definitely gone

It's just very bland now I feel...........

[minirog]

Interesting to see so many people dislike the new shaped grill.

I don't mind it, the shape reminds me a little bit of the 'moustache' Mk1 classic grille although I far prefer that to this. It's not as nice as the current grill shape though and has lost some of that cute factor which I suspect might have an impact on sales - the front end of the car looks a bit more butch and macho and that's probably not a good thing.

I'll be interested to see the car in the flesh to make my mind up but it's generally better than I feared, and some of the spy shots suggested, so for the moment I'm happier than I thought I might be - I originally feared more 'BMWising' of the car and that would have had me running for the hills in horror!

[ONED]

Quote: Originally Posted by minirog

I'll be interested to see the car in the flesh to make my mind up but it's generally better than I feared, and some of the spy shots suggested, so for the moment I'm happier than I thought I might be - I originally feared more 'BMWising' of the car and that would have had me running for the hills in horror!

Exactly my thoughts!

[Zipperblues]

Quote: Originally Posted by rawk

The bonnet dimple is gone too...there, just to the left of the right headlamp, it's been all smoothed out on the R56.

I knew something was missing, but I couldn't put my finger on it! I never realized how much that dimple added.

Anyway, I like the new grill... to look at.... once in a while. If I were to buy one I'd have to get an aftermarket slat grill (which will surely be available)

I think the MINI still does have character. Just a little different, and maybe not as much as the first gen.

[Rakey]

I've been thinking more about this, I think the slats will improve the look of the R56 grill area and it will grow on us.

I remember when I first saw the current MINI, I thought why the hell is the grill in two bits, seperated by the bumper join, it just looked so contrived, so fake and disjointed, but I soon got over those thoughts

[AidenL]

The lack of the bottom grille part on the new one really bothers me I must admit

Slats will improve it alright I think

[rkw]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey

I remember when I first saw the current MINI, I thought why the hell is the grill in two bits, seperated by the bumper join, it just looked so contrived, so fake and disjointed, but I soon got over those thoughts

The current split grill has never looked right to me, especially when you consider that the lower part is non-functional. This is especially highlighted with an aero kit in a lighter color car, where you plainly see only a solid bumper behind the grill.

[rkw]

Quote: Originally Posted by rkw (original)

The current split grill has never looked right to me, especially when you consider that the lower part is non-functional. This is especially highlighted with an aero kit in a lighter color car, where you plainly see only a solid bumper behind the grill.

I just noticed that the GP Works does away with the non-functional lower grill, and replaces it with a solid piece.



Those who dislike the 2007 S hood scoop for being non-functional should also complain about the current model's non-functional lower grill.