 R53 All The Way
I had an R53 for about 1 1/2 years. I loved that car! I tried an R56 the other day just out of curiosity and I couldn't believe the difference. Albeit the changes in looks are small but are still very noticeable. I feel that the R56 is ugly, it has lost it's charm. It is no longer cheeky - it seems chubby.
Driving it was the biggest and worst difference - the character has been completely removed. There is no feel anymore. Half the fun was the response from the supercharger- the whine which seemed to egg you on. Now it is more like an Audi - an excellent engine but too refined. I think they need to remember that this isn't an A3 or 3 series. Mini and refined are sort of contradictions in terms.
The whole feel of the car was "removed" and this was the reason I bought a Cooper S over an Audi TT the first time round.
I am now looking at changing my current car and I have decided to go for an R53 again - nothing I have looked at has the same appeal. | 
