Side by side shot comparisons of the 1st and 2nd Generation Cooper S

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Excellent work Paul, it's been incredibly useful

The increase in the amount of bodywork also really exaggerates the reduction in glass area. Overall, it shows the original for being the brilliant design it is and makes the newer version look like the current one, after it's had too much beer and too little exercise And, isn't the old S spoiler pretty in comparison?

Sorry to be so negative people, the new yellow is very nice

Tigger.

[herbie hind]

jesuuuuuus that's ugly.

[UKC4]

There are upsides and downsides to this scuttle jobbi.

The downsides are, it doesnt look as good (IMO), It makes the car look more like a Clio (Scuttle part).

Upsides are, when replacing windscreens they are easyer to get off than the current trim (Chrome). As the current trim has loads of plastic clips that are very easy to break. I suppose it will also help aero dynamics (Dont quote me thats just a guess).

[silk_p]

Hmmm, at first glance they don't seem that different ... but then you realise that the new seems to have lost its Mini-ness the indefinable something that made it a Mini.

The slope of the front and the bigger backend starts to make it look like any other car (just smaller).

I do like the new spoiler, it fits the angles better and looks more part of the car than an afterthought.

But the scoop. If it's not being used what's it there for?, and while I'm moaning How can the new Cooper S be an 'S' when it has a Turbocharger instead of a 'S'upercharger, shouldn't it be a Cooper T?

Silk.
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2004 MC40 & 2006 British Racing Green Cooper S JCW

[Vitesse]

But the scoop. If it's not being used what's it there for?, and while I'm moaning How can the new Cooper S be an 'S' when it has a Turbocharger instead of a 'S'upercharger, shouldn't it be a Cooper T?

Silk.
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2004 MC40 & 2006 British Racing Green Cooper S JCW[/quote]

It's still called the S because historically the S was the tuned up version of the classic Mini, nothing to do with the super charger. It sort of looks like an original Mini 2 that has eaten too much and is sort of bursting at the seams though! Maybe it's trying to fit into todays lifstyle?

I must admit for me this is probably my last Mini for the time being. Dare I say it on a Mini website but I'm looking forward to the release of the new Accord type R, the last one looked like a bread van but the new one is as radical as the Mini when it was first released.

[herbie hind]

i bought a cooper cause it was instantly recognizable as such but they 're starting to move away from the original in my opinion . not cool at all . (french no less).


(

[CoolJamJar]

Nice work Paul!!!

Its not until you see them side by side that you realise just how different the v2 is.
I must say that I still prefer the slightly more compact current version.

[MiniMpi]

Growing on me I most say, but still prefer the current model at the moment,
more of 'true' design I think.
Fergal.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Does anyone know where this quote comes from?

"Good design needs no explanation, but poor design needs considerable oratory skill to be passed off as good".

It seems relavant here. I don't want a design that I have to get used to. I don't want a design that will grow on me. I want a design that is interesting and / or beautiful from the first time I see it.

I also don't want to be insulted by being shown a car car with a few bits of tape stuck over it (no slur intended on Paul's great photos and hard work here, just BMW's attitude). I know that BMW must want to draw the launch out over as long a period as possible, but I think I can stand the excitement of seeing the whole exterior of the "new" MINI in one go!

Just remember how much more adventurous the MINI Traveller concept was. Even if you don't like it, you have to admire how radical it was. Just look at the extended wheelbase (with tiny front and rear overhangs), the curved windscreen (helping to hide the bulk of the new nose and keep it all in proportion), the larger wheelarches (without the need for those huge black plastic mouldings) and those outrageous door hinges Even the front (not its best feature) looks better than the finished car.



However, now that we have merely been presented with just a slightly cack-handed and insulting facelift, it is a major let down. I am now extremely worried that the Traveller will be similarly disappointing

Tigger.

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by rkw

Paul, is that Sparkling Silver in the background and a different new color in the foreground (also in the side shot)?

On both of those the main car is Sparkling Silver, the other (lighter) silver is Pure Silver.

[kezman50]

I agree about the bonnet scoop. With the current S, it obviously has its function but it just looks plain fake and tacky on the MK II S. Yes BMW get one point for being plain honest about it but that's not enough.....they should just accept the fact that 'that was then, this is now' and lose it before it goes into production! What to do though on that bonnet to distinguish it from a Cooper? Remember got to be cost effective!!

.....And yes, the comparison feature, a stroke of genius. Very informative.

[Blackdeath]

What I can't understand is why they saw fit to drop the glorious wrap around glass on the rear windows. The floating roof effect was quite unique and really eye-catching. I guess this new lumpy bit of plastic is cheaper and easier to produce, but it could come off any modern car.

The interior too, from the initial shots, has become very over-designed. Instead of looking like a real Mini it has taken the appearance of a kid's plastic pedal car. Not nice!

However, I love the new seats, and anything that improves the hellish experience of riding in the rear passenger area must be good.

[minicore]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

Forgot to do that, also I have 16" wheels, so not such a good side on comparison.

Thanks Paul - I think that's the only view I actually like to be honest!

[ABG]

Quote: Originally Posted by KPKalle

I don't know what's wrong with you, you miserable so-and-sos

What's Soggy and Rakey got to do with this?

[timp7748]

Brilliant Comparison. Personally I think the lines on the new model are cleaner but the front looks stretched. Its a shame bmw were made to make it bigger too. It looks too fat now. The grille is also too small for my liking. Anyone know how the spotlights will be attached - are they like the concept where they are built in or will they be like the external?

Also, I reckon the JCW should be a wide arch version with a real agressive body kit.