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

[Mini Vikki]

Must confess, torn 50/50 on this........just can't decide whether I like it or not. In regards to the scoop, I like it - keeps the agressive stance of the old model.....having said that, does seem a tickle noncy with it not doing anything. Then again, I liked the old one being Supercharged........nothing quite like the whine when you are putting your foot down, will the new one sound less "alive"??

Of course........the BIG problem is, there is simply no other car out there that has the character and appeal of a Mini to us. A Golf Gti is simply a Golf, Focus ST is simply a Focus and so on...........the Mini just is different, so gawd knows what we're going to do if we DON'T have one???????

[Paul]

If you watch the videos, especially the slalom footage from outside, and the track footage from inside the car you can hear the car quite well. The turbo whistles and the exhaust rumbles nicely, but the whine is clearly missing from the experience.

[AidenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mini Vikki

Of course........the BIG problem is, there is simply no other car out there that has the character and appeal of a Mini to us. A Golf Gti is simply a Golf, Focus ST is simply a Focus and so on...........the Mini just is different, so gawd knows what we're going to do if we DON'T have one???????

I can identify with that - I was just thinking last night what I would replace the MINI with if we didn't go with the R56 , in fact, what dealers was I going to visit over the next while to look at alternatives - and its really hard to find a suitable replacement - including the obvious hot hatches mentioned, CTR, Scoobys even, they just aren't the same.

The only obvious alternative is the current supercharged car actually........

[Mini Vikki]

At least the cabrio is staying the same for a while - might go with one of those then, Works version.

[rawk]

I'm intriqued by the use of motion shots exclusively with the "official" photos from MINI.

As a compliment to the fine work by Paul with the static shots, I did a rough comparison with official shots of the R53 versus the official shots of the R56...

[Paul]

Good work.

[AidenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by rawk

I'm intriqued by the use of motion shots exclusively with the "official" photos from MINI.

As a compliment to the fine work by Paul with the static shots, I did a rough comparison with official shots of the R53 versus the official shots of the R56...

Good work indeed Craig

[s_and_m]

I really don't get the idea behind the switch gear change - it looks to me like a 12 year old designed it. Very Fischer Price especially the manual air-con version.

And whilst I'm being a reactionary old get, the overhead panel looks very odd - not sure why you'd need to change the 'mood' lighting? What didn't they put the clock back up there where it belongs?

And what the blazes is going on with the speedo? Is that a head unit shoe horned in there? Very busy indeed.

I do like the rear aspect, the new pipes and rear seats but I think the bonnet looks a little plain now.

That said - I can't wait to see one in the flesh and compare it to the Superbee. One thing is for sure - this is underpowered compared to the competition. The Cooper should have around 140bhp and the S at least 190bhp, putting the Works out at about 225bhp.

I know that with the increase in spec as standard, the new car is actually a little lighter than a similarly specced old one, but the reason so many of us spend even more cash on upgrades is that the stock car just doesn't have an engine worthy of the chassis.

Hopefully the new Pug/PSA unit will be developed over time?

S

[AidenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by rawk

I'm intriqued by the use of motion shots exclusively with the "official" photos from MINI.

As a compliment to the fine work by Paul with the static shots, I did a rough comparison with official shots of the R53 versus the official shots of the R56...

I'm requoting this again - that really is a great comparison, its actually shaking my resolve / and negativity about the R56 - its looking fairly similiar to the current car there

[zyo]

S_and_M, you mention the increased spec, what are we going to get extra as standard?
Despite it apparently having the lowest ride height possible(i think thats what i have read) why does it appear to be further away from the tarmac than the old version. Is it an optical illusion generated by the bigger wheel arches?

[s_and_m]

The Telegraph Motoring Section yesterday stated that the spec was improved, but didn't give any further details.

P'raps Paul has some insight into this? I'm guessing that manual aircon is a standard fit now?

S

[GBMINI]

Thanks for that Craig - the second pair is the one that upsets me most - the new MINI looks very wrong front end on with its stretched out grille, bent headlights, ...

[Humourl3ss]

I guess I'm in the minority.

I have zero serious complaints about the new car, except for the fake hood scoop. From my aesthetic perspective, the current version is a good looking car, but far from the best available (but then, Aston Martins are out of my price league ). The new car is also a good looking vehicle, but also still far from the best on the road. The average motorist will recognize the car for what it is without any additional prompting - first principles accomplished there. The wraparound glass was nice but hardly a selling (or sticking) point for me. I find the front bumper and wipers to be more artfully presented on the new model, though the old grille is more appealing to my eyes. It's one of those situations where the overall proportions are damn near identical unless shown side-by-side; we can argue endlessly over details and filigree.

To me, this all pales into irrelevance if the Mk.2 drives as well or better than the old model. That is what sealed the deal for me the first time around in 2002, and the second time around in 2005. Handling, tossability, feedback - those are the qualities that made (and hopefully will continue to make the car). Otherwise we're having a polite conversation over the colour of deck chair fabrics on the Titanic. Lovely shade of blue; shame about that oncoming iceberg.

[LMB]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

If you watch the videos, especially the slalom footage from outside, and the track footage from inside the car you can hear the car quite well. The turbo whistles and the exhaust rumbles nicely, but the whine is clearly missing from the experience.

It is.

Great comparison Paul.

Judging by the pics I am struggling to find a single improvement over the looks of the current Mini.

[Hat]

to me the new design looks more sleek & finished than the current car