Next Generation Mini

[Bezza24]

Hello guys

Is it me or is any one else a tad dissapointed with the next generation mini??? i don't think they look half a sporty and they don't look as low, infacted they kinda looked a bit squashed!!!

Maybe it was the way in which the pictures were taken, but im just pleased i got mine before they bought this one out.........

[dalboyne]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bezza24 (original)

Hello guys

Is it me or is any one else a tad dissapointed with the next generation mini??? i don't think they look half a sporty and they don't look as low, infacted they kinda looked a bit squashed!!!

Maybe it was the way in which the pictures were taken, but im just pleased i got mine before they bought this one out.........

I tend to agree with you - there appears to be little reason to wait for the new model, or to place an order for early delivery, based on the external appearance in the photos. But given the positive reports of the interior improvements, and of course the new engine, I suspect there will be a lot of people who will hang on for the new model. This may, of course, create a bit of a problem for MINI dealers, as they shift stocks of old models.....

[Root Ginger]

Gotta say I didn't like it to start with but it is growing on me and I'm beginning to love it. Exactly the same thing happened with the current MINI when pictures were first released. I think compared side by side it makes the original MINI look a little dated now too

[Carl La Fong]

How much of an improvement are the interior improvements? It looks as if they are taking the existing theme and just carrying it to extremes. I mean, I don't like having Big Ben in the middle of the dashboard, and some of the switchgear looks more twee than practical. And just because Renault think it's a great idea to have a key that doesn't look like a key, why do Mini have to follow suit?

[Robert Stancliff]

I seem to be in the miniority, but I think the new, new MINI looks great. Combine that with things like more power, better gas mileage, a telescoping steering wheel, a cool key you can use even while it's in you pocket, IMO a better looking interior and better placement of some things, (window switches come to mind), and you've got a recipe for continued success.

I want one.

[DaFlake]

I think what bothers me the most is that they have integrated everything. This means that upgrading the radio and stuff is going to be a lot tougher with fewer choices. IMHO that was a bad idea. As for the rest, I think it looks ok. Change is good and maybe it will attract even more people.

[Root Ginger]

Quote: Originally Posted by Carl La Fong (original)

How much of an improvement are the interior improvements? It looks as if they are taking the existing theme and just carrying it to extremes. I mean, I don't like having Big Ben in the middle of the dashboard, and some of the switchgear looks more twee than practical. And just because Renault think it's a great idea to have a key that doesn't look like a key, why do Mini have to follow suit?

"Big Ben" as you call it was were the speedo was located in the original Mini. It is proportionally the same size as the original Mini. The switchgear is stylish and far better than boring black plastic switchgear. Go look at the interior of a lot of Japanese cars to see what I mean Having no key means there is no ignition barrel to attack. That means your car is more secure. The key is a very old fashioned form of security that now has zero security at all. It is not needed in a car with an electronic immobilisation system so why have it?

[Root Ginger]

Quote: Originally Posted by Flakemeister (original)

I think what bothers me the most is that they have integrated everything. This means that upgrading the radio and stuff is going to be a lot tougher with fewer choices. IMHO that was a bad idea. As for the rest, I think it looks ok. Change is good and maybe it will attract even more people.

I agree.

[AndrLync]

I've got mixed emotions on it, the interior looks to be a step forward in materials and also the wider range of colours and finishes. A pleasant surprise as I was really unsure based on 'spy' shots in the press...

However, it's the exterior that troubles me most. I'm having trouble with the fact that the wheels (even the 17"s on the Cooper S) don't seem to fill the arches as well as the current model, the larger black plastic mouldings look a bit too big for me as well.

My biggest worry though is the front wheel arch, the new shut line for the botten looks really bad IMO and added to the plastic moulding makes the front arch look huge.

Obviously this could all change when I actually see one in the metal!

[donkeyontheedge]

As far as I am concerned "the Jury is out"

I love my MINI and cant contemplate the thought of its replacement being as good.

I will re-assess once I have seen the new one in the flesh

[JG.26]

If you think about it, it can't have been easy for BMW to try and improve an already winning formula, I'm sure the new model will drive better, well I would hope so . The engine and interior changes aren't that bad, personally don't like the interior, it doesn't look classy for a premium small car, looks cheap and placky and not keen on the S loosing the supercharger which gives it such character BUT it's not the end of the world in those dept's. What they have spoilt is the overall external appearance, its cheeky, friendly look, and it just doesn't look quality compared to the current model, at the end of the day it doesn't really matter as all the new variants will sell by the shed loads.

I'm quite relieved it looks bad in my eyes as it means I won't be changing my current S, decide to keep it as a classic and use the Suzuki Swift as the everday hack,

HAPPY MOTORING to all prospective next generation owners

[Bezza24]

Quote: Originally Posted by Penguinblue (original)

If you think about it, it can't have been easy for BMW to try and improve an already winning formula, I'm sure the new model will drive better, well I would hope so . The engine and interior changes aren't that bad, personally don't like the interior, it doesn't look classy for a premium small car, looks cheap and placky and not keen on the S loosing the supercharger which gives it such character BUT it's not the end of the world in those dept's. What they have spoilt is the overall external appearance, its cheeky, friendly look, and it just doesn't look quality compared to the current model, at the end of the day it doesn't really matter as all the new variants will sell by the shed loads.

I'm quite relieved it looks bad in my eyes as it means I won't be changing my current S, decide to keep it as a classic and use the Suzuki Swift as the everday hack,

HAPPY MOTORING to all prospective next generation owners

I completely agree! it really has lost it's unique, mischevious look about it! and as for the interior....please whats going on with that??? it's not so terrible, but they really have spoilt the classy look of the current mini.

i won't be changing mine like i was going to in 3 years...unless they decide to improve the next generation. But as donkey on the edge so rightly puts..........lets wait until we see it in the flesh, it may not be as bad as the photo's are portraying it. fingers crossed anyway!!!

[Carl La Fong]

Quote: Originally Posted by Root Ginger (original)

"Big Ben" as you call it was were the speedo was located in the original Mini. It is proportionally the same size as the original Mini. The switchgear is stylish and far better than boring black plastic switchgear. Go look at the interior of a lot of Japanese cars to see what I mean Having no key means there is no ignition barrel to attack. That means your car is more secure. The key is a very old fashioned form of security that now has zero security at all. It is not needed in a car with an electronic immobilisation system so why have it?

Probably just me, but Big Ben looks bigger than it used to and is now a bit messy with the hi-fi stuffed into it. And using a Mini-badge shaped bank of switched lower down the console is both messy and tacky to my mind. All a matter of opinion, of course. To me it seems as if they have used the same old theme but have buggered up the simplicity and elegance that was there before.

[Root Ginger]

The MINI shape is just an updated version of the auto air con controls. They are also in a MINI badge shape although a lot more subtle.

[Bezza24]

Quote: Originally Posted by Root Ginger (original)

The MINI shape is just an updated version of the auto air con controls. They are also in a MINI badge shape although a lot more subtle.

what one is that off?? i haven't seen that one, i've seen a really tacky plastic white one?

the new generation is on the right, and it does look as though 'big ben' is bigger........