the BIG new MINI v's old MINI comparison thread - AKA R56 is ugly, my R56 review.....

[I love MINI, Laura]

ALot of people will not see a change to the MINI therefore I'm sure the benefits will outweigh the negitives us MINI fanatics are seeing. My Dad wants one and has no problem buying the new model. Actually hes waiting to see the new model as he'd rather have the newist version than a out of date version from brand new. You must be very confused if you think this change will effect the massive selling power of the MINI.

[HansBerr]

I have just got back from my local dealer - Ryedale in Newport. ( Thinking of changing but have decided to wait until at least early 2007 ) The new car is going to be more expensive - and of course, the One and Diesels are not coming until later on. I think I will reserve judgement until I have seen the new model in the flesh - I liked the current model from day 1 - the new model isn't exactly a major departure is it ? Non Mini types probably won't even notice the change, I reckon. One thing I will be interested in, is how long it will take the tuning companies to come up with a chip to increase the boost on the S, now it is a turbo rather than a blower. Hmm.

[Benmk]

what about jcw for it too?

I have been asked if id like to test drive it in mid november so i think ill go and have a go anyway.

Ill make my decission then i think.

[SamHarrison]

i'd say the only plus side is the turbo... loads of mini's blowing excess pressure through the dump valve...VRRRROOOOMMMMM TIIIITSSSHHHHH

[DurhamFox]

Im 50/50 on it really, the interior is a big improvement but the exterior doesnt quite look right. Removing the superercharger on the new 'S' swayed me to keep mine for the time being.

Incidentally Id never buy a new model of any description until its been tested on the road by real people for 6 months

[jcwjim]

I've got to agree that it doesn't look quite right.....well on the outside anyway. Think the interior is big improvement and no doubt the turbo charged engine is a big improvement to. Good to see they have addressed many of the issues with the new one. Will take a while for it to be accepted i expect just like the current one as we mini owners don't seem to like change. I'll won't be selling the JCW though....not just yet

[smartbomb]

Well, I've got a Cooper coming in Decemeber and from what I have seen it looks fantastic.
Would be great to see one in person, but the subtle updating really works. The interior looks superb, although I'm not mad about the fiddly speedo buttons and the bare looking console.
The exterior looks very clean and sharp - what is ugly about it ?

[smartbomb]

Read those before I posted, but it ain't ugly. It may be bigger and not to all tastes but it ain't an Edsel.

[Robboc]

I do think it is ugly personally almost to the point that I am sure I will not buy one. The big gaping mouthed look and the new healdight position just doesn't look right to me.

I dont have any issues with the turbo over the supercharger, in fact I have had a few turbo's before and loved the big turbo lag - shame that will be missing with the twin scroll type fitted. I do think the scoop in the bonnet is a bit daft when it is not needed though. It is a shame they did not utilise it for the turbo air intake or something. To have it there just for looks is a bit embarrasing.

My next car will have to be a Lotus or Subaru I think.

[KPKalle]

Quote:

M: I came here for a good argument.
A: No you didn't; no, you came here for an argument.
M: An argument isn't just contradiction.
A: It can be.
M: No it can't. An argument is a connected series of statements intended to establish a proposition.
A: No it isn't.
M: Yes it is! It's not just contradiction.
A: Look, if I argue with you, I must take up a contrary position.
M: Yes, but that's not just saying 'No it isn't.'
A: Yes it is!
M: No it isn't!

[GR33NIE]

Personally im just convinced the current Cooper S is gunna take some serious beating.

Everything about it is spot on, the handling and performance obviously but everything about it feels solid

Ive been bombing around in my parents MCSC for the last week and it's an absolute pleasure to drive. Will I test the new one? Probably, but until then im not convinced atall

[Shaun]

Not liking the look of the new S but the black grille may have a lot to do with it i never liked the aero kit look but never had an S with body coloured grill either always chrome.
Think the Cooper is the better looker of the two and is certainly an improvement over the curent One and Cooper.
I never got to like that frunt lover bar thing accross the grill space spoils it for me always prefer the original bumper style although in some colours its ok.
Just to Context things I really wasnt taken by the MINI in general when it came out although I got an 02 plate One I was still not sure if I thought it was a good looking car and not a patch on my Classic in the charm department.
But here 3 MINIs down the line they are starting to grow on me

On the subject of the bonnet I will miss illuminating the night sky with the headlights but the panel gap at the rear of the bonnet on my S is very shabby.
Hope they get a wiggle on with that traveller/clubman too.

[cct1]

Quote: Originally Posted by Miss Marmite (original)

I've noticed this kind of comment a lot from 06 owners, I can't help but think that for some of you it is because you bought an old model just before a new one is coming out.

Not true for many of us 2006 owners. I waited and got my 2006 when I saw what they did to the 2007.

The 2007 isn't awful, but it's lost some of the character that made the previous gen so great. I'd miss the supercharger, I don't like the larger, cheaper to produce, but less complicated new bonnet--the lines are drastically reduced to the point the hood resembles that of a Beetle. When you take into account the lowered window lines and bloated hood, the new design looks like it's been smushed--like a Hummer sat on the roof too long. But what I really, really hate is the new wheel arch trim--it's so large that it's comical. When these are all taken together, the proportions of the new Mini look wrong. It just doesn't come together as well as the old model. The Mini is going more mainstream, whereas many of us bought it for it's quirkiness. Much has been gained with the new model in performance, but a bit of the soul of the car was lost in the process.

And I don't like the new interior center stack, obtained cheaply from Fisher Price, but on the other hand, this will be relatively easy to remedy, and I suspect it will be one of the first things changed on the first facelift of the newer generation.

[Rakey]

this thread is so funny

I don't like it, its rubbish, blaa blaa blaa

Most of you sound like the classic owners when the out going car was launched

Yes there are differences, change always happens, but really, to just go on and on saying I hate it, very child like.

Anymore slating/flaming for hating something that most have not seen in the flesh yet and with no reason/detail about why it is not as good as the out going model will be removed, along with any users that persist in trolling this subject.

[supa-dupa-cooper]

I much prefer my 06, but i dont hate the R56 at all, far from it infact.

I think it has some nice features, but i wont be selling mine
(can someone kindly point me back to this post, when i post about 'my new MINI' )