[Spamini]

Quote: Originally Posted by JG.26 (original)

Well even if the new model is an ugly brute I might just order a new S anyways and hopefully keep my current one, after all thats said and done it's still a MINI and what else would you buy that would give you as much pleasure in ownership

I agree there. Can't think of anything else I would rather buy. Nothing stands out quite like a mini

[Fozzy]

Quote: Originally Posted by feybrand (original)

Am I the only one that thinks the new mini lacks the quality look of the older shape new mini.

I've seen some pics and I'm not impressed i'll be sticking with my 06 plate version thank you very much

I'm quite glad that it looks like the 1st gen minis, but on 1st viewing i really thought that the new mini looked pretty dinky(not in a good way), and had lost its mean look , not too impressed with the rear body work.

But hey its starting to grow on me. Still prefer the orig model though!

[alfaman]

I'm currently really missing my old Cooper and have waiting to see pics of the new CooperS. Initially I was disappointed but its now growing on me. Can't wait to see one in the metal.

[mc_stl]

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.

Well to each his own, but you should consider that many of us who have an 06 had the choice to get either the new or the old, and whole-heartedly chose the 06. I didn't get my car until the last moment in 06--May31, but knowing they were going away and being replaced by the new one--it had to be done. I'm sure they have improved some things, but it's a remodel, and that's likely to have new bugs and kinks in it--transmission, engine, etc. That was my thinking--the late 04-06 had 2 years to work out glitches and minor annoyances and in my mind they had it perfect by 06. And I love my headlights the way they are.

I like both but prefer the 'classic' look of the late 04-06. Much like the owner of a 61 vette probably is going to say he prefers that to the 2005 version. Change is good....it gives us choices.

any MINI is beautiful in my book. mine is just the most beautiful.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by Shaun (original)

Is that just the bonnet not removal paint and refit? Still cheap for a panel that big.

It's just the price for the panel and, yes, it does seem cheap.

Someone later on has said that the dealer has quoted a lot for the work because of the labour involved in changing the parts. Well, I've changed the headlamps over and that's dead easy; that only leaves the sound proofing (super easy), the plastic wheel arches (hardly a major challenge) and the radiator grille, although the radiator grille is a problem to remove without damaging the clips. As for refitting, this whole unit simply bolts into place. Very little of that seems very skilled (expensive) work, apart from the spraying, but that's the same whatever the car.

Tigger.

[Fozzy]

Quote: Originally Posted by mc_stl (original)

Change is good....it gives us choices.

any MINI is beautiful in my book. mine is just the most beautiful.

I whole heartedly agree!

I love my MOD with the areo rear and cooper S front bumper......if u like the new you like the new, you like the old you like the old!

[Fozzy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Spamini (original)

I agree there. Can't think of anything else I would rather buy. Nothing stands out quite like a mini

I've still to see if mini are offering a new areo kit for the 07 model, but the old rear areo and mini cooper S front would look the business on the new model....also it wouldn't supprise me if they fitted perfectly, doubt they'll have changed the fixtures and fittings on the body work bolts....sly foxes!
A tweak here, improvement on the cabin sound at speed, and new central consol = new mini

Who can blame them....a car that's so good in the st place, you can only change the appearance and improve its general quality!

[I love MINI, Laura]

Oh they are offering the new aero kit see here: MINI

Photos of the paris motoshow show a Yellow R56 with the full aero kit. Very cool!

[TimCrighton]

Quote: Originally Posted by SamHarrison (original)

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

Ah but you can make the supercharger do that, and it sounds much cooler!!

[ScottieCoop]

I am also a Land Rover Discovery D3 driver now if there was ever a motor that looked like a bread van but best 4x4 I've had.

so I'm taking the same principal forward with the Mini. I'll be in the motor driving it and not outside looking at it.

hopefully Mini will have improved the driveability - the comfort - the interior quality - the build quality. Updated the technology making it all in a much better car than it's predecessor.

Pretty much in the same way that Land Rover have done with the D3.

Now if Mini have done this then I will find it very easy forgive tha car her looks

[TimCrighton]

Quote: Originally Posted by herbie hind (original)

for gods sake man !!!!!! it's got a french engine!!!!!!

All BMW 4 pots are built in Birmingham, thats Birmingham England, not Alabama. Therefore I'm pretty sure that makes it a British Engine....

The current engine is a Chrysler lump anyway, my only concern on the engine front is durability, the current one is so good (very few actually die) that it would be a shame to go from that to reliability (internal) issues.

The new one has a funny, wierd version of the I Drive system with a long joystick thingy, its pretty cool, but not sure its for me, its gone a little bit too BMW internally IMHO. Although the new interior (seats and stiching) I saw looked very nice, more like the Park Lane interior.

[Olly.]

Quote: Originally Posted by TimCrighton (original)

The new one has a funny, wierd version of the I Drive system with a long joystick thingy, its pretty cool, but not sure its for me, its gone a little bit too BMW internally IMHO. Although the new interior (seats and stiching) I saw looked very nice, more like the Park Lane interior.

The joystick only comes when you spec the Sat Nav. I agree it is very iDrive like though.

[Rakey]

Quote: Originally Posted by ScottieCoop (original)

I am also a Land Rover Discovery D3 driver now if there was ever a motor that looked like a bread van but best 4x4 I've had.

so I'm taking the same principal forward with the Mini. I'll be in the motor driving it and not outside looking at it.

hopefully Mini will have improved the driveability - the comfort - the interior quality - the build quality. Updated the technology making it all in a much better car than it's predecessor.

Pretty much in the same way that Land Rover have done with the D3.

Now if Mini have done this then I will find it very easy forgive tha car her looks

funny you should mention the DIII, I had a Landrover Experience test drive of it on Saturday, and I was extremely impressed with the build, the drive, and the way that it felt right on and off road, very nice bit of kit.

Yet before the drive I was very much thinking that it was ugly, but once it was explained and I got to experience half day with it, I soon changed my mind about it

[Shaun]

Love the current Discovery I would have been astounded by its off road ability displayed a few feet in front of me. If it wasnt for the fact i was on two wheels in a Range Rover at the time.

Watching the newby on TV tonight definatly working for me (but not that grill)

[Matts Mini Adventure]

personally i think mini have got it spot on on the s the exterior is ace and the interior i love, the cooper on other hand i'm not to sure on, theres just something missing! think i'll w8 to see what the convertable looks like when it comes out i think in 2009 or after the traveler (so i've been told)

[JG.26]

Well after seeing the S on Fifth Gear this evening and all the berating I've given it lol it is winning me over, I think more on the quality side than the looks, the interior does look much better quality Still can't get my head around the looks, the nose still looks too high up, but if the quality is much improved I will have to give it a thumbs up. If the refinement is there also I might be tempted to trade in

[smartbomb]

Having seen Fifth Gear I fear they have made a huge mistake. The exterior looks all flabby and ill proportioned. The styling leaves a huge amount to be desired and the bodywork in general looked very tired and in need of a great deal of work. The 'face' was not that pleasant to look at and the noise was almost unbearable.





Just hope they manage to find a better presenter........!

[alfaman]

Fifth Gear review seemed very encouraging, R56 Cooper S looked and sounded good on the move. I've never really rated Tom Ford's reviews but at least he explained why the r56 HAD to change.

Feeling better about the R56 the more I see it. (In Cooper S form anyway).

[jon vital]

Quote: Originally Posted by I love MINI, Laura (original)

Oh they are offering the new aero kit see here: MINI

Photos of the paris motoshow show a Yellow R56 with the full aero kit. Very cool!

Have you got a link to those photos?

[Ferroequine]

Quote: Originally Posted by jon vital (original)

Have you got a link to those photos?

http://www.mini2.com/forum/general-d...motorshow.html