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

[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 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

[Fozzy]

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!

Agreed the areo kit is cool, the cooper S back is especially nice, but there's bugger all of a difference in the front shot....looked the spit of a current cooper S.
Other than that i agree with those who feel the styling on the front and back is a bit weird(to what is show as the standard model for sale).....too much like a toy car for me. The front is too high up and frog like....anyway take that for your consuption and digest your opinions appropriately!

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

[northandy]

I really like the look of the R56, in fact the interior for me is a massive improvement, loving the new dash...

[Shaun]

Just a thought is there actually going to be a next Gen Mini One?
Not seen anything about it anywere.

Its still not ugly. Back on Topic.

[Rakey]

Quote: Originally Posted by Shaun (original)

Just a thought is there actually going to be a next Gen Mini One?
Not seen anything about it anywere.

Its still not ugly. Back on Topic.

yes, its due early part of next year, dealers already have orders in at some places I have asked about it.

1.4ltr engine is all I can recall as confirmed on it, expect it to be in for around March time, reminds me I must get a slot sorted on it, as we are wanting one for the GF's mother

[Shaun]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey (original)

yes, its due early part of next year, dealers already have orders in at some places I have asked about it.

1.4ltr engine is all I can recall as confirmed on it, expect it to be in for around March time, reminds me I must get a slot sorted on it, as we are wanting one for the GF's mother

Ta just not seen any news had a rummage round last night on here but couldnt dig anything up.