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

[jimmyt]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey (original)

I remember fuel injection cause uproar, the rest, well it was before my time

Some Mini fanatics saw it was something that should never happen, others as a change that needed to happen if the Mini was to continue to be produced to meet European legislation. Non-mini people probably didn't notice.

Now with the R50/R56, some Mini fanatics see the changes as something that should never happen, others realise that a change needed to happen if the Mini was to continue to be produced to meet European legislation. Non-mini people probably won't notice...

[R1]

Quote: Originally Posted by rec (original)

personally, i feel a little insulted by the amount of people that seen to refuse to accept the new MINI as the new MINI... get over it... it's designed, and it's being built by BMW. Personally I feel a little ousted by this forum due to my decision to get an R56.

I know which one I prefer, and it's red in these pics. The 2001 model just looks like it's melting at the front.

Attachment 123463

Attachment 123464

Actually, I prefer the blue one! Looks lower and sportier!

You can see the differences there though. Good pic.

[Ferroequine]

Quote: Originally Posted by rec (original)

The 2001 model just looks like it's melting at the front.

You have a point there, and that is one of the main reasons that I prefer the look of the current 'S' over the current Cooper; one of the features of the classic Mini is that blunt, bulldog nose and the 'S' pulls that off much better than the (slant nosed) Cooper.

I like the grill on the R56.

[Rakey]

Quote: Originally Posted by jimmyt (original)

Some Mini fanatics saw it was something that should never happen, others as a change that needed to happen if the Mini was to continue to be produced to meet European legislation. Non-mini people probably didn't notice.

Now with the R50/R56, some Mini fanatics see the changes as something that should never happen, others realise that a change needed to happen if the Mini was to continue to be produced to meet European legislation. Non-mini people probably won't notice...

history repeating itself Jimmy

Guess in a a few years time no-one will remember all the fuss, there will just be some R50 owners out there with their cardis on smoking pipes

[smartbomb]

The more I see of the R56 the more I like it.
It looks smart and sharpens up the design, which in comparison shows it's age. The interior looks superb and the option to create your own adds to the appeal.
I wouldn't call it ugly at all !
I can understand the reason for maybe releasing the car early - to bring forward the Traveller which is based on the new running gear.
I'm just thrilled that come Decemeber I'll be behind the wheel of a new MINI Cooper which looks awesome.
As a MINI enthusiast and former owner of 2 classics I'm impressed with the way MINI are making progress and developing the brand.
As a former MG owner and enthusiast I'm pleased I no longer own one and the future of MG is back to year zero.....

[rasp]

Is it true about the Turbo Lag? Long live the Supercharger....

[rasp]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey (original)

history repeating itself Jimmy

Guess in a a few years time no-one will remember all the fuss, there will just be some R50 owners out there with their cardis on smoking pipes

Easy...Easy...

[northandy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey (original)

history repeating itself Jimmy

Guess in a a few years time no-one will remember all the fuss, there will just be some R50 owners out there with their cardis on smoking pipes

...

[northandy]

Quote: Originally Posted by SamHarrison (original)

but to change a vehicle 3 times in 5 years? I understand the facelift changes to iron out the problems associated with initial production but to make the major chanes they ahve done is ludicrous..
how long before the R56 is facelifted to iron out the problems with the new engines and drive trains etc...

The other update was minor, lights, bumpers etc, the new R56 is a much different animal...

[fl0r15t]

Seen lots in the flesh- saw one on my jog this morning "parked" on the Oxford Ring Road [thanks to the roadworks]. Why are they still covering the badges?

It is certainly an evolution and if things go to plan I shall be replacing mine with the new Cabrio version in March 2009 when my current warranty runs out. Love the laser blue!

I'll be very sad to see the back of the supercharger - but not it's fuel consumption. I hope by then there'll be a different choice of upper black grill... although I like the lower one is OK. I do find the new raised S bonnet not to my taste due to it's loss of it's curves. Front end looks to big to my eye but if it's to meet the new NCAP regs then we'll just have to live with it! I'm sure I'll soon get used to it. The one thing I really like is the recessed wipers.

btw. I find it strange that people seem to really like the interior - the centre column and speedo leave me cold.

For now though - I'm going to carry on enjoying my current MINI - and that is what it's all about!

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Having thought about this some more, I guess that BMW have done what they set out to do reasonably well.

Given the brief of providing more interior space, better crash protection, improved pedestrian safety, fitting a physically bigger engine, making it cheaper to build and not changing the appearance more than than necessary (whilst not being allowed to alter the basic platform of the car) they have done a pretty reasonable job.

What I can't understand is why they spent so much money developing the original car for a very limited sales projection. Then, with proven sales volume is 2 to 3 times what they anticipated, they tied their designer's hands by carrying over so much of the basic platform from the R50.

It's not an ugly car, it's still very much a MINI; it's just compromised and not as pretty, unique or clever as the original R50's design.

As for the R50's design looking dated, I don't understand why anyone would see that as a disadvantage in a car whose style is based on an iconic 1950's design If you're looking for a "modern" car, I hear that the new Renault Clio, the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 207 are all very modern and very nice

Tigger.

[Bing]

The 2007 needs more power. The standard MCS should be exceeding 200 HP without going to the JCW.

[matt.morrow]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo (original)

Having thought about this some more, I guess that BMW have done what they set out to do reasonably well.

Given the brief of providing more interior space, better crash protection, improved pedestrian safety, fitting a physically bigger engine, making it cheaper to build and not changing the appearance more than than necessary (whilst not being allowed to alter the basic platform of the car) they have done a pretty reasonable job.

What I can't understand is why they spent so much money developing the original car for a very limited sales projection. Then, with proven sales volume is 2 to 3 times what they anticipated, they tied their designer's hands by carrying over so much of the basic platform from the R50.

It's not an ugly car, it's still very much a MINI; it's just compromised and not as pretty, unique or clever as the original R50's design.

As for the R50's design looking dated, I don't understand why anyone would see that as a disadvantage in a car whose style is based on an iconic 1950's design If you're looking for a "modern" car, I hear that the new Renault Clio, the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 207 are all very modern and very nice

Tigger.

Too much to argue with in there - This thread is about as pathetic as the 'Am I the youngest Cooper S driver' thread!!!

People can have different opinions!

[herbie hind]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bing (original)

The 2007 needs more power. The standard MCS should be exceeding 200 HP without going to the JCW.

couldn't agree more but as has been stated in the past ;it's about bmw marketing not wanting to take wind from the 3 series.

[Shaun]

Quote: Originally Posted by herbie hind (original)

couldn't agree more but as has been stated in the past ;it's about bmw marketing not wanting to take wind from the 3 series.

Or the Works now that its much more in house less people would want a works with a 200Bhp standard S. unless the works was about 250bhp.
Apparently lots of Focus St owners are getting a reliable 300bhp at the moment just thought I would chip (pun) that in .

Evo have got the S in this Month against the Clio 197 wont spoil it but its favourable to the Mini and they do bring up a few points raised here.

If this thread is pathetic why dont we just shut down the whole forum? there has been some good discussion if people care to read back further than the current page.