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

[feybrand]

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

[Miss Marmite]

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.

[KPKalle]

Personally I really like the R56. The more I see it the more I don't regret ordering one ...

[Wooly]

Personally i prefer the look of the r56. The design is a lot more fluid, the gaps between the bonnet and the bumper are the same size gaps as the ones around the headlights, the scoop, the grille etc. So i think the lines look a lot more controlled and flows better together. As much as i like my current one the bumper sometimes looks like it was not meant to be attached to the bonnet, the line doesnt match up.
R56 imo is more artistic in design

[sef]

It's growing on me... Would have to be red tho...

[Olly.]

I think the new one is a massive improvement personally.

[Mini_One_Too]

I really like the new model as well.

I saw it at the Paris Motorshow, and it looks great!

There are things about the current model that I prefer, and would love to be able to have some kind of hybrid of the 2 models.

I'm sure it's still going to be a great car to drive and a proper head-turner on the roads.

Perhaps you should wait until you see one close up before you judge.

[SamHarrison]

I am (on other forums) a big supporter of the older versions of the mini compared to the disaster of the new one.

FOR A START.. why create weak points in the bonnet by cutting two great big holes in it so that the lights can be left in the body work...why did they do that.. IDIOTS

the intetrior is a mistake.. you can now no longer have your own CD player installed and the new dial is horrid

Rear bumper is ugly on the S

Side vents look like a plastic stick on bought from halfords

front bumper is starting to look more and more like a BMW M3 without the down column in the front grille

[Benmk]

I think the new S is much better than the cooper but there is still something about the older that is just right!

And as it has been around a little while the older is surely more refined and all bugs are sorted?!

[SamHarrison]

Subaru did the same to their Impreza.. changed the design and the buyers walked away... so what did they do.. brought back the favoured design...

will BMW do the same....?

[TimCrighton]

In the flesh it looks disproportionate IMO. Whilst I apreciate its a 'better' car its not as well proportioned but then it is NCAP 5...

[Olly.]

Quote: Originally Posted by SamHarrison (original)

FOR A START.. why create weak points in the bonnet by cutting two great big holes in it so that the lights can be left in the body work...why did they do that.. IDIOTS

Apparently its because although it looks very cool with the headlights going up on the bonnet its very expensive to produce. Also when you slam your bonnet down it was mis-aligning headlights all the time, meaning dealers were re-aligning headlights a lot.

[Olly.]

Quote: Originally Posted by SamHarrison (original)

Subaru did the same to their Impreza.. changed the design and the buyers walked away... so what did they do.. brought back the favoured design...

will BMW do the same....?

They can't it doesn't comply with new EU pedestrian laws.

[Benmk]

forgetting the look for a min, what about the engine?

No super charger whine??!!

And what options will there be for stereo as there is no space to do aftermarket?

Maybe mikey will have someting in development?

[lilcoopr]

Quote: Originally Posted by Benmk (original)

forgetting the look for a min, what about the engine?

No super charger whine??!!

And what options will there be for stereo as there is no space to do aftermarket?

Maybe mikey will have someting in development?

Ditto.

I ran out and got my 06 so I could have the supercharger and the option to upgrade to the flip up screen-type of nav/deck... The 06's IMHO are the best year of the MINIs because they perfected a lot of the earlier problems and it's not all changed like the 07s.

I'm verrrry interested as to what the sales numbers reported in mid-late 07 will be...!