[Paul]

So, we've now seen the Convertible: http://www.mini2.com/news/news221.html and most of the changes seen there will make it over to the hard top MINI too, so what do you think of the updates?

The lights for example:
Xenon:

Click for: Big Version - Huge Version

Halogen:

Click for: Big Version - Huge Version

Rear:

Click for: Big Version - Huge Version

Click for: Big Version - Huge Version

The new bumper trim:
Front:

Click for: Big Version - Huge Version
Rear:

Click for: Big Version - Huge Version

The chrome optional rings:

Click for: Big Version - Huge Version

Click for: Big Version - Huge Version

The optional Chrono Pack:

Click for: Big Version - Huge Version

The new, more curved door armrests:

Click for: Big Version - Huge Version

The new storage/cubby holes:

Click for: Big Version - Huge Version

And anything else you might have noticed!?

I've said my piece in the article (pretty much), just wondered if anyone's formed any strong opinions on the basis of that article.

[AidenL]

I like the chrome , don't like the chrono-pack. Pity it isn't on the steering wheel, I'd go for it then..........

Rear lights , I'm indifferent to, the Xenons are weird, truly wacky...............don't know what to think about them !

I need to see the S changes ! And prices..............

The cubby holes are handy, but the door armrest will mean storage space is lost, so thay are more necesary.......

I like the new smooth grille, and overall the bumper changes are OK too, but I will miss the chrome inserts, which were more obvious I think, as you said Paul, more obviously MINI.........

[FONTAL]

I like the new lights,cubbie holes, chrome rings and door arm rests but I dont like the new bumpers and as for that chrono pack well yeurghhhh what were they thinking the MINI is british not Japanese so leave those dials in the lexus.

[Paul]

It seems the halogens changed from matt plastic base, with generally reflective appearance:


To the all matt appearance I saw at the show, and is shown above.

That's a shame, because the matt silver looks quite cheap in my opinion, the version shown above seems much nicer.

That Xenon set up is something to see before you decide on, certainly quite unique, at this point in time though I'm not convinced it suits the MINI front end.

[CurtP]

From what I've seen so far, the only thing I like is the new bumpers, with the exception of the chrome rings around the fog lights. Everything else I either hate or am really disappointed. I was hoping the chrome interior bits would be nicer than just chroming the whole piece too. The headlights are unbelievably "boy racer" looking (especially the Xenons).

I hope that when I see it in the flesh it looks better than the pictures, but I'm not hopeful

[CurtP]

I just noticed that they changed the dial on the auto AC too - don't like it either

[monsta]

I like the extra storage under the switches, the shape of the area under the handbrake looks too 'normal car' for me

The lights look better as standard Halogens, the Xenons look aftermarket. Rear lights aren't so good, same for the rear bumper.

I quite like the new bumper, despite the loss of chrome, but you do get a nice new chrome smile instead Oh and the fog light trim is cool.

Chrono thing looks good but it's just not right somehow, I guess it's because that big circle only exists because the original mini had a speedo there, stuffing other dials into that shape just looks strange. I agree with Fontal - a bit Lexus like.

Curvy door handles look like an inconvenience for storage but probably better to lean your arm on whilst driving.

Chrome rings are of course, cool. Proves BMW have been paying attention to what we've been buying aftermarket.

Paul, is the under switch storage a bolt on or part of a new assembly for the whole area? The existing aftermarket ones are way too expensive. Cheers

[uae mini]

Quote: Originally Posted by CurtP

I just noticed that they changed the dial on the auto AC too - don't like it either

eeeeeeeeeeeew!
i was hoping for a xenon change but this is rediculous... just look at it... couldnt it have just been an eye thing that all cars have??!
i have nothing else to say, a total disaster

[peppericee]

I, for one, love the xenon lights and hope they are retrofittable onto current MINIs--

they look so unique and they stand out (sort of like the MINI!).

What are those lights surrounding the xenon bulb for, Paul?

I like everything else too--except for the Chrono pack, it looks overdone--
though it doesn't make me like. . . love, my MINI less.

[Konman]

I quite like the new halogen headlamps - just not keen on the Xenons (ah well, wasn't really thinking about getting them). As for the new bumpers and rear lights, don't like them at all, as the big chrome strips were one of the things that added to the Mini's uniqueness. The interior changes seem quite good, but they're hardly earth shattering, so I wouldn't worry too much about them.

Overall, I prefer the look of the current car, and this has now left me in a bit of a quandry - Do I order a new, pre-facelift Mini Cooper now (which I should get in a coupe of months) or hold off, and wait for the newer style which should come around September?? Whilst I prefer the current look, I know that having a 3 month old car that's out of date will annoy me once the new cars start hitting the raod. Decsions, Decisions!!

[Adriann001]

i quite like the xeons in the picture but i willl have to see them in the flesh to make my mind up properley. the storage under the switches is a good idea.

[LMB]

I don't like any of it.

The Xenons belong on the Bat Mobile.

What a cock up.

At least this means I'll be keeping my Mini longer than I thought.

[Paul]

There are of course more photo's in the full report: http://www.mini2.com/news/news221.html



Added a poll too.

[AidenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

That's a shame, because the matt silver looks quite cheap in my opinion, the version shown above seems much nicer.

Definitely , it was much nicer.........

Quote:

That Xenon set up is something to see before you decide on, certainly quite unique, at this point in time though I'm not convinced it suits the MINI front end.

Very much agreed, I think it may be just a little too modern..........

[LMB]

Truly hideous.


Why? Why would they do that?

[stu2]

having only just picked our mc up today
i have to say that overall i do not like most of the
new modifications on the new cabrio.
one or two stand out like the chrome trim rings
and maybe the xzenons but i would need to see it in the
flesh to make a final judgement.....
hopefully at the motorshow this year
maybe they will make the mods fit the current shape...

[J1JPE]

hate the chrono pack, love the rest

[minisoopercooper]

thoughts............

xenons = horrible
halogens = not much better
rear = ok but current is nicer. lights are ok and having twice the reversing light can only be a good thing.
front = really like the chrome smile and fog lights but as already said loss of inserts is a backward move.
chrome rings = very nice - about time they caught on to what the after market boys are offering
chrono pack = truly disgusting!
arm rest = like the idea but not sure about the look - the fact they make the cubby holes less useable doesn't bother me as I dont use them anyway - would vibrate way too much with my speakers!
cubby holes = like the centre one, handbrake is pointless

As always these are only MHO!

Hopefully we might get to see some of these things at the factory tour on Friday!

Paul

[kdudley]

The changes seem to be a testament to the trickiness of Frank Stephenson's brilliant original design. Everything had impressive balance and elegance.

BMW seems lost without the original designer - each new thing they try to do makes the overall look seem less integrated and convincing. Perhaps committees are now doing the design work, I don't know. This stuff is incredibly sketchy looking and is pretty disappointing.

Makes me glad I got my MINI last month! But what will there be to replace it in a few years after BMW has their way with my favorite car?

['THE MIGHTY IMP']

Design for design's sake always looks crap.. This is no exception to the rule.. I hate all of it.. Kind of like the Xenons though.. Just my kind of weird!