New MINI Cooper Owners Roll Call....

[Paul]

So come on, all you lucky owners who've taken delivery of your new MINI Coopers, say hello, and if you're feeling generous post some pics and driving impressions for the rest of us!

[Spamini]

There must be others out there apart from me. Or am I the luckiest person on here! Come on show yourselfs, I'm dying to know who else has taken delivery of theirs.

[MINI_Süchtige.....]

I've been very good all year so I'm very hopeful that Santa will deliver me a Cooper with bonnet strips and spot lights as per my letter.....

[SteveBrass]

Got mine today.

First impressions - wow!

More tomorrow.

[Miss Marmite]

I've had my sparkling silver cooper since the middle of last week and I LOVE IT!! Will post some pics soon.

[SteveBrass]

Ok.

Two days in.

Yesterday a quick drive to town, but first of all a good look around.

Outside - looks good. The new moulded side skirts are a great improvement sover standard R53 cooper ones. The profile of the boot area has a much more pronounced "bump" below the rear windscreen - different but ok. The rear mini spoilers around what was the wrap round glass area are ok as well - materials used seem of good quality. The standard cooper rear spoiler is good.

The front end is similarly pleasing, but note that you still get a fried egg effect with the optional clear indicator lenses - I've now put silver bulbs in that magically flash orange.

Inside - definitely a step up in quality. The custom lighting is a nice touch. I love the start/stop button. Much more room in the foot well - standard seats very comfy. In fact, combined with the rake and height adjustable steering wheel, I've now got a driving position which I think is the best I've achieved in any car (I've got short legs, long body and average arms!!!!!!! (the bells, the bells) but the R56 is up to this combination.

The radio appearanced which has been a cause of some concern is much better in the flesh. The grey plastic has a nice understated sheen to it and it feels solid. The radio quality is better than the old wave but inferior to the aftermarket job I had in the R53.

Having customisable keys is a nice touch.

But folks driving it?

Would the steering be woolly?

Would the engine be "gutless" as some on these forums have ventured?


Would the improved ride be at the expense of taut handling?

Answers no, no and no.

The steering - I can't detect much, if any difference from the R53.

The engine is great - even keeping below the 4000rpm for running in it has some poke. You always feel that the engine has got a hold of you.

The ride - much more refined than the R53, but on my regular drive to and from work today I can confirm this beauty sticks to the ride just look the old 'un.

I'm running 15" wheels without the uprated suspension.

Am I happy?

Waddya think?

[Freddo]

Congrats Steve.. nice to hear. I saw that you got the fine white silver dash. What is your feelings about the black plastic door elipses?
I´m still a little unsure if I would stick with fluid silver or just go with the standard fine white.

[rec]

Steve, got any pics ? wanna see !

[SteveBrass]

more in my gallery

[SteveBrass]

Quote: Originally Posted by Freddo (original)

Congrats Steve.. nice to hear. I saw that you got the fine white silver dash. What is your feelings about the black plastic door elipses?
I´m still a little unsure if I would stick with fluid silver or just go with the standard fine white.

Works for me.

The rooster red colourline adds more colour of course.

[baskers]

Nice looking Cooper... AB really suits it.

I'd get some bigger wheels as the gaps in the arches look pretty big. Good looking car though

[EricTan]

Quote: Originally Posted by Miss Marmite (original)

I've had my sparkling silver cooper since the middle of last week and I LOVE IT!! Will post some pics soon.

I will get my sparkling silver cooper in the end of Dec (hopefully), could you please post some pics, pls pls pls....

Do you have bonnet stripes on yours?

[Miss Marmite]

Yes I have bonnet stripes. Check your pms.

[Chas M]

Hi All,

Many thnaks for providing me with all the relevant infomation above the R56 Cooper. The dealer's were next to usless....

Collected the car on Tuesday, very nice.....my wife is not that interested in cars, but even I could detect a little bit of excitment, collecting her Cooper. Pictures attached.... very favourable comments so far.

[Olly.]

Looks excellent I especially like the interior combo you have gone for