I thought since NAM linked to this thread, I'd do a better job compiling the reviews:

http://jalopnik.com/the-2014-mini-co...bmw-1512747749
http://www.motoringfile.com/2014/01/...oper-cooper-s/
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mini/mi...er-2014-review
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/...t-drive-review
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/n...iew-2014-01-30
http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews...cooper-review/
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t-drive-review
http://www.autoblog.com/2014/02/10/2...w-first-drive/
http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/lat...icle-1.1609791
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...op_first_look/

 

somehow overall, the motoringfile review reads so much more biased than jalops.. may just be me though

 

Kyoo, it is not just you. To me, MotoringFile reads as if it were written by MINIUSA. Not just the review of the 2014, but all articles on that site.

Thanks for the link to Jalop. Had not heard of that site. Interesting read.

The new MINI moves away from the car I have found enjoyable to drive and own. So, instead of looking at the new 2014, I went looking for a nice R53 to accompany my R56. Found one. Pick it up tomorrow.

 

'First Drive' report from MotoringFile:
"Somehow, some way, they’ve done it. MINI has increased the size and refinement of the car while making it feel more immediate, more fun and more (dare we say it) MINI. Let’s be honest. Since MINI introduced the Countryman and Paceman there’s been a growing concern that they didn’t know how to create something that felt as alive as the R50 or R53. In talking with MINI engineers today, it was clear that they felt they had something to prove. From what I’ve experienced today, they did just that with a MINI that felt more alive in my hands than anything since the R53 — all while feeling every bit as fast as a R56 JCW."
MotoringFile Archive 2014 MINI Cooper & Cooper S: First Driving Impressions

MotoringFile Archive MotoringFile Review: The 2014 MINI Cooper & Cooper S

 

Pity the US version of the F56 are not as light as the European version that is lighter than the outgoing R56 and handles better and even faster.As Im' in Scotland I cant wait to try it. Faster, lighter, more MPG and a better drive and on the Cooper close on the torque of an R53 without its many drawbacks.



Why the US F56 MINI Weighs More than the Euro F56

One of the first questions I asked the MINI engineers present at the recent F56 MINI launch was about weight. The European F56 has lost weight compared with the R56, where the US-spec cars gained 60 and 90 lbs between the Cooper and Cooper S. While there’s much more standard equipment on the US cars as compared to the R56, they said that much of that new weight was from three US market changes to the F56:

Two additional airbags at knee-level
Massively reinforced B-pillars, designed for the NHTSA’s new rollover standards
A larger, more substantial A-pillar airbag system.

 

Sounds about like what I expected. Good to drive, good interior, ugly front end.

I was somewhat interested in the adjustable suspension, but it sounds like the sport suspension is more up my alley.

All the other gizmos sound neat, but I don't know which of them I'd spring for. I'd like to try the auto parallel parking though there's no way I'd get it.

 

Motoringfile has some great pictures down at the bottom props for that. At this point I can come to terms with the ugliness. I wish there was a version with the non-S front and S rear though. Also be aware that there is no more CD slot which is a REALLY bad move on their part, and also there is no cubby(is that how its spelled?) hole under the climate controls, which is also pretty stupid of them. That said some of the new seat designs and improved materials are welcome. But ultimately I'm saddened by its loss of character and handling. Maybe they'll make that Rocketman?

 

Just wait for the JCW aero kit to fix the issues you're having not liking the F56 MCS.

 

gotcha. jalop is my go-to car blog. the motoringfile review was just too much nonsense to me. we'll see how the autoxers feel about the car though.

i've never used the cd slot in my mini lol

 

Auto Guide just uploaded this video

 

"Really bad move"? Who even uses CDs anymore? They're looking towards the future.

 

Lots of people still do

 

I've seen the JCW Cooper. No thank you on that front bumper.

 

You've got to be kidding

 

No offense to MF, but wouldn't their opinions about BMW/MINI be biased?

 

they read super biased to me

 

MINI Cooper 2014 review
"For only a £400 increase over the old MINI Cooper, this new model is so much more car for your money. You get one less cylinder under the bonnet, but the performance and economy leave its predecessor standing, while the expanded dimensions make the boot and interior more useable – although we’d wait for the five-door hatch if you want a family car. MINI has managed to make it softer and quieter, as well as more competent in the corners. We’ll leave you to decide whether the styling changes are a success, but there’s no denying the new MINI is a big improvement."
Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mini/mi...er-2014-review

2014 Mini Cooper S first drive review - Autocar
Should I buy one?
"Yes, because while the danger in developing new cars from scratch is that they can fail to live up to the reputation of their predecessor, that is definitely not the case here. If you cherish driving or are an existing Cooper S owner, the chances are that you’re going to love this third-generation model.
It has been improved in every key area and is undeniably more fun to drive. Still, if you’re seeking simple everyday usability in a no less entertaining car, the born-again Cooper may well fit the bill at a more affordable price."
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/...t-drive-review

 

"Personally, I like the base Cooper's front end over the S's." -Jalopnik

I agree.

Give me the grunt of the S with the front end of the Justa.

 

Man it looks huge!

 

Motoring File is often excessively pro-MINI (but still very useful and informative). Jalopnik however I think is quite anti-MINI (or MINI-sceptic). Averaging between the two is probably a good, reasonable, fair middle-ground. Just my 2c

 

i think only time (autox) will tell how the new minis actually drive. hard to trust what the reviews say

 

Nav updates are through USB port with a SD card.


And with Pandora and hand held storage devices, seems CD's have gone the way of cassette and 8 track tapes I guess. But doesn't necessarily mean one couldn't add a CD changer from aftermarket vendor. May be a while but when there is a demand someone usually steps up.

 

They've already said you can get a 6-disc changer in the glovebox from the factory.

I won't be missing CDs. I love the convenience of having all my music on a thumb drive.

 

"Lots" of people still use vinyl records as well... #justsaying

 

Dang! I stopped the Mini North Scottsdale yesterday on my way back and test drove a JCW Coupe, that was outfitted exactly how I want minus Comfort Access. I was thinking about buying it, but the review of the F56 temps me to wait. It sounds pretty cool. And I was wondering about the Cooper's new motor too, sounds like it's worth test driving but I want an AT this time.