F55/F56 F56 on US soil!
I got to drive them this week....
Don't feel like writing a full review, but the new car is fantastic. BMW finally seems to have got it right. As a die hard R53 fan I didn't want or expect to like it....but they've done such a good job with it, its hard to even find anything with it that I don't like.
It truly feels like a small BMW now, but don't let that fool you into thinking that MINI has lost its soul. Yes its gotten comfy, yes its gained weight, but still handles like a dream (best so far out of all of the generations I'd say). The new motors are fantastic...the 3 cyl in the Cooper has lovely torque (the Cooper is now faster than an R53 S). The 2.0 feels strong, not too dramatically more than the current S...but much broader power band, less peaky than the R56 S. Tons of torque as expected (221 ft lbs during overboost!).
The transmissions all feel great, the autobox's in the S feel as good as any dual-clutch tanny out there (even sounds like DSG). The manuals are precise and smooth.
The biggest improvement seems to be the overall quality. It truly feels like a premium car. For the first time the MINI feels more expensive than it actually is, rather than feeling cheaper than its sticker price suggested. Getting into an R56 after an F56 the difference is SO apparent. Everything from the materials used to the ergonomics are vastly improved. Everything has a great feel to the touch, and the sport seats in the S are very similar to the Recaros in the GP.
Like I said, I don't feel like writing a full review, so those are just some thoughts that come to mind. If anyone has any questions though I'd be happy to answer!
Don't feel like writing a full review, but the new car is fantastic. BMW finally seems to have got it right. As a die hard R53 fan I didn't want or expect to like it....but they've done such a good job with it, its hard to even find anything with it that I don't like.
It truly feels like a small BMW now, but don't let that fool you into thinking that MINI has lost its soul. Yes its gotten comfy, yes its gained weight, but still handles like a dream (best so far out of all of the generations I'd say). The new motors are fantastic...the 3 cyl in the Cooper has lovely torque (the Cooper is now faster than an R53 S). The 2.0 feels strong, not too dramatically more than the current S...but much broader power band, less peaky than the R56 S. Tons of torque as expected (221 ft lbs during overboost!).
The transmissions all feel great, the autobox's in the S feel as good as any dual-clutch tanny out there (even sounds like DSG). The manuals are precise and smooth.
The biggest improvement seems to be the overall quality. It truly feels like a premium car. For the first time the MINI feels more expensive than it actually is, rather than feeling cheaper than its sticker price suggested. Getting into an R56 after an F56 the difference is SO apparent. Everything from the materials used to the ergonomics are vastly improved. Everything has a great feel to the touch, and the sport seats in the S are very similar to the Recaros in the GP.
Like I said, I don't feel like writing a full review, so those are just some thoughts that come to mind. If anyone has any questions though I'd be happy to answer!
1) Cooper vs VW Golf
2) Cooper S vs Scion FRS
3) Cooper S vs GTI
4) Cooper (in Eco mode) vs Prius C
I felt that it was the easiest to rotate MINI they've made. No problem getting the tail to come around. Corner's flat as expected as well. The electronic LSD works pretty flawlessly (would prefer a manual LSD of course...but thats a dying breed)
And even though the F56 has gained weight, it does not sacrifice handling. It was very obvious of how much of a pig the GTI is vs the F56. GTI just pushes through the corners, whereas the MINI stayed neutral and could be rotated if desired.
We did get to auto-x it...not too agressive of a course, but they did have 4 Auto-X courses set up to compare it to the competition.
1) Cooper vs VW Golf
2) Cooper S vs Scion FRS
3) Cooper S vs GTI
4) Cooper (in Eco mode) vs Prius C
I felt that it was the easiest to rotate MINI they've made. No problem getting the tail to come around. Corner's flat as expected as well. The electronic LSD works pretty flawlessly (would prefer a manual LSD of course...but thats a dying breed)
And even though the F56 has gained weight, it does not sacrifice handling. It was very obvious of how much of a pig the GTI is vs the F56. GTI just pushes through the corners, whereas the MINI stayed neutral and could be rotated if desired.
1) Cooper vs VW Golf
2) Cooper S vs Scion FRS
3) Cooper S vs GTI
4) Cooper (in Eco mode) vs Prius C
I felt that it was the easiest to rotate MINI they've made. No problem getting the tail to come around. Corner's flat as expected as well. The electronic LSD works pretty flawlessly (would prefer a manual LSD of course...but thats a dying breed)
And even though the F56 has gained weight, it does not sacrifice handling. It was very obvious of how much of a pig the GTI is vs the F56. GTI just pushes through the corners, whereas the MINI stayed neutral and could be rotated if desired.
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 509
Likes: 1
From: Left coast of Fla.
At least to begin with, I'd guess that dealers will be putting as many options as possible to build the ticket.
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 3
From: Bronx,NY
Well I have LED headlights on my other car and by far they are much better than HID's very clear very white light, I I would recommend that you get them. In fact test drive any car that has them and I'm sure that you'll love them, another thing is that they last a long time.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,602
Likes: 107
From: Arizona
We did get to auto-x it...not too agressive of a course, but they did have 4 Auto-X courses set up to compare it to the competition.
1) Cooper vs VW Golf
2) Cooper S vs Scion FRS
3) Cooper S vs GTI
4) Cooper (in Eco mode) vs Prius C
I felt that it was the easiest to rotate MINI they've made. No problem getting the tail to come around. Corner's flat as expected as well. The electronic LSD works pretty flawlessly (would prefer a manual LSD of course...but thats a dying breed)
And even though the F56 has gained weight, it does not sacrifice handling. It was very obvious of how much of a pig the GTI is vs the F56. GTI just pushes through the corners, whereas the MINI stayed neutral and could be rotated if desired.
1) Cooper vs VW Golf
2) Cooper S vs Scion FRS
3) Cooper S vs GTI
4) Cooper (in Eco mode) vs Prius C
I felt that it was the easiest to rotate MINI they've made. No problem getting the tail to come around. Corner's flat as expected as well. The electronic LSD works pretty flawlessly (would prefer a manual LSD of course...but thats a dying breed)
And even though the F56 has gained weight, it does not sacrifice handling. It was very obvious of how much of a pig the GTI is vs the F56. GTI just pushes through the corners, whereas the MINI stayed neutral and could be rotated if desired.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: Canada
There is a simple solution to the walnut blasting issue (off topic for thread, sorry).....just drive the car like you stole it!!!
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
Curious. How did it compare to the FRS? TIA.
6th Gear - AX Champion
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,301
Likes: 300
From: Pittsboro NC
I wish that were true, unfortunately it's not
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