Dropped by our local MINI dealership (Irvine MINI) for Pre-lease end inspection and found 3 new F56 on the floor. We're on a market for another MINI so this was great timing.

Please excuse the quality of the photos.

First thing we saw was this Midnight Black Cooper S...

I prefer the non-S front bumper better but the Black paint job hid those air intakes well so it wasn't so bad. The tone on tone stripes was a nice touch, in addition to the "ghost" checkered flag pattern on the mirror caps.

Then Behind it was the Blazing Red Metallic Cooper..

Almost wish the non-S models came with body color matching (or black) front grills - but the Black wheels really looked great on these cars, regardless of body color.

Then adjacent to it is this Thunder Grey Cooper S.

The color looked even better in person. Too bad they're only available on the Cooper S.

Since we needed a car almost right away, we inquired about how long it might take to get them in if we placed an order for one today. The wife is happy with the base and all I wanted for her was the LED headlight. They said it's about 6-8 weeks right now. He checked what's on route and discovered another F56 that they had in the back being prepped. It's pretty much what we wanted but without the LED headlights.

It's a White Silver Metallic with Black roof and Mirrors, comes with 16" wheels, White turn signals and Chrome trim interior.

Took a test drive and was surprised how quick the car felt - and this has the Auto transmission. Got to open it up on the freeway in the "Mid" mode. Not bad.

Couple more pics comparing the White Silver Metallic F56 to our Pepper White R56.



From the Rear, it looked wider that I expected.

Although they have all 4 cars there already, they can't sell them until MINI gives them the green signal - which at this time we're guessing 4/15? Hopefully sooner. So until then, this car is on "reserved".

For those interested in the other cars they have, you can contact George at (949)396-6472 directly. Tell him JONSIBAL referred you!

 

Nice....Im not sure if it was the angle but the new mini looks a lot bigger from the front but not so much from the back...im thinking the fact that the F56 was in the foreground added to the illusion of bigerness

 

Great photos. Thanks! The rear of the new one does look bigger.

 

1.7" wider and .3" taller and that's not much, but these pictures sure make the '14 look a lot bigger, even the one of the rear ends..

 

I would think because the windows are smaller, not as tall, in the F56. make it looks way bigger.

 

Nice photos! Thanks for posting them. I'm happy that the new MINI looks a bit bigger. Perfect size IMO. Love the black wheels and now I'm very happy I ordered them.

 

IMO, it would be worth the wait. I haven't seen the new halogens on the road or at night, nor the LEDs for that matter but if it is anything like the R56 (2nd gen cars) the halogens were not that good.

 

Aren't there after market LED "bulbs" made by GE and Sylvania?

Never had much of a problem with car headlights, so $750 for LEDs on my MCS didn't make much sense.

I wonder how well people see at night when that clear plastic over their headlights turns all frosty.

 

I must admit I wasn't too happy that MINI decided to offer yet another so called 'limited edition' colour on standard cars, but Thunder Grey looks superb. I've also seen quite a few UK launch cars which are finished in Thunder Grey, and it really works.

That picture also highlights the need for 17s, the black 16s on that Blazing red Cooper look real small.

 

Yeah, I agree about the 16" looking a tad small. Glad I went with the black 17" wheels.

That Thunder Gray looks nice.

 

Headlight rings are pretty cool when lit up...


IMG_3749.jpg?t=1395762661

 

Thanks for the pix. It looks wider in back because the hatch IS wider. I think the car itself is like 1" wider than the R56. Thunder Grey is a nice color, but ever notice how many grey and silver cars there are on the road? I'm leaning yellow, brown, or BRG myself. Can't wait to see/drive one. I'm guessing Scottsdale will have some sort of event after the 15th.

 

I stayed w/ the 16s only because I didn't want too harsh a ride and was concerned about wheel damage from potholes. The 17s they offer are better looking patterns -- would like them in the 16" size.

Maybe the dealer w/ have some options when my MCS arrives.

 

Yeah, there is a slight trade-off in ride quality. The MINI isn't a big car so even the 16s should look fine on yours.

 

Yeah, we've reconsidered. Gotta have that LED headlights.