I beg to differ. The R56 was entirely derived by bean counters in an effort to recoup the manufacturing cost overrun of producing the first series. There has been a lot written on how Frank Stephenson (mostly by Stephenson himself) was in almost daily contention with MINI bureaucracy in designing and producing the R53. With Frank moving on from BMW he has been even more candid with his thoughts on the R56. It takes a lot for the visionary behind the MINI brand to make such a disparaging statement on the R56, that it "wildly abused the brand"... it doesn't get much stronger than that. And I can happily say I have never entertained the thought of owning either a Mustang II or an R56, both of which IMO, tarnished great brand names. Given the early data and first hand reporting on the F56, I have high hopes that it will eradicate the damage and abuse the R56 has done to the MINI brand.

 

Dude the Mustang II was based on the Ford Pinto. I know, a lot of people gush over the R53 but the R56 is hardly as different as the MustPinto was from the original Mustang. If you're into nostalgia I've a nice Blackberry Curve I'll sell ya!

 

I don't get the purest argument. Different cars for different times. No doubt the car has changed and will continue to do so.
There are plenty of classics, gen1 and gen2s out there is someone prefers the looks over little things like safety, convenience, fuel efficiency and extra room for passengers and storage.

 

Hilarious because those are the EXACT same complaints that R53 owners had about the R56.

Don't even bother arguing with him, he's been on this "r53 is the jesus car and nothing else will ever compare" ever since the R56 was announced. You'll never, ever get a decent debate with him.

 

 

CobraBob;

Thanks for the great comments.

I love the go-kart like feeling of the R56S. You can drive it easy or fast, especially when you have a curve. It has the power to pull it through. Or I can get over 40MPG on the highway on a trip. The last one I got 42.5. It has great flexibility that way.

As far as 0-60 times, here is a link at one site.

http://www.zeroto60times.com/Mini-Co...mph-Times.html

It shows the R56S to be quicker 0-60 than the F56S. There may be others that differ, of course, but I have yet to see any real performance difference in the newer car. I don't think it is any real step forward in performance. They are certainly very close to each other.

Have I driven it? No. But the reports seem to be positive.

But I just don't see myself ever buying one. I have to feel proud of the car that I am driving. And the front end is just too awful. The styling is not in the category of a Pontiac Aztec, or an American Motors Gremlin, but to me it is a big step backwards in styling. And styling is important. When you look at the image above, with the chrome brake vents, the chrome bar in front and all the silly stuff on it, I just have to say, "what were they thinking?:

As a comparison, the other day I ran across one of the new Corvettes. (Of course, a different type of car). It actually made me step back. An absolutely beautiful car in every way. It was a work of art. If I could afford it, I would buy one in a heart beat, if not to drive it, just to look at it. It is stunning. (And I am not a fan of GM cars).

In a smaller way, I feel that way about the R56S. It has the right proportions, and is pleasing and fun to look at, as well as drive. It had it all, as far as I was concerned. Kind of iconic, you might say.

But the F56S has just lost all of that harmony and cuteness that the R56S (and the R53 before it) had. For me it is a step in the wrong direction.

But you folks that want one for all your good reasons, go for it.

I am sure it performs and drives well for what it is, and it has a much better interior with some more room. But I just would not want one in my garage.

 

Just drove my 2013 to the dealer to drive the 2014's. Fantastic salesperson at Knauz Mini Lake Bluff, IL.

The good:
- Interior as a whole. It's a bit to get used to, but I could go either way.
- The standard seats are not supportive but are more comfortable than R56
- The sport seats are dynamite.
- Panels feel lighter, but still close with a thump.
- Some neat conveniences have been added (I opted out of them in mine anyway so non-issue)
- The 1.5L mill has good NVH properties and motivates the cooper much better (get a manual)

The Cooper is Vastly vastly improved over the last generation, regardless of the styling.

The Bad:
- It really is ugly (IMHO). Does not carry the extra inches gracefully.
- The automatic transmission in the Cooper is absolutely infuriating.
- Zero improvement in ride quality (still jarring just like mine (even on 16")
- The 'S' is no where near as much of a step forward as the regular Cooper.
- Added nonsense features
- The base stereo is worse than it used to be
- Pricing seems more Porsche-esque with $11,000 in options on most of the cars. 19k base price but can't leave for less than 25 for a Cooper.
- The 2.0L, while smooth, felt underwhelming, especially so after considering it's 25% displacement advantage and new design features.

Just some initial observations. No need to challenge my opinions, but if anyone has questions about my experience with the cars I'd be happy to respond.

 

Just curious why you thought the automatic was infuriating? I drove it too and felt it was not quite as responsive (decisive) as the R56, but then it only had 16 miles on it. I drove it in sport mode mostly. It definitely felt bigger sitting in the drivers' seat and looking over the bonnet.

 

The best argument you've made throughout is "IMO". Everyone has an opinion. Frank has his too. The same arguments came when the original (classic) Minis added the original clubman's, countrymans, etc to the classic Mini line. How about that Mini MOKE!! Those were also financial decisions both based on the response to the classic Mini and excitement of designers challenged to come up with something new. What did Frank say about those departures? They equally departed from the "classic" design of the Mini. Whoopie. Good or bad, that's progress. It's pretty simple. If you like the F56, buy it. If you don't, buy something else. If you're stuck on R56s being problematic and won't let go of your "Mustang II" fixation, buy another model. If you think they're all departures, go find yourself a classic Mini. Either way, motor like a MINI (or Mini)ac and love your treasure and respect other's preferences. When it comes down to it, we all love our MINIs and Minis. Relax. Have a Snapple. Stop arguing. Stop trolling. No point to it. Motor on!

 

Agreed!

 

Thanks for your comments. Funny how many owners of the 2003-2004 Cobra would never trade their cars in for a late model Mustang or even the new 2015 coming this fall. They absolutely love them despite the lesser engineering, quality, comfort, etc. Sounds like many R56 owners feel the same way about their own cars. So I totally understand. If I ever approach your R56 on the road, be assured I will give you a hearty hand wave "hello".

 

This one had near 100 miles on it, still new. It seemed frantic and assumed the engine was more torquey than it is. It doesn't matter much to me, but it seemed like the brain was ahead of the mechanicals. I am a massive fan of the Porsche PDK, as far as autos go, the VW units do a nice job, even GMs, but this one is not performance minded.
Again, I'd avoid the problem with the 6-speed and many aren't looking for performance character.

 

Then I have to ask, why spend the time and effort to sit on a F56 dedicated forum to tell those of us who are interested in the car what a horrible auto it is.

Troll much?

 

I drove the car fairly gently not wanting to put my foot into a car with 16 miles on it and wanted to how the low speed torque was which was impressive. The transmission didn't seem very responsive but I'm thinking the ecu sensed the rather gentle throttle inputs and adjusted the transmission accordingly. Normal mode seemed to shift the same. My R56 shifted rather more authoritatively so I was a bit surprised because I had read the F56 auto had been improved.

 

Amen! it will be very interesting to see one of them up close and personal at a club ride!

 

Oversensitive much?

Because Minis are an interest to me as an owner of one. And although I consider myself a Mini enthusiast, some of their products I like very much and some not so much. And I look at other forums on the site as well.

Is there some rule that we all must be like robots and worship whatever new product comes out from Mini? Or should we be able to give a considered opinion? Companies like Mini can improve their products if they want, when they see comments of their customers. That is one reason that I comment.

Also, I have learned a lot about Minis over the years on this site from other members. I always appreciate it when they let us know of some issue or feature. It is all about collective knowledge. It doesn't mean any of us have to accept what others say. But overall, I always appreciate what others have to say, even if I don't agree with it.

And if you don't agree with me, and love the car and buy one, more power to you. That is your choice.

Have a great day.

 

I agree and can't say I have driven a Mini or MINI I did not like, we all have lifestyles, budgets and priorities. The only constant in life is change, you except it and capitalized on its strengths or get left behind IMO.

 

Aren't choices great? We all (should) buy what we like, and like what we buy.

 

As predicted in post #22 of this thread:

"R56 owners just aren't sitting very pretty... sandwiched between the beloved Frank Stephenson classic MINI and the new technically superior F56. I predict grumpiness in the not to distance future as the F56 starts to roll out."

Kellmark is just the first of many R56 owners who will be "voicing opinions" on the F56 forum, especially as the accolades and rave reviews for the F56 continue to roll out. Personally, I'm thrilled that MINI appears to have delivered a solid overall package of performance and quality with the new F56. It's time to rebuild the MINI brand as a car that is not only fun to own, but also delivers rock solid quality on par with the best manufactures.

 

Black S

 

Sweet!!!

 

Very stealthy!