I was originally scheduled to pick up my car early afternoon Thursday, May 1st. unfortunately, something delayed the truck roughly 36 hours for a 1 hour trip. My dealer, MINI of Alexandria, gave me a loaner 2013 R56 Cooper S for overnight. This turned out to be rather interesting as I have not previously owned a MINI. It seemed like a real opportunity to see for myself what all the fuss is about between the R56 and the F56. Very nice car and if I was looking for a car with what to me, seems to be a very tight performance oriented character; the R56 Hardtop would be an excellent choice. In fact I was very strongly considering a 2014 Clubman S, before certain circumstances led me to order my F56 Cooper S. From my limited exposure to both cars fresh in my mind, my initial opinion is that the F56 is more in the mold of a Grand Touring type and the R56 is more pure sports car type. Within their markets, the R56 is and the F56 will, I believe, be the standards. Enough comparison.

Everything mentioned by others concerning the new Hardtop I have experienced. Given a limited amount of driving time about 100 miles 75% highway hardly seems like enough at this point, hoping to double or maybe triple the miles today. The think I’ve noticed most is the fact that I’m not distracted by road and wind noise or uneven road surfaces, even the Run-Flat tires don’t seem that hard riding. Understand I have driven the same roads to work daily for 20 years, I know where every bump, hole, and surface irregularity is. During that time I owned several short wheel base, sport suspended vehicles and our new car rides really well. Haven’t had much of a chance to triple exit ramp speeds, but doubling doesn’t even feel like work, sport mode with Dynamic Damper Control activated. Will be at least another week before I can run at speed on some roads where I can get an idea of the handling capabilities.
The LED headlights with cornering lamps are great and given the low cost, I will overlook the fact that the owner’s manual came in clear shrink wrapped plastic. Enjoy the pictures; the front plate holder will be updated to the more centered version when CravenSpeed releases it. More comments as I get to know the car better.
Tom

 

Awesome! Love this car in BRG. Congrats on the arrival.

 

OH!! You have the seats I've been eyeballing! I didn't get a good look at them when I was at the dealer last weekend, they had them in one car that was still wrapped up. What colors would you say are in those, besides the obvious satellite grey in the middle?? Is the darker edges/top/thigh rest a truffle brown, or more grey? I thought it looked truffle, but it's hard to tell. Do you love them?

 

Thanks, I didn't see these at all before ordering, worked out great. The Color Line is Dark Truffle, not an exact match but very close. The Dash Surface is Dark Cottonwood. The only leather on the seats is the Satellite Gray on the bottom and back surfaces. The Dark Truffle color is cloth and it appears tough enough yet not rough in texture. I can do some more pictures in a few days if you like.

 

Yes please!! More pictures! I didn't get to see the dark cottonwood interior either. It's kind of funny, your interior is spec'ed exactly the way I have my wish list so far. I was even planning on the green, unless I decide that I can live with the orangey tint that's in the Blazing Red. (I doubt it, and I do love green, so no loss there.)

 

Looks a beauty, enjoy. Black wheels rock!

 

Very nice congrats!!

 

Congrats!!! She looks great. I saw a very similar interior to yours at my dealer and thought it looked really nice in person.

 

Love it! I been searching and havent found many with BRGII on here.

Any regrets on the color? Currently my first choice.