God I wanted to like this car. The F55 4-door was set to be my next car. Wife signed off on it, money is saved, etc. I actually like the way the F56 looks and the interior is gorgeous. And then I drove it...


I have to say I am incredibly disappointed in it. The last two generations felt like go-karts. Not the fastest, but they always felt quick and nimble with an inspiring amount of feedback. The F56 just felt "heavy" to me. I put it in sport mode, pulled onto the road at about 50% throttle, got it straightened out and thought "let's see what she can do!", floored it...and literally nothing changed. It's like 50% throttle was all it had. Sure it kinda climbed the speedometer a little quicker, but gone is that instant rush of "off to the races!". For comparison, I drive an '07 GTI with almost 90k miles and it feels much quicker than the Mini (and I can't stand the GTI). Also, at speed, the Mini felt slow. Like at 60mph, I felt like was doing 30mph. The old mini's felt like the opposite. Steering was also incredibly numb to me. I felt more like I was guiding a boat than a sports car. Very disconnected. My buddy who owns a BR-Z test drove it the day before and said almost verbatim the exact same things, for whatever that's worth.


On the plus side, the whole ride is MUCH more comfortable than ever before. Felt very planted and poised. The downside here is that if I'm going solely for comfort, I'm not buying a Mini. It's like the car felt so much better cruising the highway than it did running the twistys. Again, not what I'd buy a Mini for. Also, as I said the interior is gorgeous. Ironically, I found the light ring distracting (because I thought I'd love it) and HUD display useful (which I thought would be gimmicky...though still think it's too $$$ for what you get). The exhaust, particularly in sport, sounded pretty good. I think it used to sound better, and it's not as good as the Focus ST, but it's throatier and deeper than most other 4-bangers.


So, I dunno. It's not like it's a bad car, but at $30k (which, if you want things that cars costing under $20k have, you will end up spending) it needed to feel if not perfect, then at least special. To me, this is a $25k car, and that's taking into consideration the interior and the fact it's a "BMW" (which lets face it, doesn't mean as much as it once did). I'm not saying I won't end up buying it still (need to sit on it), but I will say I'm now starting to look at other options again, which is severely disappointing. Why is it so hard to find a fun-to-drive 4-door for under $30k?


I would like to add here that this is not meant to bash the Mini, though I guess I kinda did that. Rather, as this is an open discussion regarding ALL thoughts on this new car, I simply wanted to objectively share my subjective opinion of my first drive. Many people love this car, and I am truly happy for them.

 

Ugh, thanks for your honesty.

 

Unfortunately, I agree and I'm in the same boat after owning a Cooper from each generation. I never thought I'd start looking at other options, but just didn't get that instant 'wow' feeling. While I probably would get it rather than leaving the brand all together, I'm still on a mission to find a new or low-mileage CPO 2013 hardtop Cooper or S. It's more like a BMW than a MINI now...

 

Did you test the S or the normal Cooper?

 

This is interesting, the differences people feel with these cars. I for one love the way the car feels. I love how responsive it is and, frankly, how BMWesque it is. And this is coming from having a 2012 Golf R last year that I really liked, but I love the Mini way more. The R even had a tune and I'm sure was quite a bit faster than my MCS.

But for me the MCS is just livelier and more connected feeling. The car has more personality than the VW ever could and I really enjoy that.

But, I've got zero time in an R56, so it's possible I'd feel the same way as many people do if I had.

 

Couldn't be happier for you TouchUp that you're enjoying the car and glad you chimed in. This car still has a ton of character over other cars and am glad it's everything you hoped it would be. I will say the reason I can't stand my GTI is due to the complete lack of character. It's for that one reason I'm still considering the mini. It has more character than just about any other car out there, regardless of price. I just wish the performance thrilled me the way I had hoped. Funny you mention it's "BMWesque", though, as I have always found past BMW's to be the, well, the "Ultimate Driving Machines" yet obviously did not feel that connected with this one. You also bring up a good point that different people are having different reactions to it. As I told my buddy I referenced above, I think I need to revisit it with different expectations at a later point. I can't say I didn't have fun driving it, but not at the level I had hoped.

 

One of the first things I noticed when I test drove the MCS was what I felt to be the BMW feel. The transmission (auto) works very similarly to my GF's 2010 328i and the steering wheel feel and steering weighting reminded me of a 2008 M3 I had. Especially when I changed the setting to Sport and the car made the steering heavier...the M3 did the same. So those things really excited me and sort of hit the spot I'd say.

But also a thing to keep in mind is my immediate vehicle before my MCS was a 2014 F250 diesel. So had I jumped into, say, a Prius, even that would have felt sporty most likely.

So I guess it goes back to perspectives. I hope that if you do get one that you really enjoy it. Maybe the JCW would be a better fit when it comes out?

 

If I could describe my F56 in comparison to my prior MINIS using The MINI marketing lingo, it would be "More Normal." I agree with the Jokester on many points. Unfortunately, you can't take a 48hr test drive to realize the car doesn't have the handling, performance, or mpg of the 2nd Gen. Hopefully they'll come out with some add-on performance parts that will put some excitement back in the car.

 

You guys are reinforcing my belief that the new car is too big and too soft. I was just telling my wife the other day how much I love our 09 MCS...but the GTI is in another league. At least mine is. A few choice mods go a long way, perhaps the aftermarket can fix what the new Mini lacks. I started looking hard at the base model actually, at 20k it makes sense.

 

I just got back from my first long road trip with three people in my car and we all came to the understanding that this is a BMW Mini. I agree with the fact that it feels more large and soft than earlier gen mods. To be honest though when you are driving long distance the comfort you now have it a huge plus to me. I hope you find a car you love in the future. Sad it cannot be in a F56. I love my car sad to see someone that was let down.

 

You may already have seen this review linked below, but this guy feels the base model retains more of the Mini identity/heritage than the S.

http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/ro...i/mini-cooper/

 

emilyanny4u hit the nail on the head. My F56S is a great commuter car. I'm in the car 2 hrs a day and I rack up the miles. It rides over the interstate bridge joints, potholes, and road joints with ease, where my Coupe S (w/std suspension) was much, much firmer. For everyday, "normal", use, it's a great car. On the other hand, when I'm feeling the urge to really bend the rules, push boundaries, and feel nimble, (like in my Coupe S) I feel like BMW moved the scale too far to the softer side and introduced "gadgets" to the MINI like active sound and HUD to make the brand more appealing to the masses. I miss that feeling of owning a street legal "go kart", I really miss that.

 

Well, glad I'm not the only one left feeling a little disappointed with the F56 S.

I too had the chance to drive a manual F56 S over the weekend, and like the OP, had higher hopes than the disappointment I ultimately left with. I've driven the R53 S, and my girlfriend has a R56 non-S that I helped her find, and I've mercilessly flogged that car. I also, strangely enough, drive a GTI, albeit mine is a 2013 with a Stage 1 tune.

The F56 S just left me feeling empty. Too heavy, too quiet, not involved enough. Leaving the dealership, my GTI just felt so much better.

However, the seats... are incredible. Even the leatherette was surprisingly good, I was impressed.

I'm eager to drive the F56 non-S with a stick, everything I've read said the base car has offers more driver engagement and feels lighter on it's feet. I'd also love a chance to sample either the S or the non-S with the Sport Suspension option.

 

Both. But I was leaning towards a Cooper anyway. Just wanted to see the difference. However, they both felt very different to the 2nd gen versions. I prefer the Cooper still though, but would get a 2nd gen S if I found a good deal. If I get an F56, it will most definitely be a Cooper. Along with the disappointing 'feel' to the S, the mpg hit just makes it not worth it to me.

 

Meh, everyone disheartened by a review just needs to go drive the car for themselves. Everyone of us will have our own take on the car for better or for worse and its surprising to see the reaction spread, not only from members of this forum but also from those who drive cars for a living.

I remember going through this the first time I bought the first new "new" Mini and can remember the same reactions that the car was too big, and lacked all the charm of the original and sir issac would be flipping us all off in his grave ad nauseam. The fact is that I loved that car, while many people didn't, but I don't remember buying it based on anyone else's opinion but my own.

I think the GTI is a perfectly respectable "hot" hatch with all the styling of a shoe/door jam/wedge of cheese. I've owned an A4, S5, TT, BMW 550 XI, and an M Coupe. I have test driven, the BRZ and was entirely disappointed. Regardless of my experience, they are just that though MY experience. I remember when I bought my M Coupe watching Hamster and Jezza bicker about how one thought the car was absolute rubbish while the other felt it was one of the greatest cars they had ever driven. Kind of had to marvel at the extreme reaction differences to the car... I will say my appreciation of Hamster went up ten fold after that review though.

After test driving the F56, did I notice anything missing from what I fell in love with from my first Cooper S? Eh, who knows, I haven't had that car for some time but I can say that when I got behind the wheel of the F56, I knew I was back behind the wheel of something that made me smile. Also, being 14 years older I remarked at the refinement of the car, solid feel, fantastic build quality, quiet cabin, and loads of tech goodies to geek out on. It felt like the car grew up along side me over those 14 years . Refined, but still had the soul of someone younger just not the immaturity of someone younger.

Get out there, and see for yourself. If you find that you prefer driving a shoe, I applaud you and look forward to zipping around with you on the open road.

 

Well, this is disturbing. I've got an appointment this afternoon to order an F56 MCS. I'll be driving my '07 MCS that will roll over 100,000 miles on the trip over. So now I'm hearing from some of you that I'll be disappointed? The dealership isn't even quite open, so I won't be able to test drive anything. I did take a ride in one the other day, but couldn't drive it myself. All I've got to go on are first impressions, and reports like these in NAM.

Yikes!

Then again, that's more than I had to go by in December, 2006, when I ordered my current car. The first R56 didn't arrive on these shores until over 2 months later...and the first time I ever drove one was when mine was delivered.

 

I agree with "angrybears" comments above. Each of us will have different feelings about the new F56. Only your own feelings matter, don't buy or not buy on other's opinions. I am coming from a BMW 135i so find the new MCS to be a very "fun" car. YMMV.

 

That's very interesting to me that you experienced a lack of "off to the races" with the F56. I felt pretty much the exact opposite. I'm currently driving an R53 S and when I test drove the F56 NON-S, I felt the F56 had more instant power and "zippiness". I went into the test drive thinking I would prefer my R53, but I ended up loving the quick throttle response and improved ride quality so I decided to order one.

 

I personally am madly in love with my F56 MCS and I do not think you will be disappointed. I think the point everyone is trying to make is that we all have really strong thoughts on the car but you need to test drive it yourself and see what you think. I have noticed on this site that people feel really strongly and that is not a bad thing. Just do not let anyone scare you away from something if you love it.

I would test drive one more time before ordering. Make sure you get exactly what you want.

 

+1000

 

I observe the same things, but you're describing almost every other car out on the market now. What differentiates the F56 from other brands, including BMW? I believe that is what many are struggling with.

 

What differentiates it is the inside and outside style. Maybe it's lost it's competitive edge, or gone "soft" for some, but you can't see a picture of the outside or inside and not say "that's a Mini" or confuse it for another car. Never ordered or owned a BMW, but I don't think there's ten million ways to configure it either...

Having test drove a few other cars this last year, I found several that driving wise (acceleration, curves, etc) they were good to excellent, when I got back in my R56, I said "nope", can't do it. On the contrary, after the F56 test drive, for me it was "yes, that's it".


Everyone's reaction will be different, as it should be.

 

I tend to obsess when shopping for a car... Here is what makes this car special from the rest -

CUSTOMIZATION: I am unaware of any other brand that let's its customers build ALMOST exactly what they want. In fact this is almost counter productive as I agonized over the exact spec I wanted and went back and forth with my MA more than I should have.

Manual Tranny: For me this is an absolute requirement. Sure you can get manuals still, but they are far and few between. Mini's ordering process is easy (comparatively), engaging (tracking is fun), and ensures you get the exact car you want.

Looks: Ok, totally subjective here but no one will argue that these cars are unique. They are not your typical hot hatch and while styling isn't for everyone, they certainly do not have that wedge look that is so typical in this market. Ehem, I am talking to you GTI, Fiesta, Fit (oh the humanity of driving a "hot hatch" that looks like a Honda Fit").

TECH: Sure, you pay a pretty penny for this, but it's there if you want it, and wow is it impressive. You can trick this car out better than the new BMW 2 series and I love that!

Fit and Finish: Aside from the GTI, no other car in this class has the build refinement of the new F56. In fact I see it compared to the A1 more than the GTI in most online reviews.

Efficiency: This car can get up and go and still dominate with fuel efficiency. Performance is on par with the 2015 GTI (at least 0-60) and we have much better MPG

Performance: OK, take everything mentioned above and combine that with the fact that this car accelerates and handles like a champ, and when you aren't driving like a hooligan (which is likely most of the time), its also incredibly livable. At the end of a long commute, your kidneys are where you left them. It's not the best track car, but it is for it's class (and probably beyond its class) the best mix of performance, handling, fuel efficiency, tech, customization, value (compared with cars offering similar features) you can get today. Not to mention it has charisma by the bucket loads.

The Mini is the cumulative no brainer (according to me at least).

 

Excellent response and I appreciate that. Even though the car has changed in many ways, you're absolutely right.

 

Daffodil - Good luck with meeting your MA this afternoon.

We have an '09 MCS and decided to get out of our winter weather in the Rockies for a weekend jaunt in late March. Found MINI of Portland had 3 demo cars on the lot and about 30 dealership-ordered cars coming (better than Seattle area dealerships), so we were actually able to drive both automatic and manual transmission F56s.

My husband really had in his mind that our next MINI would be a "Justa Cooper", but we really did not intend to order a car on this trip. Our '09 is a manual and I have loved driving stick shifts since I was a kid.

Long and short is that we test drove in the rain and the MC felt a little like those top heavy SUVs. For us it was less stable feeling and "jerkier" for lack of a better term. The MCS was smoother, felt like it had a lower center of gravity, cornered the wet twisties a lot better, and felt more stable at high speeds while still giving us that "go-kart" experience than the "Justa". We were so surprised and impressed that we ordered a car the next day.

We were also very torn between the manual and automatic. Finally went with the automatic with shift paddles...some of the package options we wanted required the JCW steering wheel with shift paddles, the automatic is supposed to get better mileage, the stick seemed to interfere with the nav system controller **** and armrest, and partly because, as we are getting older, we are considering how we can drive in a rural area (no taxis or public transportation) if we get laid up a little (gout in the toe or aching joints)...manual is also a little dicey in the winter on our slushy, icy mountain roads.

Please also note that we went to our favorite used car dealer when we got back and immediately had someone interested, BUT the deal fell through after the test drive because the wife won't drive a manual...it's a little tougher to re-sell a stick shift.

Bottom line though is that we love the fact that our MINI makes us smile and she's so much fun to drive. With her Artistic Reflections eyeshades, she looks like she's straight out of "Cars" and little kids light up when they see her. We also like the MINI culture and kind of people that participate in all of the MINI clubs and events (versus the folks we've met through the Porsche and Corvette clubs). We're sure our new MINI (currently on the Morning Chant) will also make us smile...

So, decide for yourself, motor on and go for it!