Is that also a $500 option on the new S?

 

Interesting, I just took a look at the builder on miniusa.com and it looks like driving modes are now standard on the S and JCW, premium on the Justa. This used to be standard on all vehicles in North America as far as I know.

Also looks like LED headlights are standard on the S but are still a premium option ($750) on the Justa.

 

Only downside to no driving modes would be no "pops and bangs" from the exhaust, as those really only come out in sport mode on the S. I'm not 100% sure if a F56 Justa in sport mode with the 3 cylinder produces the same pops and bangs, but I thought I remembered reading somewhere that it did.

 

Driving Modes is standard on all S and JCW models, but not on the Justa. It was a standard feature across the board, but not anymore.

 

Hardly worth the money to change over to a more "British" Mini. These are Mini BMW's, right?

 

The refresh is fine. If I were shopping for a new Mini I'd opt for the refresh model over the previous. Not because it's any better, only because it's newer and not any worse to my eye.

Rumors were that we were gong to see a Dual Clutch Transmission and a small bump in HP and torque on the S and Justa. Since that didn't materialize, the LCI is IMO rather "meh!".

I was looking forward to a trade my 2015 MCS for a 2019 MCS when they became available. Now, if I trade it may be for a Countryman S (and add a Dinan).

 

In today's world not too much is done without market research and IMO it must reflect that folks that buy cars are into gimmicks and eye candy. Would also think that although we are an "enlightened" group here that recognize the car is well handling, the masses consider a MINI cute and BMW is going the glitter route.

 

Yeah, when I was checking out of the parking garage at the VA last week the lady in the booth commented on what a cute car I have. Haven't heard that in quite a while. Left her a couple of strips of rubber as a thank you. Hopefully, she won't remember me when I go back Tuesday.

 

I think there is a bit of "the Rebel" in you Whitey.

 

Whenever I hear that dreaded four letter word, under my breath it is "cute my a__."

 

I like it enough to come back to a Mini!

 

Was looking forward to more than these minor changes before trading in my '14 MCS. Apple's CarPlay, more HP, etc. but this is disappointing.

 

The dual clutch and engine revisions are being phased in over the summer, hold fire if you're planning ordering a new model guys.

 

Yep all LEDs now. My guess is there will be a retrofit kit, and if you already have LED taillight they should swap. Went to NAIAS to see these in person and MINI did not display MINIs at the public show :(

Headlights look a but better in design. Was hoping the front lower bumper would have been changed out.

 

I love the refresh it's not too major and the Union Jack lights are cool

hope that I can retrofit them to my F56 which has LED lights so I'm guessing it should be an easy swap?

 

All we can do now is wait until the March production start-up of the 2019 models and see what changes are actually incorporated. I am prepared to trade my 2015 and was hoping to the DCT and power bumps also.

If the motor and transmission changes don't show up in the 2019 models, then likely it will be a year away when the 2020 models are introduced.

I find it highly improbable for any car manufacturer to introduce motor (HP increases) and transmission upgrades (regular to DCT) in the middle of a model year. Imagine if you just bought a new 2019 Corvette w/ 460 HP and an 8 speed automatic to find that if you'd waited 1 week longer your 2019 would have 475Hp and a 9 speed DCT. While these changes might not be huge in the actual performance of the car (but yes they would affect performance positively), imagine the WTF blowback GM would get from their customers.

Not saying it's impossible for BMW/MINI to do something like this, but just doesn't make any kind of good business sense to their customers.

IMO, only way it could be done mid cycle, w/o upsetting the apple cart, would be to offer those changes as separate options to the existing models. So in effect offer a higher HP engine (for more money) as an option to the existing engine that started the model year and the same w/ the DCT (offer a 6 spd manual, 6 spd auto and add X speed DCT-for a more $ option).

Even applying the above to the Corvette example above, imagine the outrage early adopters would have knowing that for a few hundred more $ they would have the latest and greatest.

In the end it would be far easier for them to just hold off for the 2020's and save all the extra BS.

 

I'm in for the long term on my "16 JCW as one of the dailys. its just to darn nearly perfect! I have way to much into it for the little changes. I'm still only at 6k miles. I'll probably trade out my Focus ST for an RS this year, then Trade my ford work van for a Benz van, I have my Porsche Turbo S for sale. That sale alone I should be able to buy a few more toys. I'm currently up to 13 registered vehicles, and I'm mostly working from home. I'm addicted to toys and mods.

 

I spoke with someone at my local dealer and he just got the rundown on a lot of the new changes. Most of it is stuff we've seen on MotoringFile and is mostly for the F56/F55/F57:

• Base radio on F54/F60 is now touchscreen as of Nov 17 production - no voice commands, but still has Siri Eyes Free
• Base radio on F56/F55/F57 stays the same
• Navigation on F56/F55/F57 is now MINI Connected 5 with touch and CarPlay - adds wireless charging and 2nd USB port
• Deep Blue, Blazing Red, and Volcanic Orange are going away
• New colors are Starlight Blue, Solaris Orange, and Emerald Grey
• Chili Red will now be available without JCW Ext kit
• Piano Black exterior kit now available as a factory option - will black out headlights, tail lights, and grill
• Two headlight options: halogen and LED w/Cornering. The Union Jack tail lights will come with the LED option and are now fully LED
• Halogen headlights have been revised and have darker housing
• Roulette wheels and Propeller wheels will be available for all F56/F55/F57
• Teleservices debuting
○ SOS
○ Service Info can be transmitted to dealer
○ Send to Car (w/nav)
○ Advanced Real Time Traffic (w/nav)
○ Remote services? (lock/unlock, lights)
○ Remote Pre-Conditioning for PHEV
• No DCT any time soon - MINI USA is waiting for v2 of software before submitting to EPA
• Chesterfield brown seats available on F56/F55
• Backlit Union Jack Interior Surface now available - MINI Yours Interior Style Piano Black
• MINI logo projection across the board

 

I've just placed an order for the LCI JCW 3dr hatch. Build week 9 so hopefully get it on Launch day in the UK (17th March).
...the tail lights were the reason I held off buying it before now - had to have them!