So I've known all these things for a while now, but last night I was looking up 2013 Mini things from recent autoshows and whatnot and I don't like what I'm seeing. I've always felt this way but now I really feel I need to get this stuff off my chest.

First off, I understand that MINI is a company and it does the stuff it does to make money and attract more customers, but I feel that they are ruining the brand. MINI is a unique brand with outrageous designs that are style over function, and that's the way it should be. But I feel that more and more MINI is redesigning the vehicles to be more mainstream.

I hate what they've done with the interior of the new hatches. I hate that they blacked out the steering wheel, tachometer rim or whatever I should call it and the center console. It looks awful and I hate it. It was so much more pleasing with the silver contrast. I also hate that the plastic piece between the sun visors is now black as well. There's no reason to do that! I also hate that after all these years the panoramic sunroof still isn't auto open/close. I have to hold it all through those 5 seconds or so (granted it doesn't sound like a lot but to me it's annoying) and it slowly tilts then slides back. I feel pretty indifferent about what they've done with the radio. I feel like both the design with the volume control above the CD (2nd gen) and the volume in the speedo (3rd gen) are both just awkward configurations, but I could care less. I also strongly dislike how the, for lack of better word, cover above the rear licence plate is no longer chrome unless you get the chrome package. I also am not a fan of how when you want the chrome package you have to get the chrome mirrors (according to the MINI build it website). Lastly I wish the armrest wasn't a flimsy POS, and that it came standard.

Another point I'd like to make it MINI's redirection toward bigger cars (Countryman and the new Paceman). It's going in the completely wrong direction. MINIs are supposed to be small and fun but it seems that they just keep getting bigger and bigger and this really concerns me for when I decide to get a new pair of keys. I understand that most consumers are looking for something bigger and MINI is trying to supply them with it, but that's ruining the MINI brand. The addition of AWD is awesome no doubt, but I don't see a need to make a larger car to do it. Imagine how cool an AWD hatch would be! (granted it would probably be a tight fit). I also just saw that the new Paceman is going to have its window switches on the door. Like c'mon! That was a almost as big of a MINI trademark as the center speedo. But since people can't live without having them on the door they went and changed it, that's just not right in my book. Have some principle. And speaking of the Paceman, what's the point? I don't see any reason to make a 2 door version of the Countryman besides to replace the Cooper hatches. What's even worse is that I've looked at the hideous Countryman design long enough that I now almost like it.

MINI is supposed to be a special brand for the select few that are crazy and wild enough to handle it. I hate seeing MINIs driven by people who don't appreciate them or know what they're about. It ruins the charm of the car and the brand. I just hope that MINI can find it's way back to its roots, and soon. (What ever happened to that awesome Rocketman?)

Also, I think the Coupe's roof is disgusting. /rant

 

I love the switches not on the door!

 

A lot of people change this to what pleases them and a lot do black out everything.

Uh I have a 2004 MCS and mine has always done this.

They never were standard in chrome, you always had to change it or put a cover over it.

No disrespect, everything you wrote is more of an opinion. But everybody is entitled to their opinion. Buy and drive what you like it is your right. Just my 2 cents.

 

Your rant could have been written in 2007 and made sense. As the model life of the R50/53 was ending, MINI made a clear decision about the brand/model direction: larger, more mainstream cars. They would argue that it has been a successful one: look at the sales numbers. I would argue that any small, efficient car brand in the marketplace would increase sales, based upon the economy and fuel prices. There is room for the Countryman--a car I like--but there must be iconic enthusiast cars as well to perpetuate the brand. Jack, bring us the

 

...and people wonder why I fuss over my '06 R52

 

I've followed many discussions on Motoring File that dissect the new design, and many, many owners are repulsed by what MINI is doing. For me, moving the window controls to the doors and doing away with the center speedo slay what's left of the MINI esprit de corps. The beginning was the Countryman, now Paceman, ugh.

I'm no fan of the cars getting bigger and bigger, and the seeming lack of love for the traditional manual transmission. Unfortunately, there may be a day - sooner than we'd like - where three-pedal cars cease to be manufactured. I loathe the flappy paddle gearbox. No matter how quick it shifts, it's still an impostor.

But with this, I guess I can grudgingly recognize why MINI is making these changes. They're doing it to appease the mainstream. They're doing it to attract more buyers, make more money, and therefore really keep the brand alive.

I agree with the OP that MINI used to be a car for someone nuts enough to buy a small, quick, car with razor-sharp handling. I miss the enthusiast crowd. I've only had my MINI for two + years but I see the decline in MINI drivers who wave at others, because more people buy a MINI for the mileage/economy or out of curiosity, not so much the styling, performance, heritage, or unique motoring experience and fellowship with other owners.

All this being said, I don't think I'll be impacted by the design changes, just saddened as the trend continues. The first gen MINI (especially the S) is such a special car that I'll never replace mine. I might add another vehicle to serve a specific unmet purpose, but my R53 will never be traded in for a newer MINI. As long as I can find parts and service, I'll be happy living in the past.

 

What he said. Plus, you can get other mirror caps with the chrome package. Just select the chrome line exterior first, then the caps of your choice. At least that's how it was the last time I used the configurator.

 

I am with you on this.

 

As for the sunroof, my 08 and the new 3rd gen don't auto open/close (unless I've just happened to be in 2 defective models)

Mine came standard with the chrome in the rear, but I think its only the non-s that have it standard

And yes that was all my opinion, I didn't mean to offend you or anyone else, I was just sharing my thoughts. I may have come off a bit to negative but let me just say I love everything about MINIs just some things bother me a bit much and I was just expressing my feelings on the matter

 

I agree with all of this. Especially the death of the MINI wave. I haven't gotten one back in well over 5 months

 

Let me be the first to invite you to the R58 forum. Owned both styles ... enjoy both.

 

I still get waves. On a recent trip into town I saw three MINI's, two returned my wave.

Dave

 

Maybe

You did not offend me, as I stated you are entitled to your opinion. So please vent away.

 

+1

 

As long as they keep making a small, sporty hardtop, then they can go off into whatever ginormous model they want to, as far as I am concerned. None of the Countryman drivers ever wave to me, despite my best efforts, but fewer and fewer HTs do it either. And it's not like you can miss my crazy car!!

As to the Coupe, I didn't care for it at first, then my hubby decided to buy one and I've grown to appreciate it. It is more "MINI" than some of the other changes they have made... crazy, off the wall, small, sporty. Fun to drive. Nice headlights (personally, I don't care for the 'mean' looking headlights on the CMs, but that is just my own feeling about a 'friendly face' having appeal) If these larger models keep MINI going strong, so that they can still make the little cars we love, then go for it MINI.

 

I have a friend who has a new Countryman. When I mentioned waving she asked "why would I do that?". I explained that in 2002 EVERY MINI driver waved! She didn't get the "community" thing - it's a car.

 

 

OK, here's my bit... For 2013, really, nothing is changing. If you put a 2012 Clubman in Pepper White with a black roof and base interior next to a 2013 with the same lack of options, you'd never be able to tell them apart. Besides, the change in size (seemingly) between the two generations of Mini were mainly due to hood height for pedestrian safety. I'm a huge fan of the interior in our 2012 Clubbie. The black is so much better than the painted crap in my Focus that looks cheap and chintzy. What I do worry about is the 2014 model and where Mini can really go from here. My Focus will be replaced with a Mini once my lease is over in February of 2014, but I really hope I can order one of this current generation when I need it. Unless the next generation kicks ***, which I will wait to see.

 

I agree with that. Personally I preferred the black trim to the silver painted trim on the interior bits.

 

Let me be the second. Love my cars. Mucho fun to drive and I get plenty of waves and positive reactions to my car.

My wife gets the same thing from her car but her's is very cool and very unique.

 

Better trade your car in. If there are no waves, it isn't worth keeping.

 

Loved my R53; can't wait for my R58.

 

Interesting points Tommy! I am actually a HUGE fan about the blackout dash and everything they've done in the interior to the 2012 and on. I have a 2011 so I still have my interior roof tan or whatever you'd like to call it, and I hate it. But like I said interesting points you've observed.

 

+ 1,000 I am most worried about 2014 and beyond when it comes to keeping with the R56 look for our little hatches. If MINI went in the direction of producing the CM and Paceman for the masses and really amped up the performance and power for the MCS and the JCW, I'll be happy with my next MINI. They just should not, under any circumstance, make these models any bigger. The R56 already is bigger than the R50/52/53.

 

Actually, just the opposite happened....due to lagging sales they actually brought BACK what once was......And when they brought Anders Warming in from BMW to head up the designs for 2011-up, I rejoiced with anticipation and was not let down .