It's interesting to see the mixed reactions about the new MINI (F56). I personally have the R56 Justa and I love it. I wonder what the reaction of the people when the R56 replaced the R53? Was it the same like this? I wouldn't know because the R56 I have right now is my first car. I know this is sort of a weird question but what were your reaction when the R56 first got released? Did you guys hate it as much as the F56?

 

To be honest, I didn't really care for the R56 when it first came out. BUT...one key difference is that I didn't find the R56 to be 'ugly' like I do the F56. I still played with the idea of replacing my R53 with a R56...but got turned off by the turbo lag and the timing chain (cold start rattle) woes. By the time MINI got the timing chain issue straightened out, I had moved on to wanting other vehicles. None of those other vehicles seemed like a suitable R53 replacement for me...hence the reason why I'm still motoring around in one.

 

I agree.

 

The reaction was similar. It looks like a fish, they ruined it, it's too big, I prefer a supercharger, it's too heavy, only the 1st gen is worthing of the term "motoring", etc.

I do have to admit my wife's R52 has a charm that my R56 does not have, but we are both looking at trading in this year or next for the F56.

 

I'm not into entertainment technology while driving (usually don't even turn on the radio); I can parallel park on my own so I don't need driver assist and I love the center speedo for the connection to the past. So when I saw the spy shots and read the proposed changes that would forever alter the MINI hatch, I immediately went to my dealer and ordered my R56 JCW. That was my choice and I'm thrilled with it. That being said, I'm glad BMW/MINI has been investing money in R&D because that means they intend on continuing the line. And even though the changes are not what I would want to see, there is still the MINI mystique and maybe, just maybe, the F-series will entice new people to become MINI enthusiasts.

 

Excellent points.

 

Well said. I ordered my '14 Roadster based, in part, on MINI's plans to replace the R59 with the new F59 sports car in 2016 or 2017. But I agree that many non-MINI owners may be intrigued with the new design and jump on board.

 

Guys I was also thinking maybe we just need to get used to the look. Sure the initial reaction is not all that pleasant but maybe in about a year or so, the new F56 will look somewhat "normal" to us.

 

I had a chance to get up and close yesterday at the show. Our little car has grown up in many respects. With the larger exterior size and 17" wheels the base Cooper has the appeal of current S.

The S front chin and schnoz are a bit much in person, probably more so than photos. The base Cooper front is more palatable. Rear is very nice, the larger tail lamps give the new car a distinct presence.

Big thing you notice when entering the car is the new door handle mechanism, it's a simple pull articulation. No levers to press, very easy. The door closure sound is high quality. Overall the car feels well built, high quality.

Interior was the deal breaker for me. Quality and design are fantastic, it's a very pleasing environment. The meters move up and down with the speedo/tach. Speaking of the tach, it's been marginalized to the sideline, very small vertical layout next to speedo. Should have been the other way around. The sifter feels great and seems to move with more precision. The seats now look and feel serious, they hug you and suck you in. For the canyon carvers it's a welcome change. But forget trying to reach for you wallet or cell phone while in the seat, your moves are restricted. On top of new seat and higher cowl, the seating position killed it for me. I'm 5'6 and it was difficult to reach the clutch pedal. I had to move uncomfortably close to steering wheel to full engage the clutch to the floor. How does this happen in a car called "Mini"? One thing I love about my '10 MCS is the ease of which to climb in and drive, very intimate and casual environment. I guess it's lost a little bit of its playfulness. Looking forward to first driving impressions. Sent from my iPad using NAMotoring

 

may not be relevant but...
think about it if the R53, R56, and F56 were made at the same time and presented to BMW boss to choose the replacement of the original Mini.
My bet is still the R53, its proportion from lights, dash, back & front, belt line and stance is so fluid. There was so much sensation when the R53 arrived.

 

Was thinking the new Clubbie would be the next in the garage when #2 goes to the teenager, but I'm not digging the 4 door look. Maybe a Paceman instead.

 

I guess that's what inspired the interior. They lost something in translation (as always!)




Also, is it just me or did the interior got even more complicated:

 

in my opinion, i saw/sat/peered over the car at at the auto show and im still perfectly fine with my '12 r56. i hate how big the tail lights are and how the white reverse lights are integrated into the tail lights. however the biggest thing i dont like is that the car on the outside is noticeably bigger (my gf who doesnt care at all about cars noticed this without me mentioning it) but on the inside it didnt feel any bigger at all, they put all the extra space to the boot which is nice, but as it is everything i need fits in the back, and the new minis boot still isnt big enough for a trip to costco.

im more excited for and plan to get the new wrx sti whenever that is released

 

That interior seems pretty overstimulating to me, but perhaps that is what they intended.

I think BMW has succeded in moving most MINI-owner/buyers along with them as they have sought to evolve the car. They have keyed in on certain aspects of the MINI and run with that while leaving other facets behind (basic smallness). I guess I'm fine with that inasmuch as it will no doubt sell more cars for them. However, for me it has been a deal-breaker, but I suspect I am in the minority.

 

Agreed. Also think that with the dark grille on the S, that black and grey cars will look very nice.

 

Perhaps the time will come when folks will simply have their own personal favorite MINI from among the many iterations. For me it will always be R50...bumper strips and all. I saw one pull up behind me the other day and it made me smile. What a charming MINI!!