Given the trend of low gas price and increased large vehicle sales will MINI cooper have any chance of a refresh or redesign soon?

 

The current Mini S is too large, as far as I am concerned. I own an R53 and it's just right.

The R56 was large enough for the Mini Cooper S in keeping with its name.

Going back to it's previous size is where it should be heading, not larger.

 

If Porsche can get 150 hp/liter from their 4 cylinders then it would appear logical that Mini should not need to get larger to accommodate a larger engine. The name says it all, I want a MINI not a MAXI.

 

I agree with both of you, just wondering if anyone has heard any news about a redesign. My comments were just expressing my thought that there is less likelihood of redesign given the trend of larger vehicle size but maybe it goes in cycles or something. Im not really sure how much MINI sells in the USA vs Overseas and if the overseas is more perhaps the local trend of cheap gas and large vehicles does not matter? Post was more to see if anyone else here heard anything new.

 

MotoringFile - 2018 MINI LCI

 

Thank you, exactly what I was looking for

 

I should have said more powerful engine not larger

 

Sounds like a good refresh but the tail lights are still a tad too big.

 

+1

 

"The MINI has more SUV proportions" That turned me off right there! I agree, MINI needs to get smaller.
https://www.facebook.com/MINI.canada/videos/

 

How many small cars remained small and survived? Beyond two seaters I can't think of many. I recall the first time I rode in a Honda, I could barely get in the car, look at them now, bigger and ubiquitous.

Small MINIs are great but won't sell enough to be viable. Sorry.

 

I think they should sell at least one small model, like the Rocketman prototype.

 

Agree!

 

Hmmm, to me it feels like they just redid the styling. I actually liked the fact that the retro styling of the Cooper never really required an update. Most of the time non-car people assume our R56 is 1-3 years old, not 10. You can't update a car every 3 years and still expect it to be "timeless".

I'm just grumpy that Mini feels more and more like BMW every day, don't mind me. =P

 

A refresh of the F56 is good idea. The car needs to return to the R56's crisp handling and more eccentric character.

 

If the 2018s are a new gen, what effect do you guys think that will have in terms of reliability?

I was planning on getting my first mini within the next year, and maybe getting the 2018s right when they come out. However, I keep hearing about how each new generation of Mini has its reliability issues - often with electronics, engines, and other high-maintenance stuff. If reliability is a priority/ issue with this brand, should I not get a new-gen 2018? Some have said it is better to wait for a second iteration from each new generation. Or I could just get a 2017 for slightly less.

 

The 2018 models will NOT be a new Generation.

 

The "2018 Facelift" is really, really ugly.


After the R50/R53, the Mini really lost its way.

 

are there actual leaks of the f56 facelift?

 

I don't think so. I think the reference is to this article: http://www.motoringfile.com/2017/01/...-lci-revealed/

That just has a couple of pics of a 2013 concept car, which the writer is assuming will give us some clues into what a 2018 refresh might look like.