I was just poking around the configurator building a vert.

Why can't the coups have the same dash as the 'verts? I realize it's the older style but I can't help but think its much better looking.

The center gauge is more fluid looking.

I love the chrono package as well as the nav. I think its because of the darker look but it looks much nicer then the coups'. I like the dual gauges in front of the driver too if you get the chrono package.

The JCW tuning kit is very nice.

The 90/10 agreement was funny. Its refreshing to deal with a company that makes me chuckle (in a good way).

 

Yep, the convertibles are still the first generation MINIs. They are being changed over to the R56 style in the next model year.

I agree. That's one of the main reasons I'm hoping for yet another big interior style change before it's time for me to replace one of my MINIs.

 

... as well as one reason (of many) I've considered buying a spare R52... dreamed last night that mine got destroyed...

 

Don't go by the configurator, in person I felt the R56 dash looked much nicer than R50/52/53, more to do with the quality of materials used than design, it may also be that the seats are so much nicer the overall interior just feels so much better IMHO. Personally, I have never been a fan of the R50/52/53 interior in person, I thought it was one of the weakest points in the car, and one of the main reasons I chose to go with an A3 when I first looked at getting a Mini. The current improvements in the R56 is why I choose one this time around.

 

If you like it that's great, but I think there are things to like about both. The big floppy dash pad and bulging dash can look odd in light of the 3-teired dash which has a sleek, horizontal look which is reminiscent of the classic Mini parcel shelf arrangement. Also, the manner in which the speedo cowling is let into the dash looks perfectly natural as a counterpoint to the horizontal dash lines. The downtubes were a great visual element but they did also restrict legroom which is now much more open. Don't get me started on the doors.

Now, I know you think I'm crazy for saying this...but my only point is that it's great to like both for a variety of reasons. You may have a preference, but there are flip-sides. I furthermore propose it is, and always will be, perfectly natural to have preferred features, even some from one model, some from another. It's that way w/ the classic Mini...I see no reason that, eight years since the car was launched, that it would not be that way w/ the MINI.

In a few years there will be myriads of happy motorers, gleefully driving their cabrios w/ latest interior design, and not thinking twice about it. Just have fun w/ the MINI you own and enjoy the features that make it unique. We'll do the same.

 

I had an R56 loaner and couldn't find anything in the interior that wasn't plastic. What materials are you talking about ?

Overall design ? Ah well... this is what makes the world interesting. We're all different.

 

Well the dash itself isn't actually plastic its rubber (not that thats really a difference), overall I feel the quality of plastic/rubber is far superior to that of the 1st gen. The majority material of any cars interior under $40k (probably every car, just using that price point as an example) is plastic in some variation. With that said there is a big difference between the plastic used in an Audi compared to the plastic in a Kia.

 

Okay... all I know is my 06 Cooper's interior feels much more upscale than the R56 interior of the loaner car I had for three days. Maybe it's all the chrome I have in my interior or the fact that the loaner had cloth seats. But I think it's more than that... the layout and feel of the dash and instruments just didn't appeal to me.

As I said... it's all a matter of personal taste. Motor On.

 

Like I said initally the seats make the biggest difference, but I was talking the leather and leatherette, the cloth on the R56 looks very cheap IMHO. And of course its a matter of taste, but I refer to this review to about sum it up on how I feel, note the comment on the surface material specifically:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/02/...rior-surfaces/

 

That guy likes the brushed alluminum and the oak dash material. I guess if that's your cup of tea...

 

There's also a HUGE difference what fruits you compare to one another... for example... my interior with body color dash & door trim looks VERY different than, say a 1st gen interior with the "metal patina" dash pieces...

 

Better hurry on your decision. MA told me that MINI is ceasing production of the R52 next month.

 

Yeah... not gonna happen...

 

Interesting that you think that. Most of the reviews of the new Mini say that while the dash is much nicer looking, it's not as functional as the older model.

My dealer has a convertible and a hardtop sitting in the showroom right next to eachother, and I was comparing when I was there on thursday. The new one just seems to have a more modern look while the old one is a more retro look. I think the conclusion I've come to is that if you spend the money to dress up the interior on the new one (lounge leather, chrome, etc.), then it will look nicer than the old one. But if you go with the base build, then the older one looks nicer.

 

If you're around a lot of classic Minis this seems less the case, imo.

 

Most of the reviews I have read praised the new MINI overall with the exception of the dash area. Most didn't have much good to say about it.

 

In general, I'm a NON-fan of ANY dash with "integrated" audio, etc. Much prefer standard-size modular headunits, etc. At least with my R52 dash I can easily upgrade the stereo if desired...