Some more articles from the Spain test drive:

Autocar:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/FirstDrive_....asp?RT=222597

GoAuto:

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...257203001D9FE2

Wheels24:

http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/N...007456,00.html

...and a couple good general MINI articles (no actual driving impressions, but still interesting in themselves):

New Your Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/11/au...in&oref=slogin

The London Times:

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/art...389829,00.html

 

Thanks msh....they're really pouring in!

 

Thank you msh for the links... Much appreciated! Looks like all is well and good with the newest arrival in the MINI world. The R56 has a bright future, IMHO. Now if I can just find out what an Oxygen Blue MINI looks like...:impatient

 

I think they're just stringing up along, Sabre.......and it's working!!!

 

From The London Times online:


Mini has been hailed as the only truly classless car brand. There are plans for a larger “family car”, the Mini Clubman and even a 4x4, and Mini has extended its badge to a range of clothing and accessories, which aims to convey the same mischievous sense of fun and adventure it has managed to give to its cars.

“BMW has completely reinvented the Mini brand,” says Lucian James, president of Agenda Inc, a brand-strategy agency based in San Francisco and Paris. “They’ve retained the same spirit and energy of the original Mini while completely updating the car for the modern market. They’ve created a brand that people feel an emotional attachment to but without making it too cute and lessening its appeal to male drivers. And it helps that when you drive the car it reflects the same sort of fun, adventurous character. It has the roadholding of a Porsche; it’s enjoyable to be behind the wheel.”

 

So true, so true. Yet I can't help but wonder what the true agenda behind all this is. Very cloak and dagger wouldn't you say... Or maybe just clever marketing! Darn those gnomes in Munich that have made the decision to hide this most elusive color from us!

 

Winding Road has a MINI review in it's new issue. Generally positive. Mentions in the end that the engineers said the chassis is 4wd capable and have not ruled out a DSG-like transmission for the future.

http://www.windingroad.com/ - you must provide email to read or download