In the latest Automobile Mag, they wrapped up their 4 season test of the R56. They had some great things to say about it (as expected), but I think the last two paragraphs summarize why so many of us will hang on to our R53s for as long as we can:

"Assessing the Mini's attributes - delicious power, ample speed, impeccable dependability, and remarkable fuel efficiency - versus its long foibles list, which includes a rocky ride, nasty torque steer, and the despised instrument panel layout, the inescapable conclusion is that the newest Mini is less satisfying than its predecessor. 'Some of the charm is gone,' concluded production editor Jennifer Misaros. 'The previous edition was genuine, while this one just feels contrived.'

Hope springs eternal that the third generation Mini, surely under development, doesn't strive quite so hard to be cool.

- Don Sherman"

Skewered for it as I have been (here and other places), I have to agree with that assessment. Check out the article - Don includes a running comparison to the GTI, where the R56 compares favorably most of the time.

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Very "tasteful" (sorry just a bit hungry at the moment ) and subtle way of putting it!

 

I have to agree. I mean the engine in the R56 is worth looking at and I'm not going to say that I'm not jealous at times, but the R53 just exudes originality and fun. I just can't get over that stance on the R56.

 

The thing I remember most from my R56 test drives is how much more pull I felt in it compared to my car. That said, it wasn't enough to make me put down some dinero for it.

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+1

 

So, where's this guy been? We've all been saying this for ages.

 

haha, they've been driving it for a year and saving their comments, I suppose. One other interesting thing they mentioned is that they chose the CR/W combo because they thought it made the proportions look more like the first generation car than other colors do. Don't remember the exact wording.

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Amen!