So I was having my runflats swapped for DWSes and they offered me a free loaner at the dealership--I'd be a fool not to take it, right? I just figured I'd offer some thoughts on driving an R56 around for a day--an experience I have to say I mostly enjoyed!

I always wanted an R53, never considered getting an R56 even though I could have afforded a 2007, so I was all equipped to hate it. I also didn't expect to like the way it looks--but then the tech rolled around the corner in my loaner, and, well:



I admit I am a sucker for BRG but that's one handsome car. Love the wheels, the chrome bits, the double sunroof pop (...double sunroof: what does it mean?); even the stupid amber turn signal I loathed in 2007 looks OK.

And oh, the seats...I don't know whatever goofy MINI brand name they have, but these were perforated in stripes and much more comfortable than my own sport seat, with a little mound in the middle for my...coin purse, i guess. The leather was glove-soft, instead of my rather smooth, tough leather. Perhaps that's attributable to age. But these thrones were fantastic.

Plastics on the whole seemed of a higher quality; 2010 vs 2002.

As with the amber signals, another thing I couldn't stand about the R56 was the location of the radio controls and HVAC; I didn't know they facelifted the car in 2010. The radio screen in the speedo is still too small, but the volume **** is higher. I adapted pretty quickly and I could live with this stereo. I also happen to like three-flash turn signals.

It was raining in the morning so I had the lights on and could enjoy the ambient cabin lights, which are variable color: AWESOME.

Speaking of gimmicks, also didn't know you could fold up the mirrors. Adds weight, gets in the way of the driving experience, blah blah--whatevs, I loves me some toys.

Motor is nice enough; it was rainy and I didn't really have it long enough to appreciate it as much quicker than my car. But nice exhaust note. Gearbox was nice, clutch felt awfully light. Sorry this isn't more of an enthusiast review.


BUT


Stupid key is still stupid. Push in, push in more, push another button. Car fires up. Who asked for this?

MAN this turbo is laggy, and the steering is like a 70s cadillac--oh wait--forgot to push the sport button. It's nice to drive when it's in sport, but until there's a permanent toggle on/off, you're killing me, MINI.

Preferred my steering even with the sport button on.

Overall R53 feels more connected, raw/buttoned down, though that comes at the cost of a harsher ride and maraca-level rattles. I think the R56 is a more comfortable daily--and that's fine. They're correcting some of their wonky ergonomic choices and really tightened the exterior. There are a boatload of reasons to choose one over an R53.

But at the end of the day, driving home in my car, thinking about the R56's richer plastics, the nicer stereo, the increased power and efficiency, I punched it to 5000 and remembered my original dealbreaker: supercharger whine.



Never gets old.

 

The last sentence with picture included was the best

 

I just couldn't live without my Chrono gauges!

 

Awesome! Thank you for sharing

 

I went online and found that the leather was the $1500 "Punch Carbon Black Leather." Stuff is nice.

 

Hey, I think that Opera Singer is one of my ex girlfriends.......

Just kidding. Thanks for the comparison.

 

Pretty much sums up my experience with the R56 as well. It is a nice car and would choose one over just about any other new car...but at the end of the day I'll take my R52 and whine all the way home

 

I have not driven an R56 yet but I would expect to have to same experience. The one thing that I do not like is the "swoosh" sound on the turbos when you shift. It sounds like it's powered by a steam engine...

I'll stick with the beautiful whine.


P.S. all the pictures made this post that much more fun