Just thought I'd type up comparos between my 2009 Clubman S and a 2012 HB "justa" I have on loaner through the weekend.

I like the new wheel feel, the material around the wheel is softer. Maybe it isn't leather(ette?) like in mine? not sure, but I like the softness

Quieter! Helps that it is on 15"s while I am on 17"s in the summer... also newer runflats I'm sure (or perhaps they aren't even runflats, hmm)

Some materials are softer in some very subtle areas. If you run your fingers below the door arm-rest things, like where the parts of the plastic got fused together... in mine, it's quite frankly sharp. In this new car, it's soft and clearly it has been sanded-soft. I guess I could do that too.

I do like the darker colors in use around the dashboard, but....
1) I honestly think they made a mistake going from the two ***** vertically aligned, to two ***** side-by-side. Really. Previously from the buttons area (radio chooser etc) you always had one simple rule: "use the closest ****". Now you can actually find yourself wondering which one to use, say you just hit the 1 button, now you must /skip/ a **** to get to the 'chooser' ****. Really, sounds petty but this kind of stuff I think prevents muscle-memory... in the old one, the far away **** does always the same and is never in contention with another: volume and power.
2) I don't like that the ***** got smaller. I like the feel of the 09s, although I do see the softer materials do add a bit of luxury.
3) radio channel changes fade in-out. Not a fan (might be due to HD radio which oh boy do I wish I had...)

Justa's have a lot of pep! Still wouldn't ever get one, but I'm having a blast in this one (manual)

Boy is it tough to get a smooth 1-2 shift ;-) [I never drive manuals on a daily basis so might be me]

I like the carpet mats that have the reflector-lining. I might just get that for summer (I use the tough-rubber ones to keep interior squeeky clean)

Boy is the boot small! (Yeah, that's why I have a Clubman)

Keyless ignition... I thought I'd like it more; it is VERY cool to keep keys in pocket, but having to push that little button on the door handles, I feel like I have to push it in harder than I pull the door opening part; and how the radio stays on when I'm exiting the car (and not turning off until I lock the car...)... I find myself somewhat wanting my key back again, where the key removal signaled a clear "turn stuff off" action. I guess if someday we can get voice control "all off", or "engine off, leave radio on" ...

chrome line interior, never liked it, it looks like it is a bit darker colored on this one and I like the one on the steering wheel, but at night the one around the speedo reflects stuff in a not-so-awesome way

car has auto-dimming rear-view-mirror, wish mine had it! makes my car feel like a cheap nissan (on my list of to-spend-on-my-car is to have it swapped out) when I'm turning the stupid ****

no sunroof, boo. might contribute to less noise. I love the clubman moonroof.

headliner is yucky standard beige, thank MINI for offering anthracite; would never go back.

leather/cloth seats... yes more comfy but I'd never pay $1000 for them. Advice to buyers, just stick with leatherette, or get all leather options. cloth/leather is for very specific needs (those that really really want cushy-bumbum)

'tis all for now.

edit: ah yes, really love all the color choices. Wish one could retrofit that somehow... if you 2012 (2011?)ers don't know, you can flick the light-color switch in both directions, one to choose color, the other to choose intensity

 

If the radio is on, then you didn't turn everything off, you just "turned the key back to accessory". Hold the button down for a second or so and everything will turn off. It took me a little while to figure that out on my M3 as well.

I agree the leather option is over priced but I wanted lumbar support, so... lol

 

The 15" tires are not runflats.

 

HD radio=meh

I leave it off most of the time. If the signal is good enough to get digital the analog is usually pretty clean. Any less and it changes back and forth (annoying).

Better sq on AM is nice though.