So how does everyone like the look now that the 2007 MINIs have been shown unmasked?

I really like the exterior but I need to see the inside in person.


edit:
seems a couple threads got combined so now this post looks rather silly in this thread.

 

The front reminds me the bugeye WRX because of the orange turn signals and the huge foglamps. IMO, it's ugly and stupid looking... Very disappointed.
I like the rear bumper of S if the grill doesn't have the chrome surrounding.

 

The dash has definitely grown on me. Any idea what the chrome oval shape is on the dash? Its always located under the inner air vent opposite the steering wheel.

I also like that the steerring wheel will have a reach adjustment in addition to tilt.

 

^^ finally a reach adjustment...

 

As the saying goes: "The only thing that's consistent, is change!" Overall, I think MINI has done a excellent job on the next generation. Change is good. Change is necessary in order to grow and improve. No industry is more driven by change than the automotive industry... it's the lifeblood of the cars we come to love and cherish throughout our lives... and, as a 60-year old MINI owner, I've had a passion for cars for at least 50 of those years! Ultimately, the vast majority of us will come to not only accept, but love the new MINI.
My only criticism is the new center console. It's simply erratic and patchwork in appearance... it looks like a study in, "Oh, there a bit of empty space, let's put another button or logo-shaped gizmo in there... oops, there's another empty space. let's add another gadget there", etc.
However, even the center console won't keep me from buying a new MINI in a few years.
MINI is magical... regardless of a few odd buttons and design disagreements!

 

I couldn't of said it better myself, well done Terry ...now going back to ranting about this new MINI...i'm not sure what i saw but in one of the many pictures i noticed a slight change to the "lever for the bonnet" (if thats how you say it)...they seemed to have put it on the WRONG SIDE!...am i seeing right? Is it in the drivers side?



Giancarlo

 

I believe you're looking at the way to open the glove compartment.

-W-

 

(danged double reply edited out)

But I'll use the space -- the dash has me worried there's less knee room. Any word from anyone if there will be showroom models? I'd hate to order one and when I got it find out that my knees rub the dash.

-W-

 

LA Auto Show which is in November will be the first public unveiling in North America... so if you're around then you can come poke at it and sit in it and what not...

Otherwise if you are in Europe the world debut is at the Paris Auto Show next month... I think it's September 30 but don't quote me on that...

-e

 

Where did you get your information, I would love to go and do a little hands on and seat time before I make my final option choices.

 

November? That is way to long. They need to get one over here now. They can store it in my garage.

 

I am one of three digital sculptors at the BMW/MINI/RollsRoyce design studio here in L.A....
Good enough source for ya?

-e

 

Very nice.

And it's been on MotoringFile for quite a while too.

 

excellent

 

and you just bought an 06 MCS

 

 

 

... this one looks kinda cool actually

 

kinda cool? are you kidding? sign me up!

 

That blue photoshoped car could be made into a real 4 door version on the MINI. Are you listening Eric B? By the way, nice source. Also nice collection of cars. You just need an Old Mini truck. By the way, any chances that MINI will ever make one, a truck as the old days? Thanks.

Bomboasy

 

On the subject of the dash design....I think a big mistake is made having the vents right at 2 and a bit off of 10 o'clock. Not good to have the air always on the hands when it is a common style of gripping the wheel. Better to have the vents off to sides or above and blowing on the body or into the compartment to alter the environment without direct contact.

 

I just don't care for the new profile....I felt the same way when I saw them (slightly disguised) on the Freeway a few weeks ago.
And for a non MINI enthusiast sample, my girlfriend can't even tell the difference...."is this the new one" asking me while pointing at the current model...
I guess it's mission accomplished for BMW/MINI.

 

i imagine myself sitting in front of this, and i swear, it makes me the happiest girl on earth!

 

I wonder if the "fake" scoop on the MCS could be pressed into service for some CAI options?

I love the new dash, too, devlynaskurt!! Even the controversial center stack may present (because it's panel is flat) some interesting options for wood or other treatments. Something to think about.

 

Great observation, I'm thinking a brushed aluminum, or maybe an oiled bronze with the wood dash panels.