I cant wait to see one of these in person but I think its growing on me already. The interior changes do look interesting so far!

 

Horrible? That's a bit harsh isn't it?

 

Overall, I'd say it's nice looking. I don't like the replacement of the S/C with a turbo and I'm very leery of a motor designed by Peugeot. However, I would have said the same thing about he current motor based on the fact it's Brazilian-made, co-developed by Chrysler and standard issue on Neons outside the US. However, it turned out to be a fantastic motor and very well respected in the auto world, so perhaps the new motor will be okay after all. I have an '06 so by the time I buy a new car, they'll be on the 3rd year of the MkII and we should have a clear idea how good or bad it is. If it's a proven winner, I'm down for a 2010 model.

 

At first I didn't really care for the new design, but now I'm lovin' it...especially the JCW!

 

I like the JCW also, for some reason I think it looks a lot better than the S, but I cant quite put my finger on it, maybe something about the proportions that even out or something

 

"Horrible"? "Ugly"??

You sir are in the ever-dwindling minority here. There are some features about the new car that don't appeal to me (like how the new side vents are situated), but positives FAR outweigh the negatives. I mean, I can tell those seats will be MUCH more comfortable than what my booty is currently sitting on. Tell you what: reserve judgement until your dealer has a demo later this year, go experience/drive it, and tell us whether you still think it's "horrible" and "ugly."

I, for one, think that BMW did very well, considering the constraints placed by the new pedestrian crash standards.

 

I think this pictures shows just how much bigger the new car is... I'm thinking this is an old cover?... doesn't seem to fit as well

 

Sequence,
I'm sure that opinions such as this will dwindle and quickly fade away as the R56 makes it's way into the general public. As always, there will be those who resist change preferring the status quo but in time even those folks come around and accept/embrace new things... I guess it's just human nature.
I've been keeping my eye on the development of the R56 and yes, I too find some things that are not to my liking, but OVERALL, I have to say that BMW/MINI did a good job with the car. I do love the R50/53 but I have to say that the R56 grows on me more and more every day. Now I'm just marking time waiting for the 2008 model (just to make sure that any bugs that may exist are taken care of) Mini. As you say, "Don't be an R56 hater... R56 wants to be your friend!"

It's a MINI world and we can all get along!

 

The average person will not be able to tell the difference.

 

one problem, Mini owners are "above" average

 

Looks like quite a bit more room in the back...not that I have had much problem with the one I have now.

 

MINI have said there's no more interior space - length/width at least; but maybe they've changed panels to give the illusion ?

 

we've seen this....





Here are some pics with the cover off.

TheCarLounge.net has them



Also, close-ups of the wheels



More of their MINI photos

• here
• and here

 

The more I see....the more I like.

**makes mental note to start saving the pennies**

 

Incidentally, did you see the Renault/Recaro seat on Car Lounge's pics. Oh, baby that's a sweet seat. I doubt we'd be able to wedge it into a MINI though.

 

OK, I like those new rims

 

Dang! I love the look of the new MINI's. I won't be trading my beloved in any time soon, but I do like the looks.

 

They do look good, but harder to clean than I like. Wonder what they weigh in at?

 

It's hard to tell from this angle, but are the headlight surrounds still chrome? They almost look black (which would be cool)

 

Knowing MINI... probably about FIFTY POUNDS

 

Looks like a fat guy who's shirt is too tight to fit over his belly

I must say that although I'm not sold on the center console instrument panel, I really like the tan and black interior, that may be enough to get me over the center console

 

Yes, they are chrome.

 

That's the spirit!! Lots of us are finding sneaky ways to overlook that.

 

Yes the headlights are still chrome

 

I am digging that new Yellow paintwork BIG TIME! Finally MINI has done yellow right!