Unabashed Sarcasm On...

Gee, since the R56 is so ugly and hideous, you'd expect it to just leap right out at you.

 

Nice comparison!

 

One of the principal reasons for the redesign of the MINI (R56) was for the European pedestrian bumper height requirements. Does anyone have the measurements of the new and old versions' bumpers from ground level? Maybe the MINIUSA photo-shop ain't too far off.

 

I dont like the new look of the 2007

 

I do

 

Very true. So they had to make the front end higher and possible more upright...as a designer, whatcha gonna do now? Right....carry the new line back and raise the beltline slightly. Makes perfect sense to me...there was no other way, really. If the change is required and will help increase survivability rates for people, I'm all for it.

Add to this the fact that many of the journalists poking around R56 can barely tell the differences visually and occasionally even need to have them them pointed out!!! I can understand legitimate preferences...no problem...I have my preferences, too. But to say one doesn't like R56 in general...well, one might as well say they don't like R50/53 either. They are very similar, exterior-appearance-wise.

That said, the new grill is really fantastic and, imo, qualifies as an improvement, especially considering the R50 Cooper and the R56 Cooper. The cleaner look is quite welcome.

 

You know gokart, I'm afraid this debate on the aesthetic qualities of the R56 will continue on and on! It's too bad that some people don't have open minds on the subject. I get the impression that they believe that BMW/MINI initiated the changes just for the sake of change rather than being compelled to do so due to safety legislation. Yes those evil teutonic gnomes in Munich put their brain trust together and decided to alter the R53 just because they can!

IMHO, I think that BMW/MINI did a good job with the R56 and remained faithful to the MINI look. As an interesting sidenote, I wonder how many of this forum's members could truly differentiate between an R56 and an R550/53 at first glance or if they spotted one on the road?

Time will vindicate the R56 and it will become just as loved as it's predecessors are. The majority of people are basing their opinions without even seeing the car in person! As is the nature of the human condition, most people prefer the status quo but in time accept change. Therefore, let Father Time spin the hands of the clock. I'll bet that 12 months after the incorporation of the R56 into the motoring public, the majority of the naysayers will have changed their minds (especially after driving an R56 and experiencing the increased hp, etc.)

It's a MINI world friends, and there is room for all things MINI!
Just my $.02!

 

Remember, COOPER spelled backwards is "REPOO C". Think about it. Seems to be the opinion of the haters out there.

 

I'm afraid you are mistaken there. Your comments reminded me of the first time I saw a Pontiac Aztec. I said to myself "Oh my Allah, a car so ugly even Chevy Chase would look out of place driving it". A year later, --years later-- and that assesment has not changed one iota.

 

The Aztek....I can barely believe it's name has even been mentioned...was born ugly, and so has naturally remained so. R56 is an updated MINI....about as far from a dog as one can get. If you've been following the aesthetic comparisons, it must be clear that R56 and R50/53 are extremely similar exteriorly no matter how you look at it. For one to say it's "ugly" is becoming almost a joke. One may not prefer the changes....fine, I like my R50, too....but those who have seen R56 in person seem overwhelmingly pleased, stylistically speaking.

 

And not only are they both R53s, but the details don't line up, either!

 

Yes, very convincing argument, but you're not going to change the minds of people who just don't like the looks of the new car. They (we) have opinions, just as you do. Or maybe you have some special sooper-dooper-cooper mind-changing ray gun?

 

I do but I'm all out of ammo...used it all up when the MCS got an automatic.

 

You know, you're right. It's not all about a rational argument....there is a basic attraction that just may not be there. Not one much one can do about that. There are features about R53 that I initially did not care for...and I still don't!!! It's very likely at this point that I never will.

I'm certain there will be a thing or two I'm not wild about w/ R56, too...but I will most likely look past those as I do w/ my R50.

 

And while we're at it, gkr, maybe you can fill me in. What makes an R50 different from an R53? All I can see is bumper trim. Does the tranny change have anything to do with it?

 

Technically speaking, R53 is the coupe-style MCS...all of them. All Cooper coupes are R50s. That seems weird since Coopers did get a face lift, as you say...the bumpers are different as is the gearbox and a few other things. I guess they felt the change was not major enough to require a whole new model number. So, in relation to the gearbox, some R50s (Coopers) had the Midlands box...some R50s had Getrag. There is also a model number change for the all the cabrios...they are R52...and there is no R51. The model numbers are explained best on MotoringFile here.

 

R50=MC
R53=MCS

 

well obviously ur signature proves it