I didn't hate the new interior at first, but I have to agree wholeheartedly...I, too, do prefer it now. The three-tiered dash is awesome, the doors are fantastic, the bigger speedo is super, especially how it now fits into the dash.

Lots of little things, too. Better controls for the steering column, better placed seat releases, better seats....lots of things. As for the center stack...I'm totally good with it now, too.

I liked the overall interior visually from the start, but the more time I spent pouring over all the pics (as well as various interior details) I started to understand it more...in relation to classic Mini design cues, in relation to improved function, and in relation to many of the things that folks have always mentioned as "potential improvements." Once I "got it" any of my niggling concerned simply evaporated.

Same thing for the technical package...I don't even need a test drive. I've heard all I needed to hear from all the right people. Sign me up for another Cooper!!!

 

I agree, and I only hope the new interior is put together better than the old one, with higher quality materials.

 

The speedo is too large, the integrated stereo, hell the whole center stack, is a lot worse. And my expectations for a "higher quality" interior are pretty low, considering one of the largest reasons for the redesign was to cut production costs.

It's a pretty subjective term in any case, so the people who want to see higher quality will prolly see it anyways.

 

I am warming up to it

 

Fisher-Price accurately describes the AC controls. Also, the temperature gauge has disappeared (guess the new speedo wasn't BIG enough for it). I don't see any hint of a chrono pack option to correct the absence of gauges in the new dash.

 

I miss seeing a temperature gauge - to me, that should definitely stay.

I was in a Scion today, which has a blue temperature gauge icon that lights up while the engine is still "warming up". I guess maybe it lights red if it begins overheating? I prefer the original analog T-gauge, but then I prefer to know the engine temperature is.

Greg

 

Hi NAM. This is my first post in this forum so please bear with me.
Decided to post here rather then 1st gear since my question deals with the upcoming cooper. Is there any
links to pictures of the interior (other then the motoringfile article).
I am specifically interested in specs on the seats and the colorline option.

I am looking to go a little more upscale then my current Scion Tc and
the Mini is on the list. Its looks like there is going to be a lead time to
get this car (The Tc was silly, I had to wait 6 weeks to get my car and
I got lucky getting that soon) and I would like to get more info before
getting in line. And for those who care, other cars being considered
is WRX STI luxury and new VW r32.

TIA
Tim Plessing
Columbia, MD

1990 celica turbo alltrac - blue/blue cloth - 152K - Under restoration
1993 MR2 turbo - blue/black leather - 57K
2005 Scion Tc - 5 spd, SAB

 

Here's the best looking interior shot I've seen so far.
But the center stack is sort of hidden so maybe that's why.

 

Thanks,
Hopefully they will offer more guages. I know I liked the chrono pack in
the previous generation and I think additional guages were a dealer installed
option ? Hopefully they offer this again. Cooper is in the lead, like the
interior and am impressed with the weight reduction, sounds like the car
is at 2500 lbs.

Tim Plessing
Columbia, MD

1990 celica turbo alltrac - blue/blue cloth - 152K - Under restoration
1993 MR2 turbo - blue/black leather - 57K
2005 Scion Tc - 5 spd, SAB

 

Love the new interior, hate the radio in the speedo. I have never even used my CD player & would gladly live without it for a normal speedometer. But yeah the interior looks great, it's the exterior that doesn't look so good.

 

What's the deal with the little bulge on the edge of the seat?

 

some sports seats have these, it's to rest or seperate your inner thighs I guess??

 

Okay, here's another queston...interior, base of a-pillar....there's a round bit contoured in to the a-pillar molding. Part of the speaker system? That's all I can figure, but folks have been wanting to mount gauges there f-o-r-e-v-e-r.

 

I noticed on the dealer option sheet there is no Chrono Pak available for R56. I hope that by 2008-09 they offer something, like say an additional pod next to the tach that would have all that essential information. Lack of the two basic analog gauges, fuel and temp, is one strike against this new design. Liveable, but barely.

GKR, I imagine the small a-pillar contour is for the audio system's tweeter?

 

GKR: "interior, base of a-pillar....there's a round bit contoured in to the a-pillar molding"

Are you refering to the small round vent over the larger air vent? That's merely an air vent that allows air out towards the side windows -- to unfog the glass out to the rearviews.

 

That's the new "Parcel Shelf"

 

Here's a VIDEO of the interior for your enjoyment:
http://media.autobild.de/video/8/1fc...51011008-1.wmv

 

i just noticed there are a gazillion circle shaped things in the new interior

 

I don't mind the interior look although I prefer my 2006 Mini. My major concern, since I plan on getting a 2009 or 2010, is the radio inegrated in the speedo. I had a friend who had a Taurus and they did the same integrated radio thing in that car. Guess what happened when the radio broke? He had to replace the entire unit. $$$$$$$

 

Can anybody tell me the color of these seats? I can't find a match on miniusa...
Thanks!

 

It's Gravity Tuscan Beige Leather w/ Creme White color line. It looks totally different on the configurator.

 

Wow, that Cream White color line does NOT look right with the Tuscan Beige interior! Waaay to close to the color... and the worst part is that the other color line options look worse!

They should really offer matching colored Color Line parts for this seating option, or at least offer the dark grey for pete's sake!

RM2k5

 

I agree... for someone who isn't going to get red, yellow or blue, it seems kind of odd to be forced to have white.

 

yea this is the reason why im not getting tuscan beige leather

 

Wholeheartedly Agree; Must buy MCSC before they butcher it up...don't like the new speedo with/cd built in, nor do I like the console under the speedo...raised hoodline is also off-putting...

Memo to Europeans - to avoid injury, do not step into motorway without looking both ways, three times, then proceed. We figure this out in hte States, when, by the age of four?

Do like the keyless ignition, and new lighting...as well as better fuel economy...but the wrapper, no thanks.