One of the biggest reasons I waited for the R56 - perhaps the biggest - was the increase in MPG. I'm very concerned with climate change issues, am certain I'm not alone in that, and have spent considerable effort contemplating what I can do to decrease my impact. I was always a little surprised the older Mini's had as low MPG as they did, considering their engine size. This was a huge selling point for me in waiting for the new model (a near 20% increase!). Yet, in post-launch user reviews I rarely see this commented on, nor mentioned as a reason anyone preferred the R56 over earlier models.

Was this important to you in deciding to purchase an R56?

 

Definitely....one of the primary reasons I initially became interested in the MINI.

 

Yes, I'm hoping the MCS gets around twice the MPG of what my 535 BMW got and is a bit faster on the straights and corners. Ride may even come close based on my test drive.

 

Yes mpg and enviromental issues was a decisive factor for me in choosing the R56, I am looking ahead because gas prices will increase.

 

It was not a decision factor- it was just a greatly appreciated feature

 

Absolutely! It's very key in justifying, in my own mind, the purchase of this car. After all, I currently own a Prius with mileage now around the high 30s and low 40s. That's not all that different from the Mini Cooper, but the R56 is one heck of a lot more fun to drive. After all, we buy the cars we want then we justify the purchase with logic. Well, that's my logic; it allows me to truly enjoy the driving experience without having to feel guilty about this move away from the hybrid.

 

If I wanted gas mileage, I would get a 1990 Geo Metro: 46 city MPG/50 highway MPG. While I appreciate the better gas mileage of the R56, it is not a deciding factor or else I would keep my 2000 Saturn SL1 that already gets 40 MPG highway. :P

 

Climate was an issue for me and the estimated EPA looks like I will be happy with my choice.
I wish the deisel was a possibility here especially with bio deisel is being pushed by our (US) ineffective government. But all envirnmental talk currently is just talking points -- it is not a serious priority for the powers that be. Gas mileage numbers have remained the same or gotten worse on average over the last 15-20 years in the US. There is no excuse for this.

 

yup - it had to do better than our other, larger, car

 

hopefully the R56's EPA MPG estimates are more accurate then the r53's, my average is around 22 mpg on my 05 MCS.

 

Yes!

I can rationalize away $50 of my car payment away each month based on the savings.

 

YUp, mpg and emissions. Here you pay road tax on emissions so the mini saves some money and with petrol at the equivalent of $9 per imperial gallon, fuel is a major cost.

 

YES ABSOLUTLY!!! I am coming off a very nice VW Jetta 2.0 but the gas mileage was a combined 23-25mpg I wanted a car that got me 50% better mileage than my previous car I lookes around and I decided I had 4 options, an econo box, a prius, a bicycle, or a MINI. Now the econo boxes, ie the yaris, fit, aveo, kia whatever, are probably great for some people, but I am fortunate enough that i did not have to consider ONLY economy in my purchase, I wanted to move UP a notch from the Jetta, I tested a nice 325 4 door sedan, and an A4,even a great R53, but they offer no gas savings at all. MINI corners the market on an upscale small car. So when I saw the projected gas savings of the R56 I was hooked. I am a firm beleiver that we are entering a period of steadily increasing oil prices and I use the most oil driving so this has become a huge consideration. Style and gas miserliness that's what I saw in the mini.

 

You all need to go hug a tree.

 

Yes , but in the next 10 years we all may have to hug them very tightly to survive.

 

That's nice.
THANKS FOR CONTRIBUTING CHRISW. I think I will go hug a tree.

 

Yes, fuel economy is why I drive a Cooper and why I'm looking forward to an R56 Cooper (and why I still have a world of respect for my '91 Geo Metro and it's little three-banger). Fact is I wish R56 did even better.

Let's not forget efficiency and economy is a big a part of Mini heritage as are Monte Carlo victories. MINI enthusiasm around these qualities is a very good thing...I'd expect no less from such a diverse MINI-community.

 

I am looking forward to the greater fuel economy. I put on a lot of miles a day for work and got approx. 25 MPG with my 05 MCS. I am looking forward to 29 MPG in my 07 MCS.

Fuel Type
Premium

MPG (city)
29

MPG (highway)
36

MPG (combined)
32

Fuel Economics

Cost to Drive 25 Miles
$1.91

Fuel to Drive 25 Miles
0.78 gal

Cost of a Fill-up
$28.99

Miles on a Tank
380 miles

Tank Size
13.2 gal

Annual Fuel Cost
$1146

 

I hope you're kidding...because this is the type of mentality that got us into the position we're in right now in regards to our entire economy dependant upon the oil tit in the Middle East.

 

Yeah, let's go with that assumption.

I read in another thread (I'll try to find it) how thinner OEM tires are no good for traction needed for autocross but, being thinner (whatever that is) they may be worth an extra 2-3 mpg. I'm all for that...it's always steered me away from performance tires.

 

No offense to you all - but it would be appreciated if personal political opinions could be kept to yourself - all it tends to do is rile people up unnecessarily. Not very MINI-like.

 

In all due respect... put it in a PM. Not very MINI like in return.

 

No, i'm not. I'm find if you want a car that gets better MPG to save yourself some money but as soon as you bring up "I want to save the earth". It just makes me sick thats all.


Plus if the Government wouldn't take money from the oil companys and let the fuel cell come to life we could help ourselves out as well.

 

Now that I will agree with... I find it very ironic we subsidize big oil, the big three, and the large domesitc airlines when all it does is put us deeper into the proverbial cess pool that is foreign oil.

The technology is there, but is being suppressed for whatever reason.


But I digress.... the efficiency turned me on to a MINI... the fun sold me. You can drive a Saturn for the efficiency anyday....but you can't motor in a Saturn

 

ChrisW,
Why have you inserted yourself into this discussion by saying "you all need to go hug a tree"
There were people that were enjoying this thread then you changed the whole thing.
You posted knowing you were going to aggrivate people who were following this thread --

Why? What did you gain from this?
Do you enjoy TROLLING?