Sections: R56 (Coupe) | Video Aug 25th, 2006 DIY Friday is officially on hiatus so we’re continuing with the MINI Video Friday theme. We’ve finally gotten around to digging through all of MINI videos on the new car and found a few that might help you get to know the R56 a bit better. Even if you caught the video we posted a few weeks back, you won’t want to miss these. First up, the (in no way a “base car”) Cooper:
And now for the black grille fans out there, here’s the 2007 MCS:
Nice videos! I really like the new interior.
This is the first time I have really noticed the new Coopers sloping front nose. I am starting to really appreciate the subtle differences between the exterior of the old and new cars. Overall it is clear that the new car is a superior product (and I love it), however, I still have a feeling that the old car was slightly better looking. Perhaps it is just me because I am used to the old car?
I like it and I want one….have to wait for an ‘08 though.
Don’t get me wrong, I do love my ‘03 Cooper to pieces, too. There are differences, but honestly, they are subtle. There are things I really like and prefer about my ‘03 Cooper, but there’s also things I really like and prefer about the ‘07 Cooper. So I’m definitely in!!!
Thanks for the MINI-porn….keep it coming!!! I’m droolin’ here!!!
My first impression between the two models is that the Mini Cooper seems to handle the road more smoothly. It may just be that the Mini CooperS was driven at a much faster rate of speed. The Mini CooperS seemed to be bouncier and the driver almost lost control on one of the curves. This concerns me because with all that power for such a small car it could cause a problem..Right now I drive a Volvo S40 Turbo and have enjoyed the extra power it displays but I am a little scared that the turbo on the Mini Cooper may be too much. Do you have any idea which Cooper model would be the closest in comparison to the Volvo in driving experience. Also do you have any videos of the two models driving at the same rate of speed on the same highway? This would really show the difference between the two. Thank you.
WOW! Nice! At first I wasn’t too wild about the new interior gauge layout, but now thanks to these videos, I really like the way the MINI logo is incorporated into their design. Thank you Gabe!
Hmmm, the more I watch it the more I like the MC over the MCS. But I’ll wait for IRL to make up my mind. Also what is ‘FUNT’? Hmmmmm. Secret code?
So when can us Americans get some darn pricin’ infurmation???? Or a configurator on miniusa.com!!! I know we’re getting the car a couple of months later, but there is no need to deprive us until december.
It is pure LOVE… MINI LOVE… Looks like my MINI’s getting a younger sister!
I HATE ALL THE 07’s I HATE THE FRONT, THE HEADLIGHTS, I HATE THE TAILLIGHTS, I HATE THE NEW LITTLE SIDE THING, I DO like the interior except the center console, iam PISSED off, so far the 06’s are the BEST. iam going to buy an 06 not an 07 and not just because of price, i think MINI made a huge mistake they should have stuck to the original style, or they should have come talked to me before they designed this stupid ugly car. now you may be asking yourselves who the hell does this guy think he is, well ill tell ya iam a car enthusist and i hate the new CAR #$Y&#(Q@^#&!@%&*($&#!
Having seen the photos of the center stack before, and now seeing them with video and audio … is kind of like seeing a picture of Roseanne Barr and then watching a video of Roseanne Barr sing the National Anthem. My overall appreciation of the subject has dropped even further and I question the people who OK’d it. Ack!
I’m warming up to the 2007. The C pillar, center console & squashed front are pretty much the only remaining things that annoy me. To be fair, none (or almost none) of us have seen the car in person, maybe some of the ugly bits look better in real life.
I have no ‘real’ issues with this new vehicle… I’m actually quite excited by the changes… except one.
Seriously… the stereo head unit… something about “NEVER” being able to change it out/upgrade it? Hasn’t MINI noticed that technology is changing so da#n fast? All it takes is one great idea and it will become obsolete… and you’re stuck with it… F-O-R-E-V-E-R.
Gabe wins for snappiest comment (decaf).
So here’s MY question. What the &%^&# are the round ball things on the door that have a little rotary knob/switch? Is it the door lock? Is it a tweeter level control? Is it (God forbid) a window switch??? Please, for the love of Pete, will somebody tell me!!!
So here’s MY question. What the &%^&# are the round ball things on the door that have a little rotary knob/switch? Is it the door lock? Is it a tweeter level control? Is it (God forbid) a window switch??? Please, for the love of Pete, will somebody tell me!!!
The mirror controls are now on the driver side door as they are in BMWs
I would have to believe it would be a difficult task for MINI to develop a new model with the intentions of improving on such winning formula.
And by the initial looks of things…….they may have not gotten it completely right!
As I washed my ‘05 MCS last night, I stood back and admired this wonderful car that I have owned for a little over a year now. In fact, it has to be the coolest, best looking and best performing car I have ever owned.
It was the unique design, attitude and value that intrigued all of us MINI enthusiasts to become owners. But now I think some of us feel a little discouraged with the direction of the new MINI…….there are many positive attributes about the first generation that are now being lost by a more homogenous design philosophy.
We all loved the “Jewel Like Quality” mentioned by so many magazines, the proportions of the first generation were brilliant and there was NO hesitation about whether you liked the car or not. Automobile magazine called the current MINI “A Exotic In Disguise”……big shoes to follow in!
So far, I can’t get excited about the less aggressive look, new front end, the new back end (the current rear valance looks like the more refined version IMHO), c pillar (wrap around glass was a far cooler design que…….thanks BMW accountants)!, rear wing, bigger wheel arches, mock hood scoop, over-sized rear lights, center stack (who said, “I’ll sign off on that design”)?, no more dual cluster (for nav. or analog option), engine compartment, etc. Yes, there needs to be some upgrades, but it appears the sum of all the parts were not well considered.
Many of the improvements and upgrades sound very positive, better performance, more power, better fuel economy, I’d assume safety, more technology, and better integration. I myself would like to know where the tweeters for the stereo are located and are they saving the cup holders as a big surprise?
Overall, the car is interesting, I myself am excited about many of the new features. But I don’t have that feeling like “I Just Have To Have One” like I did with the first generation car. But I will be fair to this next generation of a car that I love and reserve final judgment on a personal look, feel, touch and drive.
Is it just me, or do the ’07s seem higher off the ground than the ’06s? That combined with the lower windows makes the middle area (like the doors) seem very large.
In the clip showing the driver I couldn’t help but notice all that sun shinning in. Did MINI fix the Sunroof shades?, or does the 07s have the same lame sunroof shades as the 1G MINIS? I really don’t want to get sunburnt while drivng the twistys…
I like everything bu thte center stack.
I do wish that in the motion videos there wasn’t so much rubber meeting the road noise - I could barely hear the exhaust! At least what little bit I heard on the S video makes me think perhaps the sound clip we heard before is accurate.
My first impression between the two models is that the Mini Cooper seems to handle the road more smoothly. It may just be that the Mini CooperS was driven at a much faster rate of speed. The Mini CooperS seemed to be bouncier and the driver almost lost control on one of the curves. This concerns me because with all that power for such a small car it could cause a problem
I think what you were refering to was near the beginning of the video where the drive got a little close to a rock wall. That was driver error, or driver skill, depending how you look at it. It had nothing to do with the firmer ride of the MINI Cooper S suspension.
The driver was using all of the road to take the corner which is what a preformance driver would do to achieve the best time thru any given corner.
If you watch closely to that clip you will see that the road is smooth entering, thru, and exiting the corner. So what you saw had nothing to do with any interaction between the suspension and directional stability.
Comparing any MINI to a Volvo S40 would be difficult at best in that they are so different. The MINI Cooper or MINI Cooper S both have significantly firmer suspension than even the most sporting Volvo. Since the wheelbase is much shorter the ride tends to be a little more “choppy” as the wheels hit the bumps in closer succession than a longer wheelbase vehicle. The ratio of the rack and pinion steering is faster so that the front wheels turn more with less input making the car turn into a corner more quickly. The short overhangs and short wheelbase help with mass centralization and reduction of polar moment which also allows the MINI to change direction more easily. Swicthing from the S40 to either MINI would be like stepping into a different world. The world of the driving enthusiast.
IMHO
So I couldn’t have been the ONLY one who noticed this but in the “2007 MINI Cooper Interior” video….the COOPER (non-S) is shown with a 6 speed transmission??!?! When was I going to be notified of this change??!?! Whoa this is a pretty BIG deal!!!!!
I think these videos are “the line”..specifically, me crossing it; I didn’t like the changes in the spy pics. The official pics were better, but now I think I want one! I doubt I would be able to afford it, unless I downgrade from my JCW S to an MC.
I don’t like that MCS grill, I wonder if you will be optionally able to select a chrome slatted grill for the S.
When was I going to be notified of this change??!?! Whoa this is a pretty BIG deal!!!!!
This was first reported on MotoringFile a year and a half ago and has been mentioned many times since both unofficially and officially.
Ooops, sorry Gabe =(
I am driving a SLK 350 which is a rear wheel drive car, now I am looking for another fun car which is front wheel drive for my son. Cooper S is definitely a great choice for me. I will purhcase after the price list is come out!
Gabe, do you know if MINI fixed the Sunroof shades?, or does the 07s have the same sunroof shades as the 1G MINIS (which seems to block only 10% of sunrays from entering the car)? I really don’t want to get sunburnt while driving my new 07 MINI…
Gabe, do you know if MINI fixed the Sunroof shades?, or does the 07s have the same sunroof shades as the 1G MINIS (which seems to block only 10% of sunrays from entering the car)?
I hope they didn’t change any thing as I think the current sun-shade design is ideal. They let just enough light in to create the wonderful “cabana” effect and keep the interior bright and inviting.
Gabe, do you know if MINI fixed the Sunroof shades?, or does the 07s have the same sunroof shades as the 1G MINIS (which seems to block only 10% of sunrays from entering the car)?
And here I was thinking I’m the only one!
For this reason, my next MINI WILL NOT have a sunroof. That, and I want to save a few lbs.
I just can’t get into the 07’s. Unlike our friend with caffeine problem, I don’t hate it, but it just seems off both on the exterior and especially the interior. Who ever said “fischer price” of the interior was right on. The exterior is just a miss in so many places, where do you begin? The sad part is that it isn’t off by much but enough to where I wouldn’t get one. Oh well, I’m sure the future R56 owners will love them and probably rightly so. Definitely put me down in the R53 camp.
Coop
I’m laughing watching these. They’re just so … odd. The lack of soundtrack is slightly disturbing, and the gratuitous use of pans, jaunty camera angles, and pavement close-ups make me think of a catalog of videography techniques. The fairly plot-less clips remind me of cheap-budget pornos– actually, that’s exactly what these are! ;-)
Oh, I’m loving “Euro Guy” in the Cooper-in-motion vid.
The fog lights on the back of both cars bug me for some reason; I think the chrome trim around the diffuser calls too much attention to that area and cheapens it a bit. I think I like how the diffuser was broken up by the body color section of bumper on the old MCS. The fog lights are way too big; I don’t know how effective they are on my ‘05, but I prefer the MINImalist look. Actually, I think the front fogs are also a little too large, too.
From the side, you can’t even tell it’s a new car, until they show the front headlights. I think that’s a good thing!
The center console really is very odd; I just don’t understand why there’s so much dead space around that center knob! MF and NAM are just small microcosms of MINI’s demographic (and biased toward the “rabid-enthusiast” end of the scale), but I’ve heard very few people make neutral-to-positive comments on the center console. I wonder if this is something MINI customers in general will dislike, and if MINI will respond in a couple of years with a redesigned console.
I like the rorty sound of the MCS; kind of reminds me of my old V-twin SV650 with an aftermarket exhaust.
Great scenery!
I’m a little lukewarm on the new dash. I think the push-to-start button is a ridiculous addition. The shape of the dash reminds me of the older Minis that were essentially a euro shelf from side-to-side with a little pod for the gauges in the middle. I haven’t seen anyone else pick up on that, so maybe I’m imagining things.
I really like the new seats, especially the integrated cod piece. They don’t look as supportive as the old sport seats, however; maybe that’s because the videos only showed the seats in the Cooper? The leather quality looks higher.
Just some random thoughts…
Sadly I have talkef to my dealerships manager and he has told me the MC in Canada will not have the turbocharger (as I recall this is called the european version). Only the US (called the british version) will get a Turbo cooper in NA.
At least it still gets a 6th gear. My 04 Cooper so badly wants a 6th gear.
I still want an 07/08…….
I am slowly warming to the 07. I will agree that the revision of the exterior is growing on me but it in no way is as imediately appealing as the current version.
Here are my list of reasons that I want to LOVE the 07:
I want more refined power from under the hood
I want more appealing interior materials
I want a car that is fun and playful while at the sametime definetly well put together in that BMW sort of way.
I want a car that feels like I am buying the younger, funner, and more deviant sibling of a 3 Series
Here is my list of reasons why I may never part with my 02 MCS
Instantly recognizeable bulldog front nose
Headlights attatched to the bonnet
Wrap aroud rear glasss
SWEET Supercharger whine
Audio system with a clear/easy upgrade path (not incorporated into the speedo)
I hope they didn’t change any thing as I think the current sun-shade design is ideal. They let just enough light in to create the wonderful “cabana†effect and keep the interior bright and inviting
Thanks gabe. I live on Maui (hint, my profile name) where its Summer 95% of the year and Winter/rainy the other 5%. Has anyone intalled an aftermarket Sunroof Shade that blocks all sunlight from entering? Do they even exist for 1G MINIs?
I live in Guatemala and have a sunshade that is just like the one you put on the windshield of a parked car. I bought the three parts all at once, windshield shade and two pieces that fit in the two part sun roof. Works fine; only use it when I live it parked in the sun. You can get it mail order. Sorry, can’t remember exactly where I got it but recommend just checking the MINI suppliers online since that’s how I found it.
Is that Cooper shown in Nightfire Red?
or is it an underexposed Chili Red?
Chad: it’s Chili Red, judging fom the other videos I’ve seen. THe colors are indeed a bit dull.
mstaplef: Er… Huh…? Seeing that the Cooper S is the only turbo-charged Cooper, your dealer is basically saying, no Cooper S for Canada. That would be highly surprising. Unless the mythical 140 BHP Cooper still is in the pipeline, but then your dealer would be knowing more than MotoringFile. And how likely is that? ;)
Eelke
To clarify, it was my understanding from the initial reports on the new ‘07 lineup that the Cooper and the ‘S’ would be getting a turbocharger. This may have been early smoke and rumours. He told me only the S would get the turbocharger in Canada.
To be honest this makes more sense, but after hearing the Cooper was getting no TC’er I was dissappointed.
Oh well, another good reason to simply get an ‘S’ when I trade in my 04 MC.
I am definitely sure that the new MINI S has a higher clearance…whats up with that? Perhaps its the new regulations set in Europe about pedestrain safety?
I love my 06 MINI S even more…that low stance appearance from the front end…the side…and also from the back…Just washed my car today…have been enjoying the ride so far for almost 3 weeks since I got it from Knauz…and that Harmon Kardon system still kicks some butt…haha..
The difference between my old 05 subaru WRX turbo and the new MINI S …. is the lack of turbo-lag that I always seemed to encounter in my old car…shame shame…especially when the lights turn green…
Hopefully the New Turbo-charged MINI S turbo lag is non-existence..since its a twin scroller type…or am I that wrong???
Love the supercharged engine of the 3 weeks old baby….yikes…mileage accumulating…excuses for going to the store just to have a chance to drive it…haha…
Definitely a happy camper here in Chicago, with my 06 MINI S….wave wave…to the other MINI drivers…
smiling…its addictive!!!
Gabe. I’ve seen a number of questions about the price of the new 07. Any word on when we might see the pries for the US?
Gabe. I’ve seen a number of questions about the price of the new 07. Any word on when we might see the pries for the US?
I’ve seen some US pricing figures for the 2007s but frankly it’s too early to report anything as nothing is set in stone yet.
I am definitely sure that the new MINI S has a higher clearance…whats up with that? Perhaps its the new regulations set in Europe about pedestrain safety?
I noticed the same thing however if you look at the recent press shots of the R50 and R53 the ground clearance does look about the same. Also it’s worth mentioning that MINI made it a point in the latest press release to say that they’ve made the cars as low to the ground as possible within the regulations.
Have you noticed the vertical lip on the new c-pillar cover? Aerodynamics? Smooth wrap-around glass on my current MINI is pure and uncompromised design so I woonder how much this new feature was needed. Any ideas?
I know BMW claims that the new motor has pretty much gotten rid of the Turbo lag, however, is there any information about letting the engine idle to let the turbo wind down before shutting the car off? I think this would drive me nuts if I had to wait to shut the car off each time I stopped (or if kepted running like a Le Car after I shut it off).
I have wanted a MINI for years now. (That old thing called money is what slowed me up.) I am so disappointed in the new front look for the exterior of the MINI. The reason for the change because of pedestrian crash test ratings. (OOOOOOKaaaaay?!? That’s a new one to me. I guess I must have to put myself in the position of the pedestrian.)
I love the interior however and the rest of the car is fine. The front is your “first impression” when you come down the road… but I am not “impressed.”
I may warm up to it, but it looks like my 5 year MINI mania might be coming to an end unless I can find the previous model at a used car lot.
AAAAH!
I agree with some of the previous posts that could articulate their thoughts better than I. I don’t like the less agressive front nose…I like the bulldog “face” and now, I don’t GOTTA have one like before.
I like how they cleaned up the front end by incorporating the turn signal inside the headlight and leaving only the foglights in the front bumper…does that mean all cars will get fogs?
The rear bumper/valance needs work.
Also, I’ve said it before…the non functional air scoop should be removed.
Overall, I like the more agressive look of the front end.
Also, I’ve said it before…the non functional air scoop should be removed.
… or they should make it functional…
I am very disappointed with the new 07 MINI. I love the current version and all the things that made it unique are gone with this one. Whoever says they like the “finer materials” of the interior are just eating whatever MINI and BMW throws at them and not judging for themselves. Whoever is making these design decisions at BMW and MINI should really be fired!
I am currently an owner of a 2003 Mini Cooper S, fully equip with all the bells and whistles and best of all it has the dual glass sunroof. I live in Viva Las Vegas and with our excruciating 115 degree heat my poor Mini Cooper has a difficult time keeping the cabin cold with the A/C. This is due to the fact that the Mini Cooper’s sunroof is only equip with a see through mesh screen, rather than a solid screen, used to cover up the cabin from the sun.
By now I am entirely fed up with my sunroof, so I went online searching for some kind of sunroof sunshade to protect my interior, and I was only able to find 2 companies that produce a good quality sun shade.
Company #1:
http://www.stratmosphere.com/mini_interior.htm
Company #2:
http://zippeegear.com/
They both look like very good quality products, but I’d like to hear some reviews of which one is better. Has anyone here on this blog done any comparison and/or owned either one of these sun shades? So far I am leaning towards the Zippee one, since it looks very nice, and compliments the black trim of my sunroof. It also is made of that foldable material which I like a lot and priced a lot less than the Stratmosphere. Please let me know your opinion.
HTML Formatting Tips
MotoringFile also allows use of Markdown formatting in the comment section. This accomplishes the same formatting as HTML but is typically easy to use.
| _your text_ | → | your text |
| **your text** | → | your text |
| `my code` | → | my code |
| * Bulleted list * Second item | → | • Bulleted list • Second item |
| 1. Numbered list 1. Second item | → | 1. Numbered list 2. Second item |
| [link name](URL) | → | link name |
| *** | → | Horizontal ruler |
| <http://url> <email@add.com> | → | Auto-linked |
|  | → | Image |
Copyright © 2002-2007 Gabriel Bridger