more info on the f56

[Stewart]

http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014-MINI-F56-Teaser-Video-Best-Remake-Ever-750x499.jpg

[KenL]

I wonder if all versions will get the LED tube style lights?
I am not a fan of these in general. I certainly would not pay extra for them.

[Stewart]

I would think they will be standard as daylight running lights across the range. I’d think adding LED lights would be a cheap as chips as they say. One thing for sure is your going to know a F56 at night. I tend to think some of the LED running light on the road already are too much of a bling statement.

[Mon the fish]

Looks a bit manga from the back.

I just wish each new iteration of car (any car) would improve steering feel

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[KenL]

Agreed Stewart. A lot of these lights are blinding.

I know on Audis (A1 at least) you only get LED DRLs if you spec Xenons at about £800!
Otherwise you get a normal bulb. I would be happy enough with that as I usually stick on my sidelights in the day.

[weefossy]

Are Leds not required to meet future European legislation?

[KenL]

Daytime lights are required on all new models. They don't need to be light emitting diodes though.

[zimbo]

I love the LED DRLs :thumbs up: Yes these are now a legal requirment on all new (newly designed vehicles 2012 onwards) and and is about time as far as I'm concerned, anything to help make ourselves more visible to those old nutters out there who always end up saying "Oh I didnt see you coming beefore I pulled out in front of you etc etc!!

Those DRLs will either go off together or dim themselves to sidelight levels once the headlights are activated, I personally think that once you switch your headlights on they will go off and the spot where the current sidelights/foglights are now will then illuminate the sidelight as per usual :yes nod:

The only two things I was really looking forward to about this new car were the DRLs and the HUD, those DRLs will suffice I suppose, but the HUD IMHO could have been much better integrated in the car as far as I'm concerned, BUT the proof will be in the eating of the cake as they say :thumbs up:

Is it just me or does the 'S' bonnet scoop (probably non-functional) look to be a lot lower down the bonnet and is lower than the headlamps by the looks of it, kinda weird to me.

[Stewart]

The new 2015 MINI Traveller

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/s403x403/574670_658345127529707_1301321664_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1472804_658344827529737_179268030_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/379671_658345054196381_934362467_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1453469_364672653668576_1274442591_n.jpg

[weefossy]

Without a size perspective, I think in 2 of the pictures it looks like a Mondeo estate........which although not a mini, i quite like. if that makes sense!!

[Stewart]

https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1451522_658451820852371_1219216146_n.jpg


How this and a new Clubbie will coexist in the market will be interesting.

[KenL]

I dont see anyone buying a Clubman unless it has something different to offer.

New interior looks good but what is the light thing on the right side?

[illegalhunter]

New cubbie is a stinker

[Stewart]

New cubbie is a stinker
No one has seen it! That’s not it by the way.:smilewinkgrin:

http://www.telecomramblings.com/files/2008/12/crystal_ball.jpg

[d.oxley72]

I'll pass judgement until it's finalised. My main grumble with the present clubbie has been the silly half door which I've always thought as pointless and I've never been sure of the back end styling. However when the day comes to replace my current Mini, a sunroofed clubbie (either in cooper or S form) will be seriously considered.

[weefossy]

The "silly half door" or "Princess door" as we call it, is actually really useful. Great for getting the grandaughters' child seats and the grandaughters in and out of the car. Fact that it's on "the wrong side" doesn't really matter either as most of our "ins and outs" are done on a driveway. On the road I just park on the opposite side of the road. "simples". Would agree "back end" is better colour coded. imo

[Stewart]

I like the third door, we had a Clubbie for a week and loved the rear door opening as well off the fob. But then it was like a new toy when the 13 plate Cooper was in getting a new gearbox. Bit disappointed when it got swapped for a M SPORT BMW by the dealer as the clubbie was a dealer MINI car and because BMW could not source the part it was BMW who supplied the car for the other three weeks.


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[KenL]

On the road I just park on the opposite side of the road. "simples".

Something that is risky and illegal in the USA. I wonder if that is the real reason the single door is on that side and not the story MINI gave about the fuel filler being the issue.

[Big Col]

Today's the release day isn't it? :confused:

[Craig]

9pm tonight Col is the live reveal ! ;)

[Alex from NM]

Lots and lots of leaks. Still looks foul. Need to see what the jcw kit looks like.

Not sure if these figures are correct but I saw somewhere that the 0-62 time for the S is 6.5 and for the normal cooper 7.5

[KenL]

http://www.motoringfile.com/2013/11/18/world-premier-the-new-mini/#more-31369

No need to wait...

- - - Updated - - -

Just had a quick look, I really like it.

I hope the price is not pushed up too much. Another Cooper will suit me as the performance looks great.

[Stewart]

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/11/2014-mini-cooper-revealed-same-look-less-mini.html

Ken I'm with you I like the look of the Cooper, the front is fine not at all what I expected after seeing spy shots of the "s". Still think the lights at the back are too big all the same but I guess you will just get used to them.
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[RobSco]

More information on the F56 for you all to have a look at... :motoring:


http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/2014-mini-need-know/1221327?utm_source=Silverpop&utm_medium=EMAIL&utm_campaign=WCAR%20ENews%20Bulletin%20(18.11.2013 )&utm_content=news1_headline_1

[JOHN MILNE]

GOT AN E MAIL FROM MINI HQ
PRICES Are cooper 15,300
diesel 16,450
cooper s 18,650
these are starting prices
ther wer photos of vehicles look like front end has a big grille which fills fornt lower section also
speedo and rev counter above steering cowl

[JOHN MILNE]

4781
is this what the jcw will look like ?

[KenL]

GOT AN E MAIL FROM MINI HQ
PRICES Are cooper 15,300
diesel 16,450
cooper s 18,650
these are starting prices
ther wer photos of vehicles look like front end has a big grille which fills fornt lower section also
speedo and rev counter above steering cowl

Thanks. Anyone know the starting prices now?
I won't be changing cars for a year or so. Hoping to pick up another dealer specced or pre reg car. If not, I might just go for a base spec car.

[weefossy]

Looks good. Cooper and S expected in the showrooms next March. Works not until summer 2015. Will be interesting to see how S goes / feels. Looks like proper BMW seats with thigh bolster, which is a big plus for me.

[Mon the fish]

When you see the pics of it side-by-side with R56 & R50, the R56 is 4 months pregnant and this abomination looks 8 months pregnant. I'm sure it's all wonderful and whizz-bang, but it's a bit Vanessa Feltz - fat and ugly. And I don't like ugly.

It's clear the R50 looks more and more like a design classic with each passing year - absolutely spot on.

And I hoped the JCW kit would get rid of the fish gob - but if the pics above are the JCW kit, it's just as bad!

[Stewart]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1456762_365869630215545_1845788639_n.jpg

Not to sure about the fuel gauge.

Mon I must be one of the few that liked the R56 better, it had more meat on it and looked just right with the sports pack in my view.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1461084_365810423554799_2036149354_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/554700_659896780707875_1539493732_n.jpg

18" wheels from the factory as well.

[Alex from NM]

That bonnet line man on the F56 :hand:

Still think the best looking cars done right are the R50/53's overall.

[KenL]

When you see the pics of it side-by-side with R56 & R50, the R56 is 4 months pregnant and this abomination looks 8 months pregnant. I'm sure it's all wonderful and whizz-bang, but it's a bit Vanessa Feltz - fat and ugly. And I don't like ugly.

It's clear the R50 looks more and more like a design classic with each passing year - absolutely spot on.

And I hoped the JCW kit would get rid of the fish gob - but if the pics above are the JCW kit, it's just as bad!

I know that this forum is all about opinions but this is nonsense.:p The R50 is a 15 year old design. The facelift r50 still looks good but the original r50 looks very dated. Look at the bumpers for example. It also has a poor quality interior.

I suggest taking an f56 for a test drive when it is released.

[Gismo]

Hideous

[KenL]

Really liking the red/white Cooper.

Would like to see what the lights are like without Xenons.

- - - Updated - - -


Hideous

Really, that bad???? Worse than a Countryman?

[Craig]

Hmmmm. It's not looking any better than it did from the pics months ago.

It's obvious it's now a BMW through and through .... :(


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[zimbo]

All this seemingly great technology put into the all new mini interior and they give us that cheap a$$ home made looking fuel gauge!! that looks SO CHEAP and nasty it's not even funny it is as if they forgot to add a gauge put it on as an after thought :frown:

The rear end on the S reminds me of this smilie :moonie: :yes nod:

[Stewart]

http://www.mini.com/newmini/en/index.html?r=1

[Alex from NM]

I know that this forum is all about opinions but this is nonsense.:p The R50 is a 15 year old design. The facelift r50 still looks good but the original r50 looks very dated. Look at the bumpers for example. It also has a poor quality interior.

I suggest taking an f56 for a test drive when it is released.

The R50 has aged well IMO. Still look at 51/52 platers and think that at the time they were new nothing could touch it for style. The tribute to that was the raft of imitators that tried to move in on the market. The R50 has aged better than all the Fabias, Swifts etc.

My only hope for the F56 is that the engines are bombproof. It might be the only thing which would tempt me from my R56 into one.

[Mon the fish]

I know that this forum is all about opinions but this is nonsense.:p The R50 is a 15 year old design. The facelift r50 still looks good but the original r50 looks very dated. Look at the bumpers for example. It also has a poor quality interior.

I suggest taking an f56 for a test drive when it is released.

My opinion is not 'nonsense'. It is exactly that, an opinion. I suggest you go back to your Daily Mail if you're not going to tolerate others views :p

I may well test drive one, but I'll only be swayed if it has the steering feel, throttle response and chassis balance of the R50/53.

Yes the interior may not great, but I think the R50 with S bumpers will be the shape the ages the best

[Stewart]

New Mini Cooper 2014 review - Auto Express (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wQxzAEol4w)

[KenL]

For me, the R56 is a better car than the R50 in every department. I expect the f56 will be better than the R56 in every department too.

[Scottie]

I like it. Interior Looking good the DRLs are cool. Cant see much that would put me off. My question is will they make these changes to the paceman. Interior and lights? Due to change the coupe in March

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[d.oxley72]

When is the facelift due?

[Crombers]

My opinion is not 'nonsense'. It is exactly that, an opinion. I suggest you go back to your Daily Mail if you're not going to tolerate others views :p

I may well test drive one, but I'll only be swayed if it has the steering feel, throttle response and chassis balance of the R50/53.

Yes the interior may not great, but I think the R50 with S bumpers will be the shape the ages the best

Y'mean an Aerokitted R50 :rolleyes: :p

I also kinda don't get this 'dated' thing. A MK2 Golf GTi (Oak Green, Big Bumper & BBS rims please) still makes my jaws drop & that design must date back to the early eighties.
I'm obviously biased but when you look at the pic of the 4 Mini/MINI's that Stuart posted then I'm with MON & his pregnancy analogy :laugh:

- - - Updated - - -


For me, the R56 is a better car than the R50 in every department. I expect the f56 will be better than the R56 in every department too.

I'm not disputing or knocking new technology & all the refinery that goes with it....... BUT ........ it's a MINI ffs & to me 'looks combined with classic/MK1 handling' really matter. WHAT's with all that F56 overhang! & have a really good look & tell me which front MINI wing just 'blends'

That 'fish' look front end is just :wtf: :yuk: :scratch: :sick: .......... em, not very nice.

Let's face it thus far nobody is 'really' drooling whereas the majority of us really should have been (BMW :frown:) !!

[Mon the fish]

The R56 is a better car than an R50 in every measurable way. But it's the R50 that makes you grin more. I expect the Fatty56 to be the same

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[Big Col]

Acht awa' Crombers min. Who you kiddin'! You're jist too tight tae cough up fur a new motor! :p

It is interesting though. I think there's always a tendancy for enthusiasts to hate the new versions of their beloved motors. We just need to remember the amount of stick that we got from original mini owners when driving about in the R50 when it first came out. It's really a natural reaction to the fact that time is marching on, the world is changing and no matter what we do it can't all just stay the same. We are all goig to die one day so we might as well accept it and embrace the changes people!! ;)

That being said...that fuel gauge is awful and I'm not sold on the front lip...:smilewinkgrin:

[CiderFex]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/19/eqyreqe9.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/19/u3u7ajus.jpg

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[Mon the fish]

^^ you'd look just as scared if Cameron was touching you

[KenL]

Is that a pure white colour?

[d.oxley72]

No ONE anymore :frown:

[Stewart]

Think the MINI One/First are to follow with the usual de-tuned engines later.


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[Crombers]

Acht awa' Crombers min. Who you kiddin'! You're jist too tight tae cough up fur a new motor! :p

It is interesting though. I think there's always a tendancy for enthusiasts to hate the new versions of their beloved motors. We just need to remember the amount of stick that we got from original mini owners when driving about in the R50 when it first came out. It's really a natural reaction to the fact that time is marching on, the world is changing and no matter what we do it can't all just stay the same. We are all goig to die one day so we might as well accept it and embrace the changes people!! ;)

That being said...that fuel gauge is awful and I'm not sold on the front lip...:smilewinkgrin:

I'm as tight as a ducks ar$ e my good man ............. :thumbs up:

Your take on 'change' I agree but for me (& this is the shallow part of me lol) it's a lot to do with 'looks'

You put every incarnation of the GTi in front of me & I'd still be pulled straight to the MK2.
Think of all the new technology coming out of the MK7 & by far it'll be streets ahead of all the previous one's in nearly every department.

BUT .................. (in my eyes) it will never ever look better than the last of the MK2s :yes nod:
& for me MINI got it right first time round & (in my eyes) MINIs since have just got fatter & uglier :frown:

[ELFMAN]

I've given up fussing about this now - too much else to occupy my mind these days. The wee Auto Express tour looks OK, comments Re. bulbous fronts etc accepted. Engines seem to be pretty good for performance and economy, and build quality will be as good if not better than before. There's hee-haw we can do about it now anyway, not that we ever could. I hope they've finally sussed the suspension and brakes... the adaptive suspension sounds interesting, but at what cost?

I reckon lots of the bodywork and oily bits changes are driven by meeting present and forthcoming regulations - different front ends so that pedestrians bounce off in a more survivable manner, different engines so that we don't choke the butterflies and need a second mortgage to fill the tank. I'm not knocking either of these 'aims' by the way. I agree that the Gen 1 MINI is the 'purest' aesthetically - and arguably from a driver's point of view too, but it wouldn't pass muster with the legal bods and it was prohibitively expensive to produce, so it has 'evolved' into what we have now.

Stepping back from my slightly rose-tinted 'past ownership view' and looking at things in the cold light of day, I loved my R50 for the fun I got from it, not to mention (in 2001) getting more admiring looks than if it had been a Ferrari, and I have especially fond (and loud) memories my R53 210, but they weren't perfect... The '01 COOPER's Sports Plus suspension was simply rock hard, the R53 was quicker and sounded great, but fuel consumption was a real pain in the @rse, and the suspension and brakes were quite cack, which is why I uprated them. The R56 S didn't look quite as cute (I think mine looks fine now), but went nearly as well as my 210 straight out of the box, drank a whole lot less while doing it and the interior was arguably a classier place to sit (but I had to get Recaros 'cos the sports seats were still rubbish when going fast). The R56 Sports Suspension and Runflats were a fatal combination on a typical lumpy Scottish back road and the brakes were better but still overwhelmed by the grunt. So apart from my COOPER, I've had to change some quite fundamental bits to get my MINIs the way I think they should've come out of the factory.

So we have the latest MINI now, and we'll find out how good it is - or isn't - in due course. I remember when the R56 came out and quite a few of us (yes, me included) kicked back against various elements - but hey, I've been driving one for the thick end of 5 years, and most of NMS have embraced the 'Fat MINI' now (and the EVEN FATTER MINIs) - just look at the rate at which we've been buying them. In about 2 years, I'll bet most folk will be raving about how good the F56 is and will be enjoying driving them, proudly polishing the life out of them, modding them and then trading them in for the Facelift and then the NEXT version when it comes out in a few years. And so it goes on...

And so have I :bigwave:

[EcosseGP]

^^ a great view though and never a truer word said ;)


At 8000rpm no-one hears you scream !

[Mon the fish]

Very true, no mini has ever left the factory perfect. Hope the Fatty56 is better in that regard

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[weefossy]

From some angles I actually think the F56 kooks less "Fatty" than the R56 and can look more like the R53. Only my opinion.

And if the Works F56 drives as good as The Beast, then it will do for me, cause I had a real blast. yet again, "givin it a little bit of stick" on Williams's run on Sunday and that's what it is all about; is it not? :thumbs up:

[KenL]

I thought cars would be available in January in the UK???

[weefossy]

PV suggested to me yesterday that it would be March.

[d.oxley72]

Think the MINI One/First are to follow with the usual de-tuned engines later.


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I hope so. I know the enthusiasts will go for the cooper and S, but I still think it's important that the brand is accessible to people with smaller budgets (i.e less than £15k).

[KenL]

PV suggested to me yesterday that it would be March.

OK, thanks. I wonder when the launch event is?

[Alex from NM]

PV suggested to me yesterday that it would be March.

I heard the same too. Although last week the service manager in MINI didn't know when they were actually going on sale though, so its anybody's guess really :p

[RobSco]

OK, thanks. I wonder when the launch event is?

As soon as I know Ken I'll post it on here as I've been told by Peter Vardy that they'll keep me informed regarding this and hope they have a launch like they had when the Coupe came out and a few of us all met up there... :thumbs up:

[ELFMAN]

I know I was being all grown up and reasonable, but
What the hell's going on with the 'Petrol Gauge'? It looks like a cheap 80's AIR FRESHENER!!!!! :ragin:
Why go to all the trouble and expense of creating a supposedly more 'up-market' interior and sticking that tacky nonsense on the thing? :frown:
:idunno: It's as if MINI have to throw in something annoying and stupid - like a sort of 'Bad Design Tourettes'...

Couldn't they have made an instrument pod with matching left/right hand sides incorporating the petrol gauge and some other useful stuff in the right side? And even then, with the new engines being as well-performing and economical as they're supposed to be, why give the petrol gauge as much prominence as the Rev Counter? PURE DAFTNESS.

Maybe it's because the car will be so good to drive they're worried you'll forget to stop for fuel :smilewinkgrin:

[Stewart]

Got to agree. Why not give us proper gauge with a needle and a temp gauge while they are at it. Yes fuel is important but by making it so large it's as if they want to hold our hand. I hope it just looks cheap in the pictures and is better in the flesh. It's a bit like the HUD, I'd actually be quite happy if it was missing if I looked at a new Coop as it too looks naff. The more I look at just the Cooper the more I'm happy with it. You could park in it supermarket car park and most would not realise it was a totally new Car. But instantly know its a MINI.


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[KenL]

I know I was being all grown up and reasonable, but
What the hell's going on with the 'Petrol Gauge'? It looks like a cheap 80's AIR FRESHENER!!!!! :ragin:
Why go to all the trouble and expense of creating a supposedly more 'up-market' interior and sticking that tacky nonsense on the thing? :frown:
:idunno: It's as if MINI have to throw in something annoying and stupid - like a sort of 'Bad Design Tourettes'...

Couldn't they have made an instrument pod with matching left/right hand sides incorporating the petrol gauge and some other useful stuff in the right side? And even then, with the new engines being as well-performing and economical as they're supposed to be, why give the petrol gauge as much prominence as the Rev Counter? PURE DAFTNESS.

Maybe it's because the car will be so good to drive they're worried you'll forget to stop for fuel :smilewinkgrin:

Making mountains out of mole hills is a phrase that springs to my mind :rolleyes:

[ELFMAN]

Well Ken, thanks for your valued opinion on my obviously less-valued opinion.
There's another 'phrase that springs to MY mind'... but out of respect for you and website decorum I'll keep it to myself.

If you read my previous post, you'll see I was being fairly open-minded about the new car, and basically at the moment I've got to the point where I couldn't care less whether it has 8 wheel drive, jam-making facilities and a built-in massage parlour (though that would be handy), I'll make up my mind when I see it and if and when I drive it.

The point I was making about the 'Fuel Gauge' is that if there's something which you'll be staring at every day for at least a couple of years or so, they should have made a better job of integrating it into the overall design rather than producing what looks like a cut-price oversized afterthought tacked on to the side. No point banging on about improved 'BMW' quality and integrated design and then ignoring it is there?

As Stewart said - why not include a Temp Guage, or maybe Oil Pressure, Boost etc? With all the techy stuff available these days at the push of a button, it would be fairly simple to have had a multi-function display incorporating genuinely useful info, rather than just a lump with a 'dayglo' sliding scale...

Basically they HAVE made a mountain out of what should have been a molehill. So you were correct after all. Well Done! :thumbs up:

[Mon the fish]

^^ Well said.

We all have our own opinions on this car, personally I think it's v ugly and I can't see anything making it more rewarding to drive in terms of feel and feedback. Which is all I'm really interested in.

But we need to respect other people think differently from ourselves, and not make petty replies to a point we happen to disagree with

[zimbo]

I commented on that ghastly looking fuel gauge a few pages back and it was basically the same as what you said Euan, IMHO I think it is horrendous compared to the rest of the interior which actually looks not too bad (the seats looks excellent I must say :thumbs up:, or at least the ones in the pics I've seen so far do) I mean it is just plain WRONG and looks shocking and as if it was added as an after thought coz someone forgot to integrate it into the rest of the so called fancy technology in the dash blah blah blah...

So I'm sitting on the same bench as Euan regarding this car :yes nod: I too will make a final decision if and when I get to road test the car itself assuming I feel enough of an urge to do so.

[Stewart]

R56 Manual petrol Cooper

Output: 122 hp (90kW) at 6,000 rpm
Max. torque/revs: 160 Nm @ 4,250 rpm
Acceleration 0-62 mph - Manual (secs) 9.1 s
Top speed - (mph) 126 mph

F56 Manual petrol Cooper: 3-cylinder petrol (TwinPower Turbo Technology)

Output: 136 bhp (100 kW) at 4 500 – 6 000 rpm,
Max. torque/revs: 220 Nm at 1 250 – 4 000 rpm (230 Nm with overboost),
Acceleration 0–62 mph: 7.9 s
Top speed: 210 km/h (130mph)


I think any Cooper driver is going to notice the change. Was the R53s not 0- 100 km/h 7.4 s and 210 Nm at 4000RPM ???? If so this new Cooper is only 0.5 seconds slower to 62 Mph. I find that impressive to tell you the truth if the run of the mill Cooper is now 30Bhp down on the first gen S.

[Alex from NM]

in fairness I think BMW held back the power from the Prinz engines due to their, erm, "cheesieness" if you get my meaning. For example the same N14/18 engine BMW would only run at 210bhp in the Works is in the Peugeot TT look-a-like thingy rcz kicking out 280

[KenL]

A Cooper will suit me just fine, performance looking good to me.

Big quoted difference in fuel consumption between it and the S in the F56. There was only about 2 mpg difference for me with the r56 cooper and my R56 S.

[KenL]

Chilli Red almost gone....

http://www.motoringfile.com/2013/11/22/minis-new-color-line-up-fully-revealed/#more-31847

I hope this is USA only decision.

[Stewart]

Ken I'm sure it's being kept only for the new Works kit global. Seems a strange one as you can now get the GP2 colour but not one of the most popular without the works kit. One of things I hate about MINI is they think they know what we want when they don't have a clue. Be interesting if for once they gave us a pure white for the hatch.

I'd really like to see what the Works kit is like.


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[KenL]

Agreed. It would be nice to have a pure white option.

[Stewart]

So that Chilli is a Cooper S with Works Kit on :smilewinkgrin:

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq72/sav112g/Miniworks_zps9cfed882.jpg

[Alex from NM]

I would guess so. Look at the side skirts. Disappointing

[Stewart]

http://youtu.be/BWmHDTvP9VU

So the door handles pull out to open.

[KenL]

Good. Hopefully these won't freeze as easily as the current ones.

[Stewart]

http://youtu.be/yDo1zw_9sV4

Also one of gripes with my R56, it’s a small one but I hated the speaker placement in the doors. Everyone and their Mum kicked them getting out and in. Ok that could just be my Mum. Cheers MINI! :thumbs up:

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq72/sav112g/MINIF56DATA_zpsb8696ca7.jpg~original

[Angib]

8% heavier than the R56 isn't very clever for 2014, is it?

Some of that will be because it's a bigger car, but BMW being unable to even hold the weight the same shows they are putting all their effort on electronics and forgetting the basic engineering.

[KenL]

Really! I thought I had read that it was lighter. ..

However, my main thing is that the fuel consumption is better. Heavier does not definitely mean handling is worse.

[Stewart]

I make it 1140 kg R56 to 1160 Kg F56 on the Cooper So they are doing something right with the usual Kerb weight that's standard when it's a completely new car from the ground up. May be its the lighter engine with the twin turbo and better distribution throughout the car that makes it so much faster and as suggested a better drive. Everyone will find out in March. Slightly heavier, better build quality inside and out a possible 70 mpg and silly torque for a cooper will do for me. It's 30% more space in the boot and more space for the occupants in the back most welcome. They have not even played their trump card, a Works model with that 2ltr engine that if they chose could be silly, even with BMW respectability when it come to not pushing what can be done they could crack 240bhp with this new suspension, drivetrain and stronger car. We will see. :)


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[KenL]

Really! I thought I had read that it was lighter. .. Or is it just the S that is heavier? That extra cylinder must weigh a few kg.

However, my main thing is that the fuel consumption is better. Heavier does not definitely mean handling is worse.

[Mon the fish]

Surprised at the weight gain tbh, the one thing that affects everything in a car

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[Stewart]

I don't think BMW have been happy with the way the weight was distributed in past generations the way they have made such a big fuss about the engine weight and how the set up of the car with its lower and wider stance in the F56. Should be interesting if that extra power and time on engineer brings it altogether.


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[Angib]

Yes, better fuel economy is clever if they achieved that despite a weight increase.

Though of course, that's official test fuel economy they're quoting and the real world economy may be worse than a R56's....

[Stewart]

Official figures we all know but if you take that as a base line comparing these F56 to what the official figures were on the R56 in the Cooper at any rate it's encouraging. I'd gladly take the extra 10mpg on the combined cycle considering the two official R&F figures. The challenge would be if a Cooper on a run can achieve anything like the quoted 70 plus driving with economy in mind.

We will see if the reported maximum of 27% better economy is achievable in real road tests when all the magazines get their mitts on the cars.

But then most will brush off the great fact they are getting better value at the pumps on the fact their seems to a huge difference in performance at least at the Cooper level. 9.2 to 7.9 0-62 seems very close to the outgoing S.To me it sounds like a smart package so far personally as its tweaks suit me when a few times I've coursed at my R56 short comings in boot space and comfort. Plus I have the non Facelift so I'd pay to get rid of the Toy's R Us sponsored dials. ;)

As Jeremy would say "Here comes the new MINI Cooper and its packing more Powerrrrrrrrrrr and enough torque to start a planet"

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[Angib]

But then most will brush off the great fact they are getting better value at the pumps on the fact their seems to a huge difference in performance at least at the Cooper level. 9.2 to 7.9 0-62 seems very close to the outgoing S.
Yes, 220Nm of torque for the Cooper (instead of 160Nm at present in the Cooper and 240Nm in the S) sounds good, but the big change appears to be that now the Cooper has a turbo, the torque plateau starts at the same ultra-low 1250rpm as the S. That suggests a huge change in drivability from the current Cooper's 4250rpm torque peak, even if the VANOS system does deliver half-decent torque at low revs.

[Stewart]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HML7HiF4GiY&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DHML7HiF4GiY

The new F56 being built.

In the Paint shop.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=spO4-AvN0PY&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DspO4-AvN0PY

[Craig]

Good find Stewart :)

[ELFMAN]

What The Big Man said.

[Stewart]

Factory Tour when the Works and new clubbie are being built ;)


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[Craig]

Factory Tour when the Works and new clubbie are being built ;)


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"Build it and they will come" :lol:


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[Stewart]

Just a wee add on from the Whiteroofradio who were talking to some head MINI guy at the LA Car show.

There is no dipstick in the F56. It has the BMW oil level digital display as standard.


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[stoney]

Just a wee add on from the Whiteroofradio who were talking to some head MINI guy at the LA Car show.

There is no dipstick in the F56. It has the BMW oil level digital display as standard.


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Well at least it won't snap like the R50/53 did !!

[Mon the fish]

Well at least it won't snap like the R50/53 did !!

Never had an issue with mine, keep it lubed and no issues.

But I can't trust a car without a dipstick

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[stoney]

Never had an issue with mine, keep it lubed and no issues.

But I can't trust a car without a dipstick

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I would not trust a car with out a dip stick the only problem is most of the time there is a dip stick driving :lol:

And that first line ……

[weefossy]

Oil level gage far more accurate than a dipstick and a lot easier to use. Never had a problem with them in ma Beemers. With each little bit more I hear, the F56 sounds more and more positive.

[KenL]

Anything other than the current MINI dipstick is a step forward. The design at the moment is almost impossible to read with any confidence.

[ELFMAN]

"Build it and they will come" :lol:
Well there's getting excited about the new car, but surely it won't be THAT good... :excited: :blush: Especially without a lubed dipstick :frown:

I'll get me coat... :tumbleweed:

[KenL]

The F56 configurator is online at http://www.mini.co.uk/model-range/design-your-mini/

Prices seem reasonable for the sensible things. I am tempted by a pretty basic car without many frills next time.

[illegalhunter]

see how easy it is too spend £25k

[Stewart]

I will take a look when I'm able to get back on a PC. There is a few new clips out and a picture of the last R56 off the line.

Be good to have a play.


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[KenL]

It appears Xenons are no longer an option but you need to pay quite a bit extra for these (£670). These are not part of the CHILLI pack for the Cooper as was the case previously.

I am not sure if the standard (Halogen) lights come with the LED daytime running lights or not. It is tricky to tell from the pics. I had thought that these were standard across the range.

I specced a Cooper up including Pepper, MFSW, the slightly bigger screen, 16" alloys and the new red paint. It comes to about £17.5k. Seems pretty reasonable to me.

The new metallic red is £250 extra, the other metallics are all £475! Deep Blue looks really nice it has to be said.

[Stewart]

L.E.D DRL are standard along with heated mirrors and sport mode and Eco mode I'm sure. Think I'd be happy with more kit and a dealer build with a few grand off the price if I had built it split new.

Think the full MINI connect is a push too far :(


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[KenL]

Yes, a dealer car with a 2k saving would be good. Doubt these will be available too early on though.

[Stewart]

I can see demand outstripping supply for a good while before they start showing up on cherished ;)



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[zimbo]

Are these on the configurator now?

[KenL]

Yes. Follow the link and choose the hatch. The r56 is no longer on there.

[stoney]

I was given an F56 brochure last week by my dealer

[KenL]

I was given an F56 brochure last week by my dealer

Nice. There is one on the mini website you can download.

[zimbo]

Thanks Ken :thumbs up:

[Stewart]

The F56 configurator is online at http://www.mini.co.uk/model-range/design-your-mini/

Prices seem reasonable for the sensible things. I am tempted by a pretty basic car without many frills next time.


Got a new Screen for the PC so gave it a go. Oh dear it’s pushing seriously 19K with some toys. It will have to be a dealer ready built sitting there on the lot at a good price with most of the toys over a brand spanking personal spec build from the factory.

Although in fairness the configuration thing has always scared me on price and normally not what you find at the dealers, but I may be wrong there thinking that.

[N16SHP]

I was having a play with it too and can get all that I want for near on £19k too on a Cooper. I cannot justify the extra for the S anymore, a Cooper with the new engine would suit me fine!

[Big Col]

I cannot justify the extra for the S anymore

I goes quicker.

Justified.

:thumbs up::cool::p

[ELFMAN]

I just specced a rather lovely Deep Blue and Black S on 18's for £23.5K. Evan THAT felt like I was cheating on my beloved R56 :frown:
Dangerous things these Configurators :hand: Wonder what £££ they'll be looking for when the JCW comes out?

ps No plans to buy though - no real point when I have a garage full of low-mileage tuned R56 :smilewinkgrin:

[Stewart]

Ewan I will have had my Cooper six years come next summer, loved it but I said I’d never do what I did with my Honda (eight years from new) and that was to let it become almost worth nothing. The new Cooper would be a change in power for me, not too sure how that would translate if I had been driving a S or a Works . Hand on heart I’m a bit relieved the Cooper looks fine, still not sure on the S look. I’d probably miss the power if I had had it but its the one of the great things having just been driving a Cooper I think I’d notice the difference in a good way. If it feels better on the road and has better quality all-round and more economical then it’s a win win.

I went back to the dealers to buy a 12 plate, all red S with the Sports pack after spending the previous day walking round it thinking “Right I really like this” last year. I fancied a change, a bit more power. Went in to put the deposit and it was missing. Thought fair enough it was being used by one of the Girls but alas it was sold late the previous day. I know park next to it on occasions at the shops. The lady probably did me a favour as till then I had seen nothing although I had not been officially looking kind of thing. (Note not officially looking can be dangerous to your wallet)

But I would understand when you have spent serious cash getting the car the way you want it. The new Works could be a game changer in a year or so.


http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq72/sav112g/CooperS_zps48147988.jpg

[Stewart]

http://www.trowbridge.me.uk/neil/cars/carpictures/mini_coopers_jcw/mini_factory_tour/front.jpg
THe Red looks nice enough but I did the blue as well.

Dam I liked the wee Sport Button on my car!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/551406_372328866236288_2087293585_n.jpg

[KenL]

ps No plans to buy though - no real point when I have a garage full of low-mileage tuned R56 :smilewinkgrin:

Quite right, your car is well worth keeping hold of.

On the new JCW, unless they "blow the bloody doors off" with power that is surely available from the 2L engine I doubt it will increase in price by much.
I hope they push out a cracker with 250bhp at least.

- - - Updated - - -

I really like the new Red too. Never been a fan of a white roof but it does look good on this.

I still think my red/black R56 Coop was my best looking MINI...
4793

[Stewart]

Bet they play it safe and go 230-240 leaving room for a GP in a few years to go higher.

This platform takes All4 so they could have the first hatch all4 getting that power on the surface safely.


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[KenL]

This platform takes All4 so they could have the first hatch all4 getting that power on the surface safely.

Sweet :drools:

[zimbo]

This platform takes All4 so they could have the first hatch all4 getting that power on the surface safely.


:thumbs up: now were talking... :motoring:

[weefossy]

a 250bhp 4 wheel drive go kart with proper BMW seats............does anyone want to buy a WC50?

[zimbo]

a 250bhp 4 wheel drive go kart with proper BMW seats............does anyone want to buy a WC50?

:lol:

[Stewart]

See now we have set ourselves up for a fall, I can see the statement now…..

“ We at MINI like pushing the boundaries, to reinvent but at the same time to keep that classic MINI look and feel. This whole new MINI John Cooper Works has wait for it 228Bhp. That’s an astounding 20 Bhp more over the last generation. It will come in two flavours front wheel drive for the purist and All4 for anyone who has just robbed a bank, sorry who is wanting to drive the car closer to its safe limits”

[Mon the fish]

Mini have never been caught up in the bhp race, so I doubt 250bhp would be stock - aftermarket, quite easily I'd imagine.

IMO 230bhp is more than enough in a small, light car properly setup to out-handle most things

[N16SHP]

Mini have never been caught up in the bhp race, so I doubt 250bhp would be stock - aftermarket, quite easily I'd imagine.

IMO 230bhp is more than enough in a small, light car properly setup to out-handle most things

I'm not really a power nut myself, but agreed! What's the point in having say 300bhp if you can't put all of it down? Is that not the problem with the likes of the Focus RS etc?

[Stewart]

Been in both Ewan’s Elf and Greig’s Works and you had to admire the cars for what they can do with a smile on your face. Guess you’d have to ask the people that get the Cars chipped, was Ms C’s Works Coupe not rocking something like 250Bhp?
Too much power for my personal taste, but I have always enjoyed what is at the top of the MINI tree. Maybe a 230bhp All4 hatch would be something special and the sweet spot and I certainly think it would win over the MINI crowd.

Here is the Last R56 Hatch off the line!
http://mini-th.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Final-R56-700x357.jpg

[KenL]

I recently had an all4 S countryman dealer loan car. Although it felt quite a bit slower than my previous S, the way it planted its rear end coming out of a bend was impressive.

[ELFMAN]

I'm not convinced you need 4WD and big power (250+) on a properly sorted Hot Hatch.
As Ali said, it adds weight and as others have already mentioned, it's all about Balance - if you have a well-sorted (suspension, brakes etc) MINI with 200bhp it'll probably be as just as much of a hoot (or more) than a 4WD version with 250bhp. No point sticking bucketloads of power in a car if you have to compromise weight and dynamics to keep it in check - it's the road to nowhere.

I reckon if MINI strike proper Ride/Handling balance on the new car, that would be worth a lot more in 'real life' situations - like lumpy Scottish B-Roads - than headline power figures and 4WD.

[Stewart]

Spike Meets The New MINI. The New Original.



http://youtu.be/wym-7pZPyNk

[KenL]

Cool dog, cool advert, cool car!

[zimbo]

:lol: Spike stops when he sees the car initially coz hes thinking to himself "WTF happened to the MINI, better go round back to see the badge and make sure my eyes are not deceiving me..."

[Gismo]

I can't wait to see the repair bills for those gadgets, those slider knob things look especially flimsy, looks neat.........but

[Gismo]

Cool dog, cool advert, cool car!You've liked the F56 since it's conception, you'll be the test mule driver when it arrives cause you are the most likely person to buy one, be interesting to see your spec sheet

[KenL]

My spec sheet will be sparse, I am not really a big gadgets fan.

If I do indeed get one, I will wait for demand to drop. Ideally, a car sitting at the dealer in a good colour and ok spec would do me.

[zimbo]

I'm with Ken in the fact that if I ever get another new car I think I will just do as I did with this current one and get it as a dealer forcourt car and not spec up a car myself and that way I will hopefully not take the big hit for what ever is on the car as the first owner would do that. Yes it's been nice to experience the ordering a brand new car etc but when you then think about all the money I've lost after trading in for the next one has not encouraged me to do so anymore. I mean this Cooper I'm in now has been great and trouble free (touch wood!) and yes it has a couple of things missing that I would have liked to have had especially if I keep the car as I was intending on doing but its not a life or death situation and can and have been living without them.

Alan I agree that control gismo around the gear stick looks really flimsy and like it wont last too long before something happens to it.

I also noticed when speccing one up in the configurator online (Cooper) that the basic seats are just that, basic kind of look like an old wooden school chair with some fabric thrown on to make it look acceptable as a seat!! and the decent seats (which I really like the look of, look like old Recaros like mum and dad had in their red cabrio all those many years ago) are a fair bit more money and as far as I'm concerned should really be a standard item in vehicles priced at this range :yes nod:

[Stewart]

Really looking forwards to a test drive in one, I could not compare my Coop to anything other than the Cars pervious that were not MINI. This time after driving the Coop for so long I should notice the difference and I hope in a good way.

With regards to the dealers they normally spec the cars up. My wee Coop was just a back up service car that more or less sat for the first six months of its life till I got it and although it’s down as a pepper pack it has darkened glass, 16” wheels, Sports seats and sports button and everything the Chilli has except floor mats. Everything seemed to be spec’d individually for some reason. The one thing I do want is Non-Runflat with the space saver spare. I’ve never been happy about not having a spare and it cost me £300 to get the Rainsports all round to get rid of that RF harshness.

So are these posh version then?
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/882022_375882419214266_1868063061_o.jpg




The guys at Whiteroof Radio said MINI confirmed it would not have All4 on the new hard top Hatch. But they seemed to think the new Clubbie could.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XCeHw0xQodQ/UpfraMuwDaI/AAAAAAAPS-Q/fcrCU_U2aGY/s1600/New-2015-Mini-CLubman-2.jpg

[ELFMAN]

Re. Spike Vid -
GET THAT MUTT AFF MA SEATS!!!!!!!!! :ragin:
Apart from the potential canine scuffage, I think the car actually looks OK :Whistle:
I thought the slightly bigger body would look 'under-wheeled' on 17's, but not so. Like to see it on the 18's tho...

[Stewart]

So the daddy, the dog’s Nuts has been shown in a concept from. I dont think it moves, it just pulls everything to it going by these vents.

Introducing what could be the new “John Cooper Works”

The concept car will be presented for the first time at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2014 and flies the flag for innovative sportiness in time-honored John Cooper Works style, with features including exclusive body paintwork in Bright Highways Grey, familiar MINI red color accents, bespoke aerodynamic features and 18-inch John Cooper Works light-alloy wheels in a newly developed design.



https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1506427_378276238974884_703345771_n.jpghttps://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/999459_378276148974893_1273409060_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1507038_378276158974892_1004049335_n.jpghttps://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1526888_378276188974889_301366431_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/601214_378276208974887_1608688707_n.jpghttps://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1505613_378276215641553_1167189636_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1501674_378276228974885_724568922_n.jpghttps://scontent-b-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1508148_378276252308216_104380576_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/994405_378276262308215_1533944763_n.jpghttps://scontent-a-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1473027_378276308974877_483793627_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1476264_378276318974876_1782748118_n.jpghttps://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1475804_378276335641541_2064781816_n.jpg

[ELFMAN]

Bit OTT with the red highlights and stripey bits methinks... too fussy. Body-matching roof stripes in simpler form might work better.... Interesting to see the Tech Spec.

[Stewart]

Only a few weeks till they show it off in January at NAIAS, one of the articles said it should be in the dealers by the end of 2014. But going by what MINI has done previous that seems way too early.

[Mon the fish]

That's hideous, far too much red. Looks a bit Halfords IMO

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[Gismo]

That's hideous, far too much red. Looks a bit Halfords IMOAgreed, that front end looks pathetic, and what is going on with the number plate mount, looks like someone forgot that a number plate is required and then threw that in to hold it together

[Stewart]

I really like it, I’ve accepted that front end so maybe it’s a marmite car. Take away the concept guys design stickers that they have been allowed to go nuts with and its something fresh after the R series run. It’s going to stand out as much as MINI intended no doubt and being it’s an all new car improving on what’s come before its going to be interesting seeing what figures they give it.

[weefossy]

Lots of positives for me, but these wheels...........no

[EcosseGP]

^^ easy change and I'm sure if you didn't want them a deal could be done before things were signed on the dotted line ;);)


At 8000rpm no-one hears you scream !

[EcosseGP]

Imagine how much red will be on the GP3 ;);)


At 8000rpm no-one hears you scream !

[KenL]

I agree with the OTT comments. Also how many "works" badges do you really need?

The Cooper is easily the best looker so far to my eyes.

[Mon the fish]

Imagine how much red will be on the GP3 ;);)


At 8000rpm no-one hears you scream !

This is a valid point - if they carry on like this the GP3 will be sticker-bombed

[MINI William]

Looking forward to the next gen JCW, tuning possibilities with a 2L are far better

[EcosseGP]

I think it'd look fantastic if it was done in that brushed aluminium effect too ..


At 8000rpm no-one hears you scream !

[Big Col]

I agree the front end with the vents are questionable and I don't know what they were thinking about with the red "accents" (is it still an accent if you just make everything red?! Kinda the equivalent of PUTTING every SECOND word IN a SENTENCE in CAPS) but the brushed metal finish is, like, well cool daddio! :thumbs up:

[ELFMAN]

APART from the OUTBREAK of RED STICKERPOX, I actually DON'T have TOO much OF a PROBLEM with THE overall LOOK of the CAR :smilewinkgrin: (see what I did there?)

IMHO the 5 spoke GP-influenced wheels look pretty good - I've never been a great fan of the 4 spoke GP's. OK the front end is a bit 'Choonky', and with all those vents (hopefully functional...), the wind resistance alone must take 10mph off the top speed - but hey, when do you ever want to/need to use that on the road anyway?

'Brushed aluminium' paint finish would probably be a nightmare in real life, but I'll give the overall concept the thumbs up :thumbs up: I'm fed up railing against MINI things only to 'come around' to them as time goes on. So as long as it's a great drive and not TOO pricey (I reckon it'll be at least £24K in 'basic' trim), fair enough.

One area I really hope they've put some extra effort into (on ALL F56 models) is the suspension, and that if it's 'adaptive', it actually works and isn't just another Automotive Geek Gimmick :hand:

- - - Updated - - -


Looking forward to the next gen JCW, tuning possibilities with a 2L are far better

Well Well, young man... that GP 2 not grunty enough for you eh? :smilewinkgrin:

[zimbo]

That front end is so frigging ugly and looks like it has hit every branch of a very tall ugly tree on the way down. :frown:
I must admit to really liking the look of the "brushed aluminium effect paint" and also those 5 spoke alloys get a :thumbs up: from me (thats a first for the F series S :thud:)

So where are the front foglights then? :frown: Do we not get front fog lights anymore now?

I agree with others who have posted about the Cooper being the only F series I have any inkling of a liking for so far :Whistle:

I have always wanted a GP ever since the Mk I version so now looks like I will have to try and start saving for the Mk III version then if I am ever going to fulfill a long time dream of owning a GP from new to keep.

[MINI William]

Well Well, young man... that GP 2 not grunty enough for you eh? :smilewinkgrin:

Always looking for the next step :smilewinkgrin:

[Stewart]

The 6-speed manual the R56 John Cooper Works JCW 155kW/260Nm was able to dispatch the 0 to 100km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds and was able to hit a top speed of 238km/h.

The new F56 Cooper S 2-litre turbo engine churning out 141kW of power and 280Nm of torque. This will chew through the 0 to 100km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds and see it through to a top speed of 235km/h.

So that new S has gained ground and not far off what the R56 Works delivered. To me it suggests when they up the stakes on the new F56 Works they can only leave its predecessor way behind. Maybe this will encourage more S drivers that feel they are getting enough grunt now and leave the Works more exclusive. Whatever the price is sure to eye watering. :sad:

It also looks like this they want this new Works out earlier. :thumbs up: but for me the new Coop would do very nice!


http://youtu.be/L_FuLYuHMUA

[ELFMAN]

:thumbs up: but for me the new Coop would do very nice!

Stuart, there's something about the f56 COOPER (hopefully) doing quite a lot with a smaller engine that somehow (however tenuously) harks back to the ethos of the 'Original Original' if you see what I mean.

The more powerful MINIs are great, but there's always something satisfying about a 'lesser' (in purely model range position/cost terms) car actually delivering more than you expected. Whereas if you have loads of grunt, and an overtly 'performance' image, there's sometimes a negative gap between expectation and reality, rather than a pleasant surprise. It's the old saying "Less is More". If the new COOPER has a sweet engine and handles well, while avoiding petrol stations in favour of the open road, not to mention lower insurance etc, it could arguably be the one to go for.

Of course, you have to take what I've said with a pinch of salt if you read the spec below :smilewinkgrin:

- - - Updated - - -


That front end is so frigging ugly and looks like it has hit every branch of a very tall ugly tree on the way down. :frown:

I might just buy one so I look good next to it :thumbs up: Nah, it's not THAT bad :frown:

[Angib]

Bit OTT with the red highlights and stripey bits methinks...

Yeah, but red bits to some boys are as desirable as headlight eyebrows for some girls - some really got for it while the rest of us puke.......

[Mon the fish]

Don't see how putting any more power down than a tuned R56 (I.e. 250bhp) is going to be easy, and a bit pointless IMO.

FWD is really pushing is its limits now, I'd definitely sacrifice outright power for a flat torque curve right to the redline

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[Stewart]

Instead of here comes another Works they have moved the goal posts. It’s certainly getting fans and some of the negative stuff. Some are saying It’s too Soft, then it flips to too harsh and too much like a GP. It’s too Hardcore for a Works and so it goes on. MINI has not revealed its trump card and that is just how far it leaves the currant incarnation you know the Fat MINI, Ugly MINI, the R56 as in 2007 posts. And I should know as it was the R56 I waited for and read just as much negative if not more back then. In saying that by the time MINI had heralded the R56 Works I think most had moved on and we all agreed it looked the Dog’s Nuts back then. It’s all understandable as in general people favour whatever version they own.

MINI USA let slip that the Hatch will not have All4 as far I know.

[illegalhunter]

Now if the new JCW had all4 that would be hot hatch porn

[ELFMAN]

Yeah, but red bits to some boys are as desirable as headlight eyebrows for some girls - some really got for it while the rest of us puke.......

Yes, 'BOYS' being the operative word...

- - - Updated - - -


Now if the new JCW had all4 that would be hot hatch porn

And more weight, and more £££££ :hand:
As has been mentioned, the R56 GP beat the Audi A1 Quattro in a recent 'evo' group test, and did very well against excellent (and vastly more expensive) opposition in the 2013 ECOTY (Evo Car Of The Year) shootout. So IMHO 4WD on a properly sorted Hot Hatch is unnecessary and costly. Would 4WD on the f56 JCW make a it a better drive than the GP2 (or a sorted R53/56)? I'd bet it wouldn't.

The whole thing about the 'Hot Hatch' in the beginning was supposed to be a small, practical, affordable car which offered 'The Thrill of Driving' to 'the masses' which had previously been the preserve of the more well-heeled 'motoring enthusiast'. Arguably it started waaaay back when John Cooper (all Hail His Name) started to fiddle with Mr. Issigonis's family-friendly shopping trolley! Today, one of the best Hot (Hotter if you go for the warranty & wallet-friendly Mountune upgrade) Hatch drives, according to the evo testers (who are pretty much on the ball) is the Fiesta ST. It's affordable, practical, handles as sweet as a nut and although not that powerful, comes alive on a good road. The whole car is more than the sum of its parts. In other words, it's a proper driver's car - no 'bench-racing' BHP figures, no 4WD, no gimmicks.

This is what I was saying earlier, if the f56 COOPER turns out to be a great drive, it's probably truer to the principles of the Mini/MINI concept than any big-powered 4WD creation will ever be.

[Mon the fish]

Light, proper suspension, light 16/17 wheels, 230-250bhp. A mini needs nothing more IMO

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[Angib]

Would 4WD on the f56 JCW make a it a better drive than the GP2?

But it would do two things:

1) Give it a 'higher' specification, which is important if the owner doesn't actually drive faster than his/her mother and relies on what the car could do for his/her ego.

2) Win more traffic light shootouts, for the many drivers for whom it is their only 'fast' driving.

Cynical, moi?

[Stewart]

Or get them up the hill to their house in snow in winter. ;) when the weather hits hard, it's the rear wheeled BMW sitting at the side of the road stuck and the Audi's (dam them) that drive past without a care in the world. Got to love that Quattro system. But yeah for a hatch probably over the top. I've always thought on the highland tour, I'm having just as much fun in my cooper as the high powered cars. Although on a overtake its so nice to have all that power on tap I guess. A site suggested the works could be a disappointing 217Bhp we will have to see.


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[ELFMAN]

But it would do two things:
1) Give it a 'higher' specification, which is important if the owner doesn't actually drive faster than his/her mother and relies on what the car could do for his/her ego.
2) Win more traffic light shootouts, for the many drivers for whom it is their only 'fast' driving.
Cynical, moi?

Yes, your cynicism is probably well-founded. But here's the rub.

1) All this fancy stuff, whether it works or not, costs proper money. How many potential JCW MINI customers will go elsewhere rather than pay the premium for 4WD etc? Sales gained would have to be offset by sales lost, increased production costs et al. For those 'ego w@nkers', surely MINI could just do 'unique' 19" Alloys, a 'Ltd Edition' paint job, OTT Infotainment and Special Badges/Stripes - and whack £4k on the price. A bit like the 'Inspired by Goodwood' nonsense, except with a cheaper mortgage. They don't need actual mechanical stuff, just toys and fluff.

2) I don't know about you, but round here (Lanarkshire) the last thing I'd be doing at town centre traffic lights these days is drag racing with 200+BHP. In the 'good old' pre-congestion days before Speed Cameras and Traffic-Calming furniture (sticky-oot kerbs etc) became the religion of all Local Authorities, I used to partake in my fair share of 'Street Racing', whether in my tuned '82 Mini or Pug 106's. Those days are long gone - it's simply too dangerous. Any kid indulging in this sort of stuff now is more likely to be in a 1.2 Corsa rather than a £25+K MINI JCW.

There's also the worry that if it ISN'T as good a drive as the previous JCW or GP2, it's going to get slaughtered in the motoring press... bad for the whole MINI range.


- - - Updated - - -


A site suggested the works could be a disappointing 217Bhp we will have to see.

Was that 'www.PointlessBenchRacing.com (http://www.PointlessBenchRacingAnonymous.com)' or 'www.can'tdrivefortoffeebuttalkalot.co.uk (http://www.can'tdrivefortoffeebutcantalkagoodgame.co.uk)' by any chance?

[Mon the fish]

A Mini doesn't need 4wd, all it needs are winter tyres. I took the old clubbie over Glenshee 5 mins before they closed it on winters.

Minis are epic in the snow

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[Stewart]

A factory rise in Bhp that's under warranty can't be a bad thing. Certainly maintaining currant Bhp with the 2lt turbo would be folly and would harm sales after all why change. I enjoy the works as its family to my Coop. And nobody wants to see their bigger brother being left behind. :smilewinkgrin:

Mon: I remember Paul from the HT taking pictures of his then clubbie on winter tyres up some forest road in thick snow and always thought it was epic that it could be done.

I think this will be interesting. If you have kids and dont want as big a car as the Countryman and more MINI feel then we also have these two.

Clubman
https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1502543_674261959271357_1788426593_n.jpg

Four door hatch
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1532160_674287039268849_1544472274_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1510581_674287105935509_1505418442_n.jpg

[Mon the fish]

Just seems mental (to me anyway) to have all these niche models, on what is the 1er platform anyway. If I wanted a 5 door hatch, would I not just buy a 1er instead of a Columboman (or whatever they'll call it)?

[Stewart]

Obviously the Clubman has more boot space I take over the four door Hatch and after that its lost on me. I’d have thought if your committed to four doors the new Clubman was the answer. Yes it gets as confusing as hell. I’d love to read their reasoning for certain models. I really don’t think a four door Hatch was needed when a Clubman that can't be much bigger will be on offer. :idunno:



Welcome to MINI model's not only will we drive you round the bend it will be as clear as.......
http://gh0stwriters.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/fog-2-w-wm-resized1.jpg

[Angib]

Yes, my Mini on winters has only been stopped once by an unploughed road in which a truck had made such deep wheel ruts that my Mini was liable to get 'beached' on its bellypan.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k115/angibb/fieldhead.jpg (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/angibb/media/fieldhead.jpg.html)

I've been to one hill farm in deep snow where the owner was trapped in the house, despite having an X6 - he had switched it to low profile summer tyres on wheels big enough to match his ego. His 4WD summers couldn't get up the hill that my 2WD winters could, and that was in forward gear. In reverse (maximum traction in a FWD car) my Roadster is only limited by the appalling view out of the rear window and so frequently reversing into one snow bank or the other.

[Stewart]

If you live and have to travel on such roads then Winters must be a god send and worth every penny. You’d think farmers would know the score with the right tyres in Winter unless it was a hobby farm. If I lived out with the City I’d have Winter tyres on, no question. In the City especially in my case living on top of a hill. I just don’t move the car as you’re not getting it back home if it snows heavy. That pic looks like a lot of fun.

[Alex from NM]

I'm sure I've bored everyone with this tale before but a few years ago at my Mams house on Skye the only 2 vehicles that could get up the hill to her house were a local crofters 4 wheel drive quad and my r56 on it's winter tyres. Some Kia 4x4 even went off the road and started to slide down a 100ft slope

[Stewart]

More F55 than F56. Spotted coming off airfreight.


F55 MINI four door
http://s3.motoringfile.com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/69BEF6AF-2859-4B5C-93F6-1338673991C9_zpsjqhofhmo-640x360.jpg

[illegalhunter]

I like it big muchy

[Mon the fish]

Jeepers that's a big bum

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[Stewart]

Had a Countryman parked right next to us today, first time I’ve noticed how much it extends at the bumper. The new Hatch will now have the same style all be it slightly less of the “You could sit on it” Bumper as it's older bigger brothers the Countryman and Paceman going by what we have seen. So what's the new Clubbie for again as I always figured it was giving a bit more room and practicality while retaining as much of the agile drive of the Hatch.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dVTCvj1WnfI/Usg7fDElU6I/AAAAAAAPmwY/-NZCSHzo4L8/s1600/Mini-F55-Five-Door-Hatch-2%25255B4%25255D.jpg

It’s as if MINI are saying

“listen we know the more practical much larger four door Countryman is not what the Hatch is, here have the four door hatch that drives just as good as it should and you can throw the kids in the back now as well with ease” :smilewinkgrin:

[KenL]

Agreed Stewart - this car will be a good addition. I never regularly had anyone in the back of my hatches, so not for me. However anyone with kids or a need to carry rear seat passengers often will be happy to have the opportunity to buy a MINI that is still more like a MINI than the Countryman.

[Stewart]

MINI’s 2014 & 2015 Model Releases Revealed

MINI road map being reported. AWD being touted to make an appearance in the new Clubman. New JCW Debut late 2014 on sale Spring 2015. JCW concept that will debut at NAIAS in two weeks.


The F56 MINI Hatch (March 2014)
Cooper: B36B15M0 manual / B38B15M0 auto
Cooper S: B48B20M0 manual / B46B20M0 auto


The F55 MINI Four Door (Spring of 2015)
Cooper: B36B15M0 manual / B38B15M0 auto
Cooper S: B48B20M0 manual / B46B20M0 auto

The F54 Clubman (Spring of 2015)
Cooper Clubman: B36B20M0 manual / B38B20M0 auto
Cooper S Clubman: B46B20M0 manual / B48B20M0 auto

F57 MINI Convertible (Spring/Summer of 2015)
Cooper: B36B15M0 manual / B38B15M0 auto
Cooper S: B48B20M0 manual / B46B20M0 auto

The F56 MINI JCW
JCW: B48B20O0 manual and auto (Spring of 2015)

2016-2017 Rumoured Coupe/Roadster.


http://apps.mini.co.uk/mini2010_qa/_common/_shared_files/product_presentation/mini_f56/living_wall/title_expanded/motorisation/gallery/720_405/cooper_d/F56_cooper_d_08_side_gallery_720.jpg

[goodingm]

Does anyone know when they plan to replace the Countryman and Paceman

[Stewart]

Different platform and the Countryman is such a good seller just now. Don't see them playing with it till after they decide what they are doing with the Coupe/Roadster. Although I don't know if they will get the newer engines after 2015 when the non BMW engine contract ends. Could see the coupe being dropped for a metal folding roof roadster and the Paceman being discontinued.


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[goodingm]

Thanks Stewart, I will be looking for car 2015. I like the new technology etc in the hatch but fancy the space of the Countryman/Paceman. Do you know of any plans to have a more powerful diesel SD version by 2015.

[Stewart]

Just going by what's floating about on the net. Not read anything on an SD variant on the new engines. Think Mini would have to watch it with regard to economy and power. The new D gets over 80 MPG they claim. Would the SD be a tuned D with less power than the petrol S with the usual MPG gain I don't know.


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[goodingm]

Cheers, if the Cooper and Cooper S get mpg as quoted then probably no need for diesel mind you.

[KenL]

Cheers, if the Cooper and Cooper S get mpg as quoted then probably no need for diesel mind you.

The f56 S uses substantially more fuel than the Cooper in the quoted figures.

With the r56 there is next to no difference.

[Stewart]

The MPG is as always on the optimistic side from manufacturers probably much the same way some many feel the actual real world Bhp figures of the engines is underwritten but a base line can be seen from previous.

But if you take what MINI have officially gone with before as a base line then the new Engines give a nice boost in economy. Official 10 Mpg more etc.

[zimbo]

As for a claimed '80 MPG' on ANY (non-hybrid) car, I'd take that with a massive pinch of salt in 'real world' driving. How many times have we seen those sort of MPG figures claimed and been unattainable in road tests?

Here is my photographic proof of one of the times I got near the 80 mark when I had my 08 Cooper D :thumbs up:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/11835017786_edd1584500_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29126941@N04/11835017786/)

:smug:

[Mon the fish]

You don't buy an S for fuel economy

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[Stewart]

No but you do buy a SD for it ;)


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[ELFMAN]

Here is my photographic proof of one of the times I got near the 80 mark when I had my 08 Cooper D :thumbs up:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/11835017786_edd1584500_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29126941@N04/11835017786/)
:smug:

Point taken Zimbo, the camera never lies - unless you have photoshop of course! :smilewinkgrin: Obviously not in this case though :thumbs up:
But just to clarify - was that a 'blip' or the overall journey MPG? How were you driving at the time - was it an 'MPG Record attempt' or normal 'mixed' driving? I can easily get mid 50's mpg in my 1.2 Skoda, but as soon as I put my foot down a wee bit, it'll go down to low to mid 40's, which is more representative of what it's actually doing overall. In the R56, I can get mid 40's on a mixed run but that will drop to lower 30's when I use the performance.

I suppose my point was that these extremely high MPG figures aren't as easily achievable in normal driving as the manufacturers would have us believe.

[Mon the fish]

No but you do buy a SD for it ;)

Still think putting S and D together is an oxymoron. If you want a fast, responsive, fun car, you need to pay for it.

There are 3 things you want in a car - power, reliable, cheap. You will get 2, but not all 3.



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[zimbo]

Euan I was on a run from Dundee to otherside of Edinburgh and back, driving to the given speed limits on each road :thumbs up: took for fecking ever to do tho :moonie: so prob never again :lol:

[ELFMAN]

Euan I was on a run from Dundee to otherside of Edinburgh and back, driving to the given speed limits on each road :thumbs up: took for fecking ever to do tho :moonie: so prob never again :lol:

Well done that man :thumbs up:
Guess I'm just not used to Diesel MPG figures - or driving that sensibly for a prolonged period. Most of the road tests I was referring to seem to hardly ever match the quoted MPG figures unless they do it under laboratory conditions :yawn: These days I do have a lighter right foot (which doesn't match the rest of me), but I remember when giving it some stick in my old JCW 210 I used to be able to watch the petrol gauge go down as the revs went up - which was OK until you remembered that the places with the best roads also had the fewest petrol stations and none of them had high octane juice...
Tell you what though, it was still BLOODY GOOD FUN! :motoring:

- - - Updated - - -


Still think putting S and D together is an oxymoron.

Is that a Hyperventilating Idiot? :tumbleweed: I'll get me coat...

[N16SHP]

Still think putting S and D together is an oxymoron. If you want a fast, responsive, fun car, you need to pay for it.

There are 3 things you want in a car - power, reliable, cheap. You will get 2, but not all 3.


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Agreed! For me, the new Cooper is (possibly once driven) perfect for me and my journey's. Probably enough oommf to put a smile on your face on a B road (again for me), but good enough MPG when you don't want to blow through a tank of fuel in 3 days.

[Stewart]

Enjoying the car at a reasonable speed on Scotland's best roads is my idea of fun. I'd never associate watching a fuel gauge dive with it fun, in fact the further I get for my smiles per miles only make the drive better. Watching my pocket empty and the chancellor fill has never done it for me :) That's why I took the Cooper as I wanted more money to spend out with motoring to enjoy while enjoying the fun of the MINI that we all know feels great on the twisties. I remember brimming the car along side a works doing the same at fortwilliam only to do the same at the next petrol stop in Applecross and yes for the extra £15 to refill I'd have enjoyed the power of the works too as your on holiday. But for everyday driving am looking forward to what the new F56 Petrol Coop achieves as I've said it reportedly gets 10 more MPG combined cycle.it does not matter the end figure under a test, it matters its ten more under the same kind of test. If I got 10 MPG more than my R56 I'd be a happy bunny. :) end of!

Only time I've seen what appeared to be fuel gauges move on the move was in my mates Mk1 Mexico and a friends feck off huge speed boat that killed £100 for a quick play and it was only fun as I was not picking up the tab.
If Mini can produce a more powerful Works, S or Coop and save us at the pumps then more power to them.



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[ELFMAN]

Enjoying the car at a reasonable speed on Scotland's best roads is my idea of fun. I'd never associate watching a fuel gauge dive with fun, in fact the further I get for my smiles per miles only make the drive better. Watching my pocket empty and the chancellor fill has never done it for me :) That's why I took the Cooper as I wanted more money to spend out with motoring to enjoy while enjoying the fun of the MINI that we all know feels great on the twisties. I remember brimming the car along side a works doing the same at fortwilliam only to do the same at the next petrol stop in Applecross and yes for the extra £15 to refill I'd have enjoyed the power of the works too as your on holiday. But for everyday driving am looking forward to what the new F56 Petrol Coop achieves as I've said it reportedly gets 10 more MPG combined cycle.it does not matter the end figure under a test, it matters its ten more under the same kind of test. If I got 10 MPG more than my R56 I'd be a happy bunny. :) end of!

Only time I've seen what appeared to be fuel gauges move on the move was in my mates Mk1 Mexico and a friends feck off huge speed boat that killed £100 for a quick play and it was only fun as I was not picking up the tab. If Mini can produce a more powerful Works, S or Coop and save us at the pumps then more power to them. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

Stuart, I meant that the JCW 210 was great fun DESPITE the fuel issue - not that the rubbish MPG was PART of the fun, just an unfortunate consequence. Life's like that, you can have your fun, but you often pay a price. I totally agree that having to watch the fuel gauge isn't a good thing, but the trade-off is that you arguably get the experience of a bigger 'buzz'. That's why 2,500bhp Top Fuel dragsters get 0 MPG but bucketloads of adrenalin. The COOPER is a great car and on a properly twisty road in the right hands, just as quick as the S, but the sound and feel of a tuned R53 when you're really in the mood was worth every extra penny at the pumps. Different strokes for different folks.

My R56 is just as quick as my 210, but easily gets more MPG. However, the old car was such a combination of power, handling and sound that it seemed directly wired into your system just that crucial bit more than the R65 is. Now that I'm an older fart, I often enjoy the slightly less 'frantic' nature of the newer car, and I've had one of my best ever drives in the '56 (chasing the convoy up the road from Durness on the Highland Run), but that wee blue motor was something else. Old Skool. Even now looking at photos of it, I can get withdrawal symptoms!

4830 Ahh... Memories :bigwave:

OK, Sorry folks - back on topic! :hand:

[Stewart]

A Cooper will suit me just fine. You can’t miss what you have never had in a MINI and I’ve never had an S or Works. Getting more power twinned with better economy than the previous model. Yes please! Getting some of the buzz without the unfortunate trade off sounds good to me in the performance MINI's . Be interesting how close the new Coop is to the old R53 S with regards to fun as it's edged closer in performance.

[Stewart]

Always nice to see members old cars :)


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[Mon the fish]

the sound and feel of a tuned R53 when you're really in the mood was worth every extra penny at the pumps

Why I won't be selling mine, or getting an F56 - with the emphasis on feel

[Big Col]

Still think putting S and D together is an oxymoron.

Here was me thinking the SD was faster than the D... :rolleyes:

[Mon the fish]

Here was me thinking the SD was faster than the D... :rolleyes:

That's not my point - the point is IMO a diesel engine doesn't fit with the character of an S

[Big Col]

That's not my point - the point is IMO a diesel engine doesn't fit with the character of an S

So do you think mini should only have created one diesel model or just not called the faster one an S? Or should they just not have made a diesel at all?

[Mon the fish]

I don't think a diesel should have an S badge, same as I think a BMW diesel shouldn't have an M badge.

This is only IMO of course, but S/JCW/M badges to me mean more than just outright power - it's about feel, responsiveness, driving pleasure

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[Big Col]

Have you driven an SD?

[ELFMAN]

A Cooper will suit me just fine. You can’t miss what you have never had in a MINI and I’ve never had an S or Works. Getting more power twinned with better economy than the previous model. Yes please! Getting some of the buzz without the unfortunate trade off sounds good to me in the performance MINI's . Be interesting how close the new Coop is to the old R53 S with regards to fun as it's edged closer in performance.

As I posted earlier in this thread, I reckon the latest COOPER could be an excellent all rounder in the new line up. As you said, the (straight line) performance has been improved, it should handle, there's the Economy issue we've discussed and Insurance should be affordable. Could well be the 'Smart Buy'. Still not sure about the dumpy front-end though... Also interesting to compare a stock R53 to the F56 COOPER. That would make a decent comparison test, just to see how we might quantify 'Progress'. One thing for sure - it certainly won't have that supercharger whine we know and love!

[weefossy]

Last Highland Tour, The Beast returned 39mpg average over the whole trip. Running in traffic up to Fort William and coming back down A9 probably balanced out the "spirited drive" on the important bits. That to me is a happy balance. Handling and speed on the country roads are the main reason I have a MINI, but fuel consumption and better ride when in comfort mood, are why I prefer the R56 works to the R53 works. I miss the whine, but the "Darth Vader" air filter makes up for it. imo

[Mon the fish]

I regularly get 37-38mpg out my R53, some hooning, some cruising

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[KenL]

I regularly get 37-38mpg out my R53, some hooning, some cruising

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That is good and surprising. I only got about 33 - 35mpg with my R50 ONE.

[Mon the fish]

Remapped. R53s run too rich stock.

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[Angib]

I don't think mpg figures are comparable between different drivers - one person's definition of 'taking it easy' is another person's definition of 'should be locked up for driving dangerously'.

Lots of people believe they are 'about average' in many ways, but that doesn't mean they are.

And then they quote mpg figures that come from odd sources, such as the car's readout over a gentle tankful, or maybe just over a 20 mile journey and they decide that is representative - which is marginally more accurate than a guess, but only just.

I got 38.4mpg from my R57 Cooper, measured over 50,000 miles with all but two tankfuls recorded. But then I consider an indicated 85mph to be a normal motorway cruising speed and if I usually did 70mph, the result would probably be 10% better.

And 47.8mpg from my SD over 16,000 miles so far, driven much the same way. Except hooning in the SD is a lot faster than it was in the Cooper - which is how come I found out that the Cooper brakes fitted to the SD are quite inadequate for me.

It doesn't matter how efficient an engine is, if you use it to reach 70mph before braking for the next bend, it will use more fuel than a car which can only reach 60mph before braking. I've managed to see under 30mpg on the SD's OBC when driving like I stole it on the deserted country roads round here....

[ELFMAN]

TBH I never really took that much notice of the fuel consumption in my R53 (except when the gauge was getting low in the middle of Mull or up North and then I'd slow down and hope the petrol station was still open...). It was always driven as the feeling took me, if I drove it fast, it used more fuel, but I smiled more. If I drove it slower, it went further - until I sped up again. It would have been a bit daft to run a tuned R53 and then fret about the rubbish MPG wouldn't it?

I must admit nowadays that I although I enjoy my R56 in its modded state, I also enjoy the fact that I can have fun in it without planning my holiday route around petrol stations. I must be getting soft...

[KenL]

Excellent post Angib...

[Stewart]

I’ve always got really good consumption when I wanted it most touring about the Highlands or North Yorkshire etc. Even on the Highland runs playing catch up after stopping to take pictures it was 50+ Mpg most of the time and I mean that by brimming it and redoing it. When I came down from Tongue to Fortwilliam the computer had it as 56MPG and in real terms it was 52-3 going by filling the car up again and recording it on the App. last year we took the Scenic route through Crieff before heading into serious traffic and from brimmed in Glasgow with 30 mils running about the day before the run to brimming at FW it took just below 17 ltr's working out at just about 50 MPG. And anyone on the run will tell you after the Greenwelly it was nose to tail traffic on the A82. I was happy enough. To Applecross brimmed again the MPG took a hit down to 45 Mpg actual but then if you know the climbs of the roads thats understandable. It’s the best valued petrol I’ve ever spent. In some places like the Coast road from Applecross the car could get 14 mpg and still be value. :smilewinkgrin:

For everyday driving and tootling about town having great mpg is a bonus to me personally and important hence the interest in it. It’s what attracted me to my Cooper and what attracts me to the new Cooper from the change to a S. If they had kept the power as it was I think I would have been tempted to an S just for a change but enjoyed reading they had upped the power and Torque, what that means in the real world we will find out in March.

I suppose the MINI dream would be having a comfortable affordable everyday modern MINI under warranty that still brings a smile to your face and does not dent your wallet that does most of your miles and a R53 GP tucked away under cover for the weekend. Right now I can but afford half the dream and its comes with a warranty. :smilewinkgrin:

[ELFMAN]

Right now I can but afford half the dream and its comes with a warranty. :smilewinkgrin:

Half a Dream is better than No Dream Stuart! :smilewinkgrin: Totally agree with your reasoning. As I said, the new smaller-engined COOPER could be arguably closer to the "original original" vibe - power is addictive, but (relatively) affordable fun is a hard concept to beat :thumbs up: I had great times in my 115bhp '01 COOPER, and while since then I've certainly gone faster, I haven't necessarily gone better. Sometimes it's easy to lose sight of that.

[Mon the fish]

Disappointing there's still so long to wait to actually see it in the flesh, the journo's should only get it 1 month or so before we do

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[illegalhunter]

When I look at the 4 door r56 , I think Austin Maxi

[KenL]

Showing your age there ;).

Surely the new MINI will be better built and looking than any 70s British Leyland effort!

[Stewart]

Well Sir Alec Issigonis did designer it. So its all good!:thumbs up: I can feel the love for The color beige interiors coming back in. :flag:

"It’s a crying shame I tell you, they don’t make cars like they used to, these new robots cant strike like in the good old days….."
http://www.maxfarquar.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Red-Robbo.jpg

[weefossy]

"Red Robbo" aka Derek Robinson........I actually met him at one point. He built all my great Marina's, in exoctic colours like Harvest gold and that grey one that looked like an undercoat.
He had a love for cats i think....lol.

[Angib]

.....and that grey one that looked like an undercoat.
A bit of heritage which BMW are doing a fine job of replicating - my car is painted in what Mini amusingly call 'White Silver' but I reckon its grey undercoat with clearcoat over it......

[Stewart]

I like the white silver and that's from a pure silver owner. Only thing about getting it next would be the neighbours with my private plate would think it was just the same car and what's the fun in that ;)


Coming to a dealer near you!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1511196_685862864777933_1558084124_n.jpg

[zimbo]

Dark blue with black wheels on the bottom lower section between the red and the yellow looks pretty nice to me, I'll take that, the yellow or the white silver or the midnight black on the top bunk :yes nod:

looking forward to the 15 March getting here so I can go have a hands on look at the cars. Just got myself an F56 brochure and price list today :thumbs up: Was hearing that apparently the petrol Coopers are £20 a year for road tax :clap:

[Stewart]

Was hearing that apparently the petrol Coopers are £20 a year for road tax :clap:

Neighbours new one series is only £20 a year but it’s a diesel. My Coop is £105 for twelve Months, but as they say every little helps if true and I’d certainly welcome £20 road tax for new generation of Coopers.:thumbs up: Interesting I wonder how insurance will look at for example the new Cooper being technically a smaller engine but with more power.

Has to be said nice Clubbie as well on there. :smilewinkgrin:

[KenL]

I am pretty sold on the new red.

Looking forward to seeing one. Is 15 March the reveal day in dealers?

[Stewart]

I don’t think there is an official date. But from what I can read customers that have ordered the new F56 have been told by dealers probably mid March before they get their Mitt’s on the new machines.

[KenL]

I really don't like where have put the "Cooper" badge. I would probably remove it.

- - - Updated - - -

Forgot to say...good find and thanks for posting this picture.

[Stewart]

Concerning badges I just hope someone has had the foresight to let Cooper owners have the black mesh grille without an S in it…..But then its not like they think we like to make our cars individual is it.

I can see that being another entertaining conversation in the parts department.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5XvBYfxU_dM/TKz5Z6-65JI/AAAAAAAAOJk/rmkoOCXR44E/Blazing%2520Saddles,%2520No%2520Stinking%2520Badge s%2520scene%255B19%255D.png%3Fimgmax%3D800

[Scottie]

Dont think that pic was taken in the uk

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[Gismo]

customers that have ordered the new F56 have been told by dealers probably mid March before they get their Mitt’s on the new machines.Folks have already bought these and not even had a test drive :Whistle:

[Stewart]

Don’t know if this real deal but its floating about today.


The F56 JCW

https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/10195_686547078042845_1001970254_n.jpg




Folks have already bought these and not even had a test drive :Whistle:
Yeah not the best way to buy a car and there is plenty of quoted builds given on forums. I know you get rich nutters putting deposits down on the latest Aston or Ferrari before even seeing off a page but for an everyday car I’d have to have a drive and see it in the metal a few times. Guess people will have a good idea what the car will be like and get to enjoy a few months of having the latest toy exclusive as reward for the first orders.

[KenL]

Lots of people placed orders for the R50 and R56 without driving one.

[Mon the fish]

I bought my 550 this weekend without driving it.

On the F56 subject, I would never buy a car that has just been launched - always wait a year IMO for all the niggly faults to be found out.

Mini has plenty of history with faults remember...

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[Gismo]

Lots of people placed orders for the R50 and R56 without driving one.I can't think of any reason why I would give out approx £20k without at least a test drive

[Stewart]

On the F56 subject, I would never buy a car that has just been launched - always wait a year IMO for all the niggly faults to be found out.
Mini has plenty of history with faults remember...

Sensible thing to do and I’d love to do that but I’ve had the car six years now and just fancy change. The plan is still to take a look in August and see if any near new are floating about.

[Angib]

I can't think of any reason why I would give out approx £20k without at least a test drive
The trouble is I don't see what they really teach you. If a test drive was a week's loan of a car, then it would do some good but my dealer doesn't even do unaccompanied test drives.

I think the things that matter in the end are mostly those that take six months of ownership to find out, like does the sight of a twisty wet road fill you with pleasure or dread? Test drives are good for "are the cupholders big enough?" and "can I see over the steering wheel?", but never tell you "can I drive it comfortably for six hours straight?" and "when it lets go, can I catch it before it spins?".

[Stewart]

Few more pic's. That looks a nice Blue.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/61473_686824511348435_534821958_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1150356_686824491348437_1412954147_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1555523_686824524681767_1423437787_n.jpg

http://btwyx.com/Pictures/F56.jpg
http://btwyx.com/Pictures/F56Nose.jpg
http://btwyx.com/Pictures/F56Tail.jpg

[Mon the fish]

The rear lights are a bit comedy-sized when you see the clubby

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[Stewart]

Have to say I've got used to the lights now.

We all got used to the Paceman after all in no time although its more in keeping with its size.
http://www.bimmertoday.de/wp-content/uploads/MINI-Paceman-R61-Starlight-Blue-Paris-Autosaoln-2012-05.jpg

[KenL]

The blue does look good.

[Stewart]

The Concept has landed as they say in the flesh at NAIAS 2014.

https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1601076_10151783376452084_965121301_n.jpg
http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/050dbdba7c5511e380911231d1999788_8.jpg
http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/ae1a5fd87c6111e3b73b0e966963122f_8.jpg
http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/40ea43307c5511e3981d125fbb6fcb5c_8.jpg
http://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/4d161a147c6211e383dd0ee3ed4da860_8.jpg
http://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/6d28b6707c5511e3b8cd1227d7fa1b14_8.jpg
http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/a01be2a87c6111e391081274b052bbe4_8.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1503296_10151783286257084_330818676_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1/1538754_10151783285542084_2045005195_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1601355_10151783278257084_1740222513_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1493124_10151783273542084_1667103190_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/t1/999616_10151783277177084_1451043797_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1506658_10151783274972084_576123352_n.jpg

[Gismo]

I like the look of it except the front splitter area

[zimbo]

I love the look of that brushed aluminium effect paint but absolutely HATE the front and rear bumpers, good god WHAT were they thinking :frown:

Think i'm going to do a photoshop of what I'd have preferred to have seen :thumbs up: (and what I assume a load more people will have too...)

[weefossy]

I'd drive that, but why does the front end look like a lego brick. Wheels are minging....imo

[EcosseGP]

I'm loving it although I'd be losing a few bits of red from it .. ;) exhaust .. well I want !!

[Angib]

That's a lorra, lorra red stickers - it must be really fast or it wouldn't have so many red bits, would it?

[N16SHP]

:S where to start on that. It's going to be a good runner, but it's certainly not a looker. They should have called it the the Mini Sally Gunnell (a'l get my coat).

[EcosseGP]

^^ ;);)

[ELFMAN]

That's a lorra, lorra red stickers - it must be really fast or it wouldn't have so many red bits, would it?

Either that or it has High Blood Pressure! :blush::thud:

- - - Updated - - -


It's going to be a good runner, but it's certainly not a looker. They should have called it the the Mini Sally Gunnell (a'l get my coat).

Oh Dear... :frown: Speaking for the 'Barred from the Catwalk' majority, I reckon that one should have fallen at the first hurdle! :hand:

[Stewart]

Every angle covered inside and out.

NAIAS COOPER (http://www.bmwblog.com/2014/01/13/2014-naias-f56-mini-cooper/mini-cooper-f55-detroit-auto-show01/)/



http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/MINI-cooper-F55-detroit-auto-show53-750x500.jpg

Yes I can put on an Halfords Turbo sticker on at last!!!!! :smilewinkgrin: