Motoring Fun MINI Club member, popey from the UK, gives us his take on the new R56 which he test drove this past week. Can’t wait for him to pick up his R56 in mid-December!! For all of us here in the US waiting to test drive the next MINI, here is what he had to say to carry us over till January/February, 2007:

popey’s Review Of The R56

The time had arrived, after all those sleepless nights spent worrying about my decision, today I get to drive the car. There has been so many mixed reviews of the car I couldnít wait to jump in belt up and set off and discover what all the fuss was about.

The Exterior

The first thing that strikes you when you look at the new car is how remarkably similar it looks to the outgoing model. It still has all the Mini features we know and love but now itís just chunkier and dare I say it funkier too. Ok, so the air scoop is now only there because it looks good, but the point is it does look good.

Continuing to walk round the car the next thing to hit me was the two huge mesh grills at the front, well these are going to be highly debatable, but there is no doubt they give the car a more muscular look and for me much improved over the slats. The looks is improved thither by the 17î Web Spoke alloys.

The side S grills that housed the indicator lights are now a thing of the past. There much a matter of personal taste but to me were a bit to ìblingî. There now a solid piece of plastic with a chrome effect embossed with the trademark S. Talking of plastic there is much more of that around the bottom of the Mini too, but donít let the pictures put you off it looks ok when you see it.

Good Points: New front Grills, Laser Blue looks great, Good looking New Alloys

Bad Points: The S side grill, needs 17î wheels to look good, Filler cap feels flimsy.

The Interior

Time to open the door and step inside; at this point Iím like a kid in a sweet shop! There are so many changes my eyes are on overload.

When you sit down the first thing you notice is that your much more supported by the new seats and how much room you have (back seats still kids only). Then it hits youÖÖ the big centre Speedo of the old Mini has been to the gym taken steroids and is now a monster! Is huge, but looks fantastic and especially if you go for the Satellite Navigation which in my opinion is a must. It does seem the dash as been designed around the Sat Nav and without it almost looks dull and a bit cheap.

Moving down to the new slim line centre console you can clearly make out the Mini logo from the heating controls, which unless you spec the Automatic Climate Control look some what disappointing and not built to last.

Overall Iím impressed with the interior of the new Mini, but you do need to add a lot of options if you want true style. I will also add that leather would be a move in the right direction as the cloth leather combinations just donít work for me.

Good Points: Styling with Sat Nav, Comfort, Push button start, Standard Tem Controls

Bad Points: You need Sat Nav and itís very expensive

With Sat Nav

No Sat Nav

The Drive

I insert the new round ìkeyî into the slot, steeped on the clutch and pressed the Start button ìItís aliveî. I set off on my first R56 Mini Adventure, and I have to say both engine and exhaust noise are very unobtrusive at this point. And getting rid of the hydraulic steering system also means that you no longer have to put up with that whining noise when parking.

Out of the car park I head straight for the Motorway. Going down the on ramp I put my foot down, the acceleration is remarkable. I canít stop smiling, what a car, itís just so great and it all goes together so well with the new six speed gearbox. And before anyone asks, yes it does pull in sixth gear. On return to the dealers I use the windy back roads, press the Sport button and see what see can do.

The car handles like a dream and with the Sport button activated you can feel the difference in the steering thatís become more weighted and the acceleration is a bit sharper. Itís a great fun to drive and even on a typical British winters day there is no shortage of grip. I forgot to mention how good it does sound when you give it some revs, very sporty.

So, did I miss the sound of the old SuperchargerÖ.. No. The R56 makes all the right noises in all right places. Itís smooth and refined on the motorway with little noise from car or wind, getting on the county lanes and letís just say you will like what you hear.

Good Points: Everything.

Bad Points: Living in a country with speed limits.

Summing Up

Its a Mini, you will love it or hate it, but chances are that with time you will love it and most will be converted once they drive it. The bad news is the price, your looking at £22,000 for a car with all the toys. If your want a high quality low maintenance high performance car that you can live with every day, then welcome to the R56!

[ popey’s Site ]