…. is that in order for us to buy it we need to be feel like our existing MINIs are no good, or at least somewhat inferior. And so that of course is what I read from MINI, and MINI-apologist sites like MotoringFile, and I am instantly turned off the new vehicle. Of course the new MINI does have improvements over the current generation, as technology has moved on, but I hate being made to feel like I bought a unrefined, underpowered, piece of crap.
Which I certainly did not.
I really don’t think that is the case. If anything, they are giving the per R56 models a slightly more ‘cult-classic’ feel. Sure there are customers who want a more BMW-like ride,, smoother, softer…less ferocious – but isn’t that what we like about our MINIs? The seat of the pants drive that it gives is certainly what attracted me when I sold my BMW and bought a 05 MCS JCW!
My impression of the MINI site is they are trying to appeal to the greater masses. By saying the ride (or whatever) is more refined, may make it more desirable to a greater number of people than those that already own MINIs. If it would have been possible, I would have gotten a pre-R56 model. And those at motoringfile seem to dearly love the current models, and they also seem to like to R56 quite a bit. Do you think MINI is going mostly after current owners and thinks they should “upgrade” to R56?
That seems to be the progression of automakers in general. The new model is always more spacious, powerful, and more [fill in the blank]. Our current r50/53’s certainly hold their own, but MINI is in the market of selling cars and they need you to think you need to opt for the new model. I for one am not running to my dealer to sign up for one just yet… but I do kinda like it.
Wow… MINI apologist. I’m not even sure I know what that means.
And for the record I’m not selling my MINI. The R56 is good but it’s not near good enough to render my (or your) MINI obsolete.
MINI-Apologist seems a bit harsh. But I can kinda see where you’re coming from. I don’t follow your reasoning on any MINI campaign that I have seen.
The new R56 MINI is without a doubt, the Ämericanized”version of the new MINI. This car is the by product of people that bitched and complained about the outgoing model…Too Harsh, Too noisy, Too Raw, Too uncomfortable. And the list goes on and on.
So BMW turns around this time and brings out a car with polarizing design details, dumbed down for the complaining masses and generally cushier to accomodate for fat American butts. People that love BMWs but always longed for a sub $25K Bimmer, the R56 MINI provides the feel of a baby Bimmer but not a raw MINI.
For those of us who think that MINI has taken the wrong direction by making compromises in the new car, take comfort on that the R53 is a car that was built with vision and passion and will be the most sought after MINI in 15-30 years from now. No need to lose sleep over the R56, IMHO.