A brand new Mini

Just curious, what do most Mini owners think of the new Mini, debuting in March? I had the opportunity to view one up close recently at a dealer sponsored event this past weekend. If you would like to see some pictures of that event, let me know here and I'll post a link.
Johnny

I saw the new Mini at the Chicago show. It attracted more people than any other car, much like the New Beetle did in 1999.
What most impressesd me was quality of finish and materials as well as the many options as well as standard features such as side curtain air bags.
The S should be fast, practical, fun, affordable, as well as safe.

There's another post here in the Mini forum with a link to pictures of the New Mini from the Detroit Auto Show. Here's the thread:
https://www.britishcarforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=26&t=000017

George

Personally, I'd rather sacrifice AC, Sunroof, Auto Tran., rear window defogger, power brakes, power steering,and a few other options, for a base MINI, 5 sp tranny, with a roof rack that's practical, that costs a whole lot less.
In other words, "less is best", when it comes to fun transportation.
Johnny

I actually hate the new Mini.Sure,it's styled beautifully,but it's just too gimmicky and modern for what I like.I like my '79 Mini,and I wouldn't have it any other way.The new Mini is so big,and there isn't much room inside,especially in the back,and you can have 15-17" tires on it? Come on!

And the price.....$25k CDN base! I can buy a loaded Toyota Corolla for that money!

The new Mini is not a car for me.No thanks BMW,I'll keep my '79 1000.

I couldn't think of a more unique new car sold in the united states at probably the lowest price for a individual and specialized car.

This car will take the market by storm here because its so different in todays sea of boring..look a likes..

Differiation is the key to success..and the new mini really nailed it..both in side and out!

Couldn't agree more about the great timing and marketplace for the new mini. Although, one must realize this is NOT the old mini. It's completely new.

On Sunday, I took my Mini to the SCCA Solo2 Autocross. A guy named Stan, who is currently the class points leader for the HS Solo class traded in his car for a new mini. We ran against each other. He nearly had the best time of the day on street tires, to boot. Where I had a few challenges with a stock mini. His performed VERY VERY well. I can imagine the times he'll post once he changes the tires.

As for me, I'm thinking of selling my classic for a Cooper S.....


GO MINI>>>>>

Hold on, chaps! The new Mini is not revolutionary, nor even evolutionary in the sense of doing something known but doing it better than before. It's a fairly conventional modern small European car, similar to any number of other vehicles in the same size and price range. I have no doubt that it's a very good automobile and probably fun to drive, but apart from the superficial similarity in shape (but not size; the new one isn't very small), it has little or no connection with the original Mini. I doubt that it handles any better than a small VW, Renault, Peugeot, Skoda, Fiat etc. etc. or even European Ford (none of the comparable vehicles is available in the U.S.)

In contrast, the original(1958-9?) was revolutionary. A mass production inexpensive vehicle with transverse engine, front-wheel drive, plenty of space for people in the front and just about tolerable for two in the rear (better than some American cars of the period that were twice as long!), within a few years with hydrolastic suspension (amazing for a car of these dimensions). Those were firsts. And of course it had handling that placed it with the most expensive sports cars of the day.

My first car was a new 1968 Mini, basic 848 cc, no frills apart from underseal. It cost 640 pounds, well under $1000 at today's exchange and only perhaps $1400 even then. No, its acceleration and top speed were unimpressive (although the engine flexibility was extraordinary), but of course you didn't need to slow down for bends! It was fun to drive in a way that very few other cars of the era were.

Ken G (1925 Rover 16/50 and 1996 BMW 318ti, but alas, no old Mini)

While cruising across 287 and over the tappen Zee bridge in my Z06 today..I ran across a new owner of a silver supercharged mini..WHAT A FANTASTIC CAR! SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL The silver mini with black top and I believe 17 inch rims was beautiful ..

I love the interior that I saw at the New York Auto Show..I love the exterior but on the road here in the North East..on a sunny day..it looked great. The owner was cool as we chatted through the windows while stuck in bumper to bumper traffic..

A great car and if I didn't already have three cars..I'd surely grab one of these..

The owner raved about how great it handled and accelerated as well.

Today was a great car day..thats for sure........

This car will be a hit for years to come..