MotoringFile Most liked posts in thread: MotoringFile is Driving the New F56 MINI – What Do you Want to Know?

Reviews are positive on the driving experience, moreso the Base than the S though. One thing that will help the car is the lower center of gravity, but it looks like the S pushes a bit; the Cooper looks like the better option in it's class for the track from Top Gear's article.

It looks like the stock suspension has been improved, and the wheel feedback is better than on the R56. It looks like they've pushed to make it more civil, which is ok, but I keep seeing the word "refined" which isn't my thing (I understand it is for most people buying the car though). I hope they make the JCW or GP a bit less "refined", for those who want a car with a bad attitude rather than gracious manners. Can't wait to drive one.

 

I figured it would drive OK & I'm glad it does. I am a bit surprised that the S handling was not liked as much as the Cooper especially since the one driven had the wizbang electro-struts.

Knowing that it drives well eases my mind. To me it looks like the offspring of a Countryguy Pacman union. Man there is not one good angle to look at that thing. Sure hope it's personality can trump its looks. When the next gen MINI comes out we may look back on this toad & describe it as cute. :frown2:

 

Maybe "Extreme Distance" friends.... Ahhhh..... No...

 

I was thinking the same thing sort of. For sure it has made the R56 a more attractive alternative than the F'n56.

 

Fog Lights are standard.

 

I have never see so many clean cars without dents from New Jersey.

 

Thanks Nathan. Now I found the rear fog light.

It did seem odd, that you have to pay for the rear spoiler on the "S".

If you get the car in black and then black out the chrome, you can't see the grill anymore and it looks fine.

 

yes, good points cct1 (and I knew Dave O. would put a LIKE on your post !)

I forgot about the SC whine. I really do wish I had that sensation. I was lucky enough recently to drive a 2012 Corvette ZR1, and the SC spooling up and screaming like a banshi is a very visceral experience. Really makes you feel in-tune with the inputs you are sending to the motor.

With the R56 and R60 turbos.....nothing...not even a turbo wail !

 

The only real question I would like to have answered by a designer is:
"What inspired the front of both cars?" Honestly not from a VP of this or that or MF I want the answer to come from a designer.

All the rest of the car is what it is even the taillights from an old Lincoln Navigator don't bother me as much as the front. Talk about making a horrible first impression.

 

Yeah....
#1 Ask the engineers if the F56 Justa bumper will direct fit/replace the "S" / JCW bumpers, both front and back?

#2 The current rumor has it that MINI plans to offer an aftermarket F56 front and rear bumper replacement.... Is this true and will it be a factory up-charge option?

#3 How soon will the F56 LCI bumper redesign be offered? And will it be available sans stickers?

Ummmmmm...... That's pretty much the only questions I have... Thank you....

 

Man, you guys are a tough crowd.

 

Yeah we are the group that would walk up to the mother of a newborn baby and say: "Damn that's one ugly baby" :lol::lol::lol:

 

Honestly, I'd be shocked if it wasn't.

The MotoringFile staff keep claiming over and over that they don't pull punches when it comes to reviews, but Gabe gets free long term loaners (up to a year!) for personal use and that has no influence?

 

Yep he's not going to mess with his free lunch. That has been very obvious for quite a long time. Even a dolt like me could see that.

 

Yeah If I was getting free "loaner" cars for extended amount of time I would think the car was AWESOME too. (But only because it was free)

I will drive a Fiat and tell you it great if you give me one.

 

Free country, we are all still allowed to have our own opinions. Not sure anyone here has ever said MF has never disliked anything. Bet they dislike this thread. :biggrin5:

Heck I'd take a free Abarth. Where's the line start? :donut1:

 

What MotoringFile actually wrote, and this is typical of the way they minimize criticism:

MotoringFile » Archive » The Top Ten Things We Love About the New MINI (And Five We Don't)

Pretty mild comment for something that has provoked an almost universal storm of protest in the MINI community.

 

Minimizing and being non-critical are two different things. Initial comments in this thread said MF would give glowing reviews and now the tone is their critique is too mild. I never said WRR was the problem, what I was saying is that reading MF in conjunction with listening to WRR, over time it gives you a better detail with where they stand on things. I don't think it's a requirement that one be as blunt and offensive with their critique as possible.

 

Blah blah blah they are all BMW puppets.

 

This problem was created the day before the car magazine was created. Some PR flack called some author and said, hey, write about our car, we'll send you by steamship, first class, to this unique local, ply you with food and drink and let you drive our cars. Please be sure to give a real honest review to our potential buyers.