R.I.P. MINI Cooper

It's official: the MINI Cooper is dead. It was pronounced dead on arrival on Monday, August 14, 2006. What a sad turn of events.

Let me explain.

When the new MINI Cooper debuted back in 2001, it was probably the most uniquely designed consumer car available for under $30k. Everything about it was exciting - the design, the technology, fuel consumption, etc. I bought one right after I first test drove it. I was that impressed.

5 years pass, and I have owned not one, but TWO MINI Coopers in that period of time. That's how near and dear this car is to my heart (Even though the second go-around it was just a "weekend car").

But just recently something really surprising happened. BMW and MINI announced that aside from the engine upgrade to the 2007 models, of which I have no objection, they would be making some tweeks to the exterior design and then a complete redesign of the interior. Because I love the MINI, I became worried.

First of all, WHY CHANGE SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T NEED CHANGING? The 2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S is ahead in design terms by far of any other car in its price range. It is SO unique, which is what I think is the primary characteristic of a MINI. Something, I'm afraid to say, that has been surrendered in the new 2007 models.

The new 07 MINI Cooper is still a MINI to the average buyer. But look closer. The headlights are no longer attached to the hood. Why? Not for aesthetic reasons, that's for sure. It's because it's cheaper to manufacture. On the inside: much less plastic and other materials in place of ugly rubbery materials. Why? Again, NOT for aesthetic reasons, as MINI and BMW claim on their web site, it's because it's cheaper.

So it would seem that MINI and BMW have sadly made the decision to sacrifice uniqueness and character in place of cutting manufactory costs. MINI claims that the new car is "higher quality" - and that may be true for some points (such as upholestry and lighting), but that could made without the complete overhaul that they did.

In short, the new MINI Cooper looks noticeably less like what we have grown to know the MINI Cooper to be. And the Cooper S is much less sporty and appealing than its predecessor. On the inside, it is utter disappointment. I was going to buy another one soon, but after I saw the 07 models, I have rethought that. Too bad.

adambravo - 8/15/2006 9:46:27 AM

+1 Boost

Well, to begin with, your average Joe or Jane on the street would have to look real hard to spot the differences. Secondly, some of the changes were REQUIRED to meet legal regulations--hence the longer front overhang, which necessitated other changes to keep the look. Thirdly, the new car has a much better powertrain (more powerful and more fuel efficient--again, requiring re-engineering), more interior and cargo space, nicer interior materials (Hello! LESS plastic! Hurrah!). And you're upset because the headlamps aren't mounted on the hood anymore? To borrow a phrase, "Bollocks!" If you're not going to buy a new Mini, then fine--more choice for the rest of the folks who see the big picture.

TVT01 - 8/15/2006 11:36:08 AM

+1 Boost

Don't be so afraid of change dude. EVERYTHING about the new Cooper is a MAJOR upgrade from the previous version. It looks better, it has better power and MUCH better interior quality and ergonomics. The first one was very nice, the new one is nicer still.

You have to be the only person I have ever heard of who would prefer hard plastic to soft touch ruberized materials (which are MUCH more expensive BTW).

I understand that it is hard to give up something you love, and you don't need to, keep your current car, but for the MASS majority of people the new Cooper is a major improvement.

PlanoA4 - 8/15/2006 1:32:47 PM

+1 Boost

I still likme the Mini... It has a certain coolness about it.

RedCalipers - 8/15/2006 4:08:48 PM

+1 Boost

MINIs rule! Their sport suspension tuning made me feel the porsche boxster S to be soft.

crackityjones - 8/15/2006 11:14:43 PM

+1 Boost

The new 'S' honeycomb grill is a BIG change for the worse. Why not offer the traditional grille as an option. That grille is a big part of what makes a Mini.

adambravo - 8/16/2006 10:13:57 AM

+1 Boost

huu76,

Front overhang was added to meet European standards for pedestrian protection--there has to be sufficient clearance between the engine and the hood/front end. I agree that less overhang looks better, but the alternative is something like the Jaguar XK's pricey active hood.

S4Super - 8/17/2006 12:35:56 AM

+1 Boost

I don't really see a big difference in the exterior of the new one, it's just the interior that bugs me. It went from gold to crap. The plastic materials, by the way, make the cabin look very classy and sharp, as opposed to having 90% rubbery material, which is dull and boring. That's all.

S4Super - 8/17/2006 12:36:59 AM

+1 Boost

If they don't offer the chrome line interior option on the new ones, I will officially be pissed.