Mini's new interior revealed
The upcoming Mini Cooper has already made its debut with our friends across the pond, but amidst all the coverage of the new vehicle's engine, chassis and cosmetic upgrades (or lack thereof), one question remained. What's up with the interior? As this seemed to be a particularly common criticism of the outgoing model, it's no wonder BMW sought to impress and improve.
MotoringFile quote their source as saying that the color of the new interior panels will not be dependent on the exterior colors as they are now. In total, there will be seven different variations of wood grain and aluminum, including separate textured panels in a variety of hues.
Other changes include some of the switchgear moving northward and finding its place on the headliner, with one of the toggle switches allowing the instrument backlighting to change from the standard orange to a variety of different tints.
While Fifth Gear flogged the new Mini around the track they were able to snag a few close-up shots of some key interior elements. They came away generally impressed, noting that the new layout is cleaner and has a greater feel of quality, while the new seating position greatly contributes to an overall improvement in driver control.
When the new Mini finds its way to the U.S. next year, we look forward to drawing our own conclusions when it hits the Autoblog Garage (wink, wink, nod, nod).
Follow the jump for more detailed photos.
[Sources: Motoringfile.com and Fifth Gear on Five]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
EGS 7:44AM (8/01/2006)
much improved. i still hate the speedo in the middle.
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Paulo Becker 7:59AM (8/01/2006)
Ditto. Whoever had that idea should have stuck to designing shoe interiors.
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Dana 8:04AM (8/01/2006)
What's up with the foam and duct tape around the radio/speedo?
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Rich 8:20AM (8/01/2006)
During the preview session in Europe MINI covered most of the dashboard layout - My guess is that when the car is officially launched at the Paris motor show, they will reveal the complete interior design.
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JJ 9:08AM (8/01/2006)
I like it but how exactly are you gonna be able to install an aftermarket head unit if one desires to since its in the speedo?
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Lithous 9:09AM (8/01/2006)
Safeway called, they want their produce scale back.
Saturn called, they wanted you to know the center gauges catches a lot of flack from critics. Oh, wait, your car is foreign, it is a great idea then.
The custom shop called, they want to know how the hell they are going swap out the factory radio for an aftermarket head unit.
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asurroca 9:21AM (8/01/2006)
I dunno, but from those pictures, it looks like the Cooper still has a shit interior... The picture of the controls on the ceiling is not flattering, and the buttons still look like cheap painted plastic. I do, however, like the switch from super- to turbocharging, as I'm a turbo fanboy.
Any word whether or not they'll FINALLY bring over a diesel to the States this time around? One of the main reasons the MINI never swayed me from my New Beetle is the lack of a diesel--I won't give up my TDI's torque and fuel economy...
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MikeInNC 9:25AM (8/01/2006)
Lithous:
Take a look at the interior of the original Mini. The Speedo was large and in the center from the first model forward. The current MINI just continues this tradition.
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BartMack 9:29AM (8/01/2006)
The MINI's center speedo is one of my 500 favorite things about this car, so push off :p
I might agree with you however on the head unit integration thing... it's awkward to do in the current car (I added Sirius, but left the head unit alone)- but looks near impossible in the new one.
I think they're trying to integrate NAV and maybe even an i-drive kind if thing all together- not too sure about how successful that will be though.
So far I prefer the original interior sinificantly more than what I've seen of the new one, but must reserve final judgement to when I see it first hand.
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BartMack 9:33AM (8/01/2006)
oh, and Lithous-
your phone provider called and you're way over your minutes.
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S1500 10:25AM (8/01/2006)
I think the interior's a huge step back. Not just with the integrated head unit. The old interior allowed for easy(at the factory) swap between the auto a/c and the manual one. Same went for the radio. The row of toggle switches looked old fashioned and I like it that way. The radio & other buttons looks like a pain to press when you are trying to keep your eyes on the road.
While the old dashboard might look too boxy/straightfoward, it worked. This is trying to be too stylish. Does it now have not one but two unused microphone jacks up top, above the rear view mirror?
I will say the new steering wheel looks a lot better than the previous gen "Fisher Price" steering wheel.
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Tim UF 10:47AM (8/01/2006)
Ding. In the event of a culinary emergency, your center mounted speedometer can be used as a dinner plate. Thank you for choosing Mini for your travels.
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Tri-Bob 11:04AM (8/01/2006)
I have the Saturn with center dash, and it really doesn't matter, how hard is it to move your eyes to the right, and down, versus down? If you can't do that, I really don't want you driving.
I have been in the mini, and am glad to see some of the switches moving north, I am tall, 6'3" and couldn't reach some of the switches because my knee was in the way. This would be my next car, if I could fit better, and moving the switches helps that.
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Anthony94114 11:17AM (8/01/2006)
Another lame-o steering wheel, with that wide, un-gripable area where the center connects to the ring. Dangerous, ugly.
-Loved my first 2003 for two weeks before all the problems began at 350 miles.. lemon!! Good luck to those who go for it.
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Jim D 11:18AM (8/01/2006)
Oh, those wits at Mini. First beer cans for exhaust pipes, now a speedo from Public Enemy's Flavor Flav!
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Michael 11:30AM (8/01/2006)
NOOOOOoooooooo NOT INTEGRATED STEREO
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epp_b 12:21PM (8/01/2006)
That ginormous speedo in the centre is hideous!
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T_biz 12:33PM (8/01/2006)
The cop could be three miles behind you and see you speedo, no need for radar. I never really understood the point of having that be soo damn big, its the only reason I decided against buying this car for my Ex. Well that and it was overpriced at the time.
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T 12:36PM (8/01/2006)
ok, I'm as big a fan of the large center speedo as anybody, but this is a little *too* big. and please please PLEASE don't integrate the radio. PLEASE!!!!!!!
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Josh Wardell 12:36PM (8/01/2006)
Motoringfile hasn't been responding most of today, I'm not sure because of site5 issues, or because of autoblog demand.
People always find a way to install an aftermarket unit. If not a whole console replacement, chances are a small unit that interfaces with the ibus will not only allow you to install an aftermarket unit, but use the original console controls as well.
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