2006 vs. 2007 February 5, 2007

 

A few weeks ago I received an email from my MINI Sales Represenative inviting me to the grand unveiling of the 2007 MINI Cooper.

 

A re-styled MINI Cooper?!?! I just got my brand new MINI a few months ago and it’s already outdated. Bummer.

This email got me interested to identify the differences between my 2006 MINI Cooper and re-designed 2007 MINI Cooper. Engine-wise the newer MINI gets a boost of 5-horsepower (120 hp @ 6,000 rpm) and increased gas mileage up to 40 miles per gallon (MPG) maximum with a 6-speed gearbox.

 

 

Engine aside (I’m not much of a gear-head) there have been many cosmetic enhancements changes made to both the interior and exterior. If you’re not a MINI owner you may be unable to notice the changes from the 1st Generation to the current 2nd Generation. The most defining feature of these cars is the center-mountered spedometer, so it’s only appropriate to start here.

In order to provide further leg-room for both front passengers, MINI has decided to narrow the center cluster by relocating the audio controls into the center spedometer. In order to accomidate for these added controls while maintaining function and nastolga, MINI decided to super-size the already over-sized center spedometer. In this process the center console looks very clean empty and boring … in my opinion.
vs. The redesign increases the size of the center spedometer and incorporates the audio controls

vs. The narrowed center console now provides additional leg-room to front passengers

vs. Replaced the tweeter for a mid-range coaxil speaker. Also the external mirror controls have been moved to the door

vs. A nice addition is the ability to tilt open the rear sunroof, something unavailable on the 2006 models

vs. Controls for the map-lights and sunroofs were made to compliment the standard toggle switch panel.

Like the interior the EXTERIOR has gone through a few “subtle” changes

vs. The integration of the turn signals into the headlight housing and the loss pair of lights

vs. The upper grill is seamless compared to the 2006 models

vs. The pair of rear lenses are stockier and the 3rd brakelight moved into the rear bumper

vs. As you can see, the corners wrap around the car a little more than previous models and the windows appear shorter

 

MINI of Peabody just unveiled the 2007 models (aka. R56). Follow this link to see additional pictures and a quick review by an attending MINI owner.