SPYSHOTS: Next-gen MINI loses iconic centre speedo

Mini_spyshot_1

Here’s the latest pair of spyshots of the next-generation MINI, courtesy of the unlikeliest source – a Reddit user. One shows the car in full camo – nothing much to note there other than the sleeker, less bulbous nose compared to the Clubman parked next to it – while the other exposes the new car’s dashboard.

Shock, horror! The centre binnacle layout that’s long been the signature element of a MINI interior has now been bastardised. Instead of having a comically large speedometer dominate the entire fascia, the circular face now houses the radio display and controls. The speedo now sits behind the wheel, in its own freestanding pod.

Mini_spyshot_2

The current MINI in its top spec form already has a round colour screen integrated into the centre console, but at least there’s still a speedometer ring around it. Completely ditching the centre speedo concept while sneakily retaining the circular face for brand familiarity, has BMW’s MINI modernisation gone too far?

Ignore the BMW steering in the picture, that’ll be swapped with a MINI three-spoker closer to production. Following the updated Countryman and Paceman, the window switches have been moved away from the lower dashboard to the door panels, a conformist move that would push MINI fanatics even closer to the edge.

What about you? Like the changes or is it a step too far from MINI ideals?

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Hafriz Shah

Preferring to drive cars rather than desks, Hafriz Shah ditched his suit and tie to join the ranks of Malaysia’s motoring hacks. A car’s technical brilliance is completely lost on him, appreciating character-making quirks more. When not writing this ego trip of a bio, he’s usually off driving about aimlessly, preferably in a car with the right combination of three foot pedals and six gears.

 

Comments

  • “bastardized” is perhaps the most right-est word to use.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
    • Used Panties Sniffer on Apr 01, 2013 at 3:33 pm

      Mini is a waste of money in Malaysia. A 2012 320d or 320i F30 in the 2nd hand market cost about Rm190,000. Might as well buy a BM as BM’s lose a lot in the first year.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 8
      • munkay on Apr 01, 2013 at 11:08 pm

        dude come on, the F30 and the MINI are two totally different cars appealing to two totally different demograpics

        I have neither the F30 or the MINI but you can’t just generalize things like that!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Algojo on Apr 01, 2013 at 2:46 pm

    Good move MINI! Now, please stop with all the plastics already…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
  • Confused on Apr 01, 2013 at 2:51 pm

    I have no idea which is an april fools joke and what is not now.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
  • Peter on Apr 01, 2013 at 2:53 pm

    OMG … lord of the RING … on the dashboard!

    Here come a new challenger (for Almera).

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • springday on Apr 01, 2013 at 3:10 pm

    happy apple fool !

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • theanswer on Apr 01, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    no more toying with mini. looks serious.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • rich man toy…..i prefer Volkswagen Golf over this

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 8
  • good thing they ditched the old speedo, i mean on an austin mini to save costs on changing to left hand drive, its understandable. but on a new car who glances at the center console to check your speed, its idiotic.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
    • Kalun on Apr 01, 2013 at 7:37 pm

      Oh well, that’s remind me of vios

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
    • tiadaid on Apr 02, 2013 at 6:57 am

      I agree. I find it distracting that I need to look right to see how fast I’m going (I was driving a left-hand drive MINI then)

      But then again, the old speedo position is good for backseat drivers to control your speed!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • beatnik on Apr 01, 2013 at 5:48 pm

    Long live the R56..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • MrPoppyplants on Apr 01, 2013 at 7:06 pm

    What a stupid looking smiley face in the middle…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • cost down! on Apr 02, 2013 at 1:47 am

    BMW incredible cost cutting measures that doesn’t seem to know any limits have bastardised MINI… even those nice retro round air cond vents are gone now, replaced with regular vents that probably have a cheaper mechanism.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • lol Preve Camo

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • whats the thing popping out at the back of the mini ? anyone notice that?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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