3rd-gen Mini Cooper spy shots suggest retro-free interior

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/third...photo-4756618/

The relentlessly unconventional Mini Cooper looks to be going a lot less unconventional for its third generation, at least on the inside. A glimpse of what appears to be Mini's future was snapped by KGP Photography in the Arctic Circle, and outside, there looks to be little change except for slightly larger dimensions. Inside, though, the giant-speedo-and-toggle-switch IP looks to be binned in favor of a soberly BMW-esque dash cluster and horizontally laid-out central console.

If this interior is accurate and not just an elaborate – and expensive – engineering mule bait-and-switch, then it signals a rather marked change in the Mini way of life. The theories of why it might be the real deal are, again, the testing expense, the expectation that the Mini will get a BMW 1 Series GT brother and the platform sharing necessitated more commonalities, or that designers might simply be over the still-unique first- and second-generation interior design (a retro-minded setup that both delights and enrages with its haphazard ergonomics). What's every bit as likely, however, is that this isn't a Mini at all – it's a next-gen 1 Series wrapped in a Mini mule shell.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/3...free-interior/

 

I don't trust the MINI's electronics.

 

Man, I like the pizza plate gauge!

 

I don't like it. I have a 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S 6 speed as a daily driver and I love the interior. This 3rd gen interior is lacking a lot of character that makes the Mini so appealing.

People give Mini a lot of crap, some of it justified, but overall I think they are pretty alright. Mind you, they just did a recall for the turbo water pumps, so what do I know?

 

That is so bland.

Bring back the retro-cool!

 

typical bmw stuff right there

 

I'm actually thinking that the interior design isn't complete yet, so they've just got stuff in place while they do testing...

 

Death of the dinner plate.

 

even then it's too generic

at least the current interior has character

 

I think this is likely the mule for the upcoming FWD BMW's, which will also underpin the next Mini. And therefore the BMW interior.

 

yep, thats my thinking too.

 

Character doesn't necessarily mean good. Hitler had character. Are you a ****?

Seriously though, the hideous interior of Minis is what keeps me from ever wanting to test drive one.

 

too many internetz critics based on too little info.

 

Exactly.

A cult car like the MINI Cooper needs a retro/unusual interior. It adds to the charm.

This? This looks like a generic 1980s car interior. Characterless and boring.