Have safety standards changed so much in the last decade that they are getting as big as the 2015 is? They are still small and it doesn't look like much has changed, but they are definitely getting bigger.
I know Lesley went to the unveiling, so maybe she could have some input into the size.
It looks like a startled frog. Do not want.
In reply to Javelin:
Agreed. I am not a fan of the fact it is a 3 cylinder or the styling.
They jumped the shark awhile ago.....
it's turning into a maxi
Fuel economy regulations are based off of the size of the footprint (track width x wheelbase) so, all else being equal, they are encouraged to make larger cars...
That aside, most people look at my miata and call me a loon for liking such a small thing.
Very much so. 
that photo is misleading as it is angled and the others are head on.
From the release I read it is only 1.7 inches wider and 0.3 inches higher than its predecessor. You wouldn't be able to even notice that with a head on photo.
In any case, it is less than the growth of the 911 from model - has Porsche jumped as well??
Rusnak_322 wrote: that photo is misleading as it is angled and the others are head on.
Dude that's not accurate. Look again.
I feel like every time I pull up to a stop light, I see a new variant of the MINI that I've never seen before.
In reply to Rusnak_322:
Since the 911 was mentioned...
tuna55 wrote:Rusnak_322 wrote: that photo is misleading as it is angled and the others are head on.Dude that's not accurate. Look again.
Dude, it is accurate. I can see the side door on the 2015, but not on the 2007 or the 2004.
What about these things?:
I am sure they are nice cars, but my thinking is: "If you wanted a larger car, why the hell would you go to a MINI dealership!?!"
But you can see the door on the original too. It still looks small. I understand what you're saying, but the difference in perceived size at those angles and distances is pretty negligible.
The actual size increase is also pretty negligible. 1/3 of an inch taller? 1.7" wider - now 68" wide. what is that 2.5%?
What about these things?:
I am sure they are nice cars, but my thinking is: "If you wanted a larger car, why the hell would you go to a MINI dealership!?!"
---------------------------------*-
why go to a Porsche dealership for a truck?
aircooled wrote:
"Mini" is now a line of cars not a model of car any more. Same as BMW is a line of cars and the 3 series is a model.
IT also makes the soccer moms feel good when they say to there eco friendly green friends "I drive a Mini". What she is not saying is that it probably bigger than most of the normal Acura's. MB's and what not. The most recent "Mini" I saw was close to, if not the same size as the current explorer or Acura MDX.
tuna55 wrote:Rusnak_322 wrote: that photo is misleading as it is angled and the others are head on.Dude that's not accurate. Look again.
I don't know... something about that photo looks off... whenever I park my '64 Mini next to "new" MINI's, the size difference looks greater.
As far as the F56 is concerned... go find a side-on shot... holy front overhang! 
Rusnak_322 wrote:tuna55 wrote:Dude, it is accurate. I can see the side door on the 2015, but not on the 2007 or the 2004.Rusnak_322 wrote: that photo is misleading as it is angled and the others are head on.Dude that's not accurate. Look again.
It's centered about the middle of the 04 and 07, see how you can see the same amount of the side of the old one?
It's 4.5 inches longer, 1.7 inches wider and a bit taller.
Rusnak_322 wrote: In any case, it is less than the growth of the 911 from model - has Porsche jumped as well??
Yes, absolutely. They are taking away all the things that made the 911 great (rear weight bias for superior traction out of a corner, excellent communicative steering, light weight, and full driver involvement) and turning it into an emasculated status symbol that only sells based on it's heritage.
dean1484 wrote: "Mini" is now a line of cars not a model of car any more. Same as BMW is a line of cars and the 3 series is a model. IT also makes the soccer moms feel good when they say to there eco friendly green friends "I drive a Mini". What she is not saying is that it probably bigger than most of the normal Acura's. MB's and what not. The most recent "Mini" I saw was close to, if not the same size as the current explorer or Acura MDX.
Really?? as big as a MDX or explorer? As far as I know, the countryman is the least mini MINI
Mini Countryman - Height – 61.5 / Width – 70.4 / Length – 161.7
Acura MDX - Height – 78.5 / Width – 68.2 / Length – 191.6
2013 Porsche 911 - Height – 51.3 / Width – 71.2 / Length – 176.8
2013 BMW 3 series sedan - Height – 56.3 / Width – 71.3 / Length – 182.5
Javelin wrote:Rusnak_322 wrote: In any case, it is less than the growth of the 911 from model - has Porsche jumped as well??Yes, absolutely. They are taking away all the things that made the 911 great (rear weight bias for superior traction out of a corner, excellent communicative steering, light weight, and full driver involvement) and turning it into an emasculated status symbol that only sells based on it's heritage.
that is faster for 100% of the drivers 100% of the time? 
don't get me wrong, I hate progress as well. I want a clutch pedal. I want light weight over safety. I am looking to get another Miata when I get rid of my MINI S.
In the picture Synthetic posted, the newest one does look bloated next to the two most recent versions. But I'm not sure it looks that much larger, just a bit.
I wouldn't blame it all on safety regulations. I think most of the change is market demand. People (sheepole?) are demanding larger and larger vehicles...see the explosion of the SUV/truck market in the past 20 years. There are some exceptions, but most cars are big and bloated compared to what they used to be. See Honda Accord. See Toyota Camry. See Honda Civic, etc...
You know how the saying goes.... The bigger, the better, the tighter the fender...or something like that. 
Dude; I did not get out and measure them. First impression of me seeing it parked on the side of the road. Cool your jets a little. Jeepers calm down. Lay off the coffee or energy drinks or what ever.
The Mini is not what it use to be. Neither is the Miata or the RX (as it evolved in the RX8) or just about every other car that goes through various production runs. If nothing else it has proven that the Mini is a very successful car line. People like them in all variants. WTF why are people so literal and who cares if a MINI is the same size an explorer anyway? Is it going to ruin some ones image? Reminds me when I told an Escalade owner he had a fully optioned Suburban. Dude nearly punched me he was so mad.
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