(Sorry no F6x pics)

So went to a local dealer to test drive the new F6x platform. We had a F57 MCS in manual for a few years but traded it in for my Z4 manual earlier this year.

I felt bad so wanted to get another MINI but an auto this time for my wife since she prefers the auto. 

The initial test drive impression is actually very good - MINI driving dynamics still there and intact. JCW obviously has gobs for torque and felt tighter but S is no slouch. The fake exhaust pops and burbles actually was not bad - our LCI2 F57 was so quiet so F6x it was more exciting.

The new interior did not bother me as much as I thought I would, based on other reviews. Only two things that I didn’t like are the 1) center arm rest doesn’t move and can’t store anything 2) the cubby/box thing in between seats is useless. 

Other than that, the center screen was fine and even the HUD was not bad. Yes its small but the nice thing is I could still see it with my polarized sunglasses on. I specifically did not order my Z4 with the HUD because it was projected on the windscreen and completely washed out with polarized sunglasses.

The gear shift “controls” was strange at first but this being automatic only it makes sense to just have the buttons and just hitting P to put in park from D was nicely streamlined. I don’t really miss the automatic gear shifter. I still prefer the manual but for an auto its pretty intuitive and easy to use. 

The automatic transmission programming was also good - driving in sports mode it downshifted aggressively whenever slowing down before the corners. We drove both S and JCW and while S is missing paddle shifters but I honestly did not miss it as much as I would.

So all in all, other than a few nicks for the interior its very positive which was surprising, because I thought I would hate the new redesign. Both of us hated the new triangular rear lamps but thankfully the rear lamps on F67 is same design as F57. 

I think we will be back in a F67 S or JCW in the near future.

Heres in a pic of our old F57 as it was being traded for Z4










Quick F67/66 test drive (prev F57 owner)