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Interior
One of the biggest complaints of prior MINI owners, understandably, was the lack of passenger room in the small car. To fix this issue the new MINI has been lengthened and the wheels moved more toward the corners, which allows for extra passenger room, especially in the rear seat, and it has more cargo room in the section under the hatch as well. The center dash section, which holds the gauges, radio, and heater/air condition controls, has been narrowed to allow for more leg room for the driver and the passenger. As well as the roominess issue, better grade materials have been added to the seats allowing for a more comfortable ride. The new MINI is also taken a turn towards being aesthetically pleasing, and away from functionality. The storage areas in the doors have been virtually done away with to allow for a sportier, more modern look. The new MINI also features a larger speedometer, still center mounted, but with the need for more gauge placement, hence the increase in size. Also, navigation is also displayed in the speedometer section, which needs extra room as well. However, the large center mounted tachometer will remain directly in front of the driver, although it will likely be enlarged and bear a MINI logo. It is also rumored that BMWs iDrive system may show itself during the run of this new MINI. The current dash and switch area will remain relatively the same, except whereas most of that area is black in the current MINI, the R56 will likely feature an aluminum look finish, with optional dash inlays of body-colored metal of real wood being offered. The toggle switches will remain similar in appearance, while a bit bigger, and some will be traveling a bit. The sunroof controls will be moved to the roof, and the outside mirror controls will be moved to a door mounted position. More obvious BMW influence is displayed in the ignition system. The typical metal key will likely be abandoned, with the push button key fob style ignition becoming the norm. To make up for the removal of storage space in the R56 MINI, the spaces previously used for the compact disc changer are now small compartments. There are also compartments along the back of the car which can be used to store things, such as an umbrella, or things of the sort. So while at some points storage has been removed for a more modernized, sporty look, it is made up for elsewhere in the car.
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