I was wondering if I'm alone (probably not) in thinking that the Mini is not the most handsomest of cars? There is now, of course, a revamped Mini about to enter the scene and from the photos in the magazines it looks to me as ugly as it was before. Certain aspects of the interior have been tweaked but I can honestly say that I would never buy any car that persists in placing, no matter how large, a speedometer in the centre of the fascia!
This particular instrument, in modern day motoring, needs constant scanning and attention if one is to avoid exceeding too many of the multitudinous speed limits out there.
It is hard enough, nowadays, keeping to these limits when modern cars, with their instant throttle response, smoothness, quietness and excellent performance make it difficult for any driver to adhere to whatever speed limit is currently in force.
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No different to many other current models, Renault Scenic, Citroen Picasso, Chevrolet Matiz, Jag XKR for example all have the speedo in the middle of the dash. Never causes any problems for me when driving my wife's Scenic.
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Cost cutting IMO, less parts differences between LHD and RHD models, wife likes the new Scenic / Grand Scenic though this puts me off having driven a similarly afflicted Picasso.
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The last MINI i drove had a read out in front of the steering wheel.
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A MINI with satnav or the instrument option in the centre will have dual dials including the speedo on the steering wheel binacle. Same for all Aussie MINIs, apparently they had to do it legally there.
The C4 has the central speedo a la Picasso, but the speed limiter helps with the scameras.
It's a social pressure though - no sneaking up to ninety-fi...er, 73 without SWMBO knowing....
-- You know, it\'s not like changing toothpaste
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nissan x trail has it in the middle
whats the problem i bet your tape/cd machine is in the middle and your rear view mirror
and those sticky out things on the left and right....errr wing mirrors..
they all make you take your eyes off the road for a split second
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www.storme.co.uk
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Personally I think it looks really stylish and kind of retro. Didnt the Morris Minor have a similar speedo?
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The last MINI i drove had a read out in front of the steering wheel.
a frien bought a mini of the 05 plate recently and i saw it parked in our car park. i was aware of the cetral speedo butamazed at the big round thing placed in front of steering that looked like an after market naff add on.
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They have a digital speedo within the rev counter behind the speedo on recent (well last two years anyway) models. In addition to the central speedo
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Our mini cooper s cab was nice but this trendy touch made it an absolute nightmare. You can opt for it on the steering wheel but its extra of course. Sold after 3 months.
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The MINI speedometer is strategically placed in the centre, conserving the true character of the vehicle. For modern day purposes, you can get a trip computer with digital speedometer in the rev counter as mentioned by somebody earlier. Also, if you go with the chrono package, you can get fuel, temperature and other gauges in the big circle on the fascia while a speedometer and a rev counter on the steering.
The MINI R50 R52 R53 has so many options that we, at plant Oxford, have yet to build two of the same type in any given year. For instance, the rear view mirror alone comes in 9 different options. How cool is that?
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I thought is was all part of the 'retro' styling?
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If they want to be really retro they should stick the indicator warning light on the end of the stalk!
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The alarm flashing red light is at the end of the stalk on those cars with the factory fit alarm!
-- You know, it\'s not like changing toothpaste
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