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2007 Mini won’t get iDrive

2007 Mini won’t get iDrive

Viknesh Vijayenthiran October 1st, 2006 Viknesh Vijayenthiran By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Author October 1st, 2006
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December 31st, 1969 Earlier spy-shots of a Mini test-mule (pictured thumbnail) with a strange looking joystick next to the main gearstick generated speculation that the next generation Mini was going to feature a new iDrive system similar to those used in BMWs. According to the guys over at Winding Road, the new car won’t be getting the iDrive multi-function controller. At least this way we won’t have to read more winging from journalists over the love/hate iDrive. Apparently, the small controller seen in the earlier spy images was actually a tool used to input data to the sat-nav system. A conventional touchscreen was dropped because it wouldn’t fit the design of the centre console. All other commands, such as controlling the stereo and AC, will remain as in the current model. Further, the simplicity of all the knobs and buttons is of the most recognisable and sought-after features that buyers of the Mini seek. [Source: Winding Road]
2007 Mini won’t get iDrive

2007 Mini won’t get iDrive

Enlarge Photo

Earlier spy-shots of a Mini test-mule (pictured thumbnail) with a strange looking joystick next to the main gearstick generated speculation that the next generation Mini was going to feature a new iDrive system similar to those used in BMWs. According to the guys over at Winding Road, the new car won’t be getting the iDrive multi-function controller. At least this way we won’t have to read more winging from journalists over the love/hate iDrive.

mini_nav_4.jpg

mini_nav_4.jpg

Enlarge Photo
Apparently, the small controller seen in the earlier spy images was actually a tool used to input data to the sat-nav system. A conventional touchscreen was dropped because it wouldn’t fit the design of the centre console. All other commands, such as controlling the stereo and AC, will remain as in the current model. Further, the simplicity of all the knobs and buttons is of the most recognisable and sought-after features that buyers of the Mini seek.

[Source: Winding Road]

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Posted in: MINI, News


Comments (3 total)

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  1. By BartMack #1, Posted: 10/2/2006

    hmmm... I think your article is basically, well... wrong. Better go check Motoringfile.com (the MINI experts) because apparently it IS getting a joystick, they just don't want to call it iDrive.

  2. By admin #2, Posted: 10/2/2006

    It's true that the next generation Mini will be receiving a unique Joystick controlled system that will at a minimum control the car's satnav, but this is not the same as BMW's iDrive - hence the article. It may control other features such as audio, but it doesn't follow the iDrive's execution.

  3. By dav #3, Posted: 12/30/2006

    So I'm ordering the 07, and the dealer isn't for sure if the joystick is there or not. no sure if the nav is really worth the money.....but the dash looks cool with it in. I wonder if they improved the speech in the new system. i hear the old system was lacking in voice guided quality

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