2015 MINI, F56, Interior shots cahught in China

Today, we get another sneak-peak at the interior of upcoming F56 MINI Cooper, the 3rd generation MINI Cooper under BMW, courtesy of CarNewsChina.com. As you can see in the image above, while the new interior retains the basic design theme of its predecessor, there are enough new details to call it "Progressive Evolution". Gone is the large center speedometer, which has been the key icon in MINI's interior design. As iconic as it may have been, over the years, it received mixed reviews, some loving it as the original, some calling it "ugly" "weird" "I will never buy a car with cartoonish speedometer", and MINI has decided that it is departing from the original concept. However, the dominant center circular pod does stay, continuing the tradition in a different interpretation for 21st century vehicle infortaintment, which is a must-have now days. While I am personally fine with it, as I would have opted for MINI Connected/Navigation which provides a larger screen within the center pod (just like current generation), what I do not like it the placement of tachometer. I now sits in the outer circle of the main speedometer, and it is rather so TINY! I will certainly miss the current analogue tachometer/digital speedometer setup. As for the rest, toggle switches remain, in addition to new BMW-esque switches above it. Notable in these photos are checkered insert in what look to be sport seats. It's a nice detail. Can't wait for the real thing in November 18.
 

This is the 2014 (2015) MINI Cooper (F56) Interior!

This is it: Almost fully revealed Instrument Panel (IP) of the next generation core MINI models, code named F56 internally, in its base form. While this pre-production testing model features BMW steering wheel and non-textured interior panels, this image, taken by Reddit member, finally reveals the overall look of the IP for F56 MINI that will be unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show. As previously revealed, the two biggest changes are the elimination of huge center speedometer and circular air vents in the center area. New infortainment unit fills the center ring (lower version shown above, higher spec will feature TFT screen)  along with new supposed ambient lighting along the outer housing. Analogue speedometer moves to on top of steering column, just like the R50/R53 model with navigation. Separate half circle left of the speedometer will house the tacometer. Personally, I'd rather have the tachometer in the middle with digital speedometer. More sporty. From what can be seen and predicted, the material quality of the interior will certainly improve over the current generation of MINIs. One gripe for me is the dismissal of the circular vents in the middle. For me, those rectangular, albeit 3D, vents do not work with the rest of the interior. How will they put Chrome-Line interior trim option on that!