«It's the antithesis of cars like the Ford Taurus,» DeMatio noted, «which feels small on the inside because its designers were obsessed with providing a supposed executive sporty feel to the cabin so you're enveloped by the instrument panel, the center console, and
the high window line.»
Those unfortunate enough to sit in the rear will suffer tight legroom, miserly headroom and
a high window line; the 1 - series» rear - wheel drive format comes with serious packaging compromises (although these will be fixed in the next - gen FWD 1 - series...).
Headroom is good, although
the high window line limits downward visibility out the sides.
The high window line gives the driver a feeling of upright - ness.
Space in the front is fine and there's enough legroom in the back, although the sloping roofline does limit headroom and
the high window line can make things feel rather claustrophobic in the back.
However, the raked A-pillar combined with a compact front windscreen and
a high window line needs some getting used to.
Many design characteristics are familiar such as
the high window line surrounding the glasshouse while others are new interpretations of iconic features.
In both versions, legroom is above average, but visibility is affected by
the high window line.
The features much disliked across the MB range are here - the tall and heavy looking front end, the excessive crease lines... And I particularly dislike
the high window line and tiny windows that must make sitting in this car as claustrophobic as sitting in the A-class.
Short overhangs,
a high window line, powerful stance on the wheels, and window graphics extending round the entire car create those unique proportions so typical of MINI.