The new MINI carries forward its predecessor’s aspiration to remaining the leading original of the premium small car segment, underpinning its outstanding position with significant advancements in all areas relating to driving fun, quality and individual flair.
The evolutionary refinement of its design signals the more mature character of the new model, reflected in a significant optimisation of such aspects as space, safety, fittings, materials and finish quality as well as sportiness and ride comfort.
The enhancement of product substance embodied in the new edition of the MINI derives directly from the BMW Group’s outstanding development expertise and takes on a more extensive form than ever before in the history of the brand.
A newgeneration of engines increases driving fun and efficiency, and there is a wider selection of innovative driver assistance systems as well as MINI Connected infotainment facilities. LED headlamps, the MINI Head-Up Display, Emergency Call and the MINI Connected XL Journey Mate with Real Time Traffic Information are other highlights in the equipment program only previously found in higher vehicle segments, further underscoring the premium character of the new MINI.
Three entirely newly developed power units featuring MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology are available to choose from at the market launch of the new MINI in spring 2014. The new MINI Cooper has a 3-cylinder petrol engine with a peak output of 100 kW/136 bhp. The 4-cylinder petrol engine of the MINI Cooper S mobilises 141 kW/192 bhp. The new MINI Cooper D is powered by a 85 kW/116 bhp 3-cylinder diesel engine. Another new feature: the standard 6-speed manual transmission, along with a 6-speed automatic transmission that is optionally available for all engine variants. Increased engine efficiency, extensive MINIMALISM technology, optimised weight and enhanced aerodynamic properties go together to produce a reduction in fuel consumption figures of up to 27 per cent as compared to predecessor models. The new front-runner in terms of efficiency is the MINI Cooper D with an average fuel consumption of 3.5 to 3.6 litres per 100 kilometres (EU test cycle figures, dependent on tyre format selected). All model variants of the new MINI also meet the EU6 exhaust emission standard.
Classic MINI proportions, the characteristic three-way separation of body corpus, all-round greenhouse and roof together with a new take on hallmark design features define the exterior of the new model, which has grown by some ten centimetres in length. Its interior offers extended spatial comfort on all four seats as well as a luggage compartment volume expanded by 51 litres to a total of 211 litres.
A new display and operating concept combines the typical brand-style look and feel of the cockpit with optimised functionality. Road speed and engine speed along with other key driving-related information is shown in the newly designed instrument cluster on the steering column. The characteristic central instrument with an optional colour display of up to 8.8 inches in size provides feedback on operations performed using the MINI Controller in the centre console as well as giving visual feedback on driving condition and on numerous functions activated by the driver.
The new MINI Driving Modes allow an individual set-up involving not just the characteristic curve of the accelerator and steering but also engine acoustics, and in the MINI Cooper S – where the relevant features are fitted – ambient lighting, the shift times of the automatic transmission and the characteristics of Dynamic Damper Control, the latter system being optionally available for the first time. The modes SPORT and GREEN can be activated in addition to the standard MID mode. In conjunction with an automatic transmission, the efficiency-oriented GREEN mode also features a coasting function with decoupled drivetrain.
The range of optional driver assistance systems has been significantly expanded. For the first time there is an extendible Head-Up Display above the steering column available for the new MINI, a Driving Assistant system including camera-based active cruise control, collision and pedestrian warning, high beam assistant and road sign detection, and also a parking assistant and a rear view camera.
Unique within the competitive environment, the MINI in-car infotainment program likewise moves into a whole new dimension. As the first car in its segment the new MINI can be fitted with a SIM card which is permanently installed in the car. This means that Emergency Call with automatic detection of vehicle location and accident severity is available, as well as MINI Teleservices. Functions which can be integrated in the vehicle via apps in the areas of social networks and infotainment are now available for both the Apple iPhone and for smartphones using the operating system Android.
