MINI Malaysia has just introduced the new, 3rd generation MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S. The latest variants carry forward its predecessor’s aspiration of being the most exciting premium small car brand in the world. Significant advancements in all areas relating to driving fun, premium quality and individual flair further accentuates the inimitable style of MINI. The new edition MINI takes on new hallmark design features, new generation of engines for increased driving fun and efficiency as well as new innovative networking technology and functionality.
In keeping with the BMW Group’s commitment to deliver premium quality, as well as the best in performance and efficiency, the new MINI now features further optimised balance between driving fun and fuel consumption. All variants are fitted with powerful MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology to further accentuate the trademark MINI go-kart feeling while the introduction of a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard will make an additional contribution to improved efficiency with reduced weight and improved shift comfort.
The exterior design of the new MINI has also been refined on an evolutionary basis with an improved power suit to further underscore the sporty character of the new MINI. The cars are now offered in two variants of the MINI Cooper – MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper Chilli as well as two variants of the MINI Cooper S – MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper S Wired.
Power suit: unmistakable proportions, striking lines, high-end highlights.
The unmistakable proportions of the new MINI carry forward the tradition of the classic MINI which stretches back 55 years, into an evolutionary refinement of the modern vehicle concept. The new MINI receives a defined expansion of the exterior dimensions in addition to hallmark brand proportions to express its compact and powerful appearance which symbolises its agile character for an infectious driving experience at the wheel.
The body of the new MINI is 3,821mm long – with the new MINI Cooper S at 3,850mm in length – 1,727mm wide and 1,414mm high. This makes it 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm higher than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been extended by 28mm to 2,495mm, while the track width has been enlarged at the front by 42mm and at the rear by 34mm, bringing it to a total 1,501mm while the new MINI Cooper S sits on a total of 1,485mm. These new dimensions will benefit the cornering agility and ride comfort as well as the amount of space available for occupants not to mention the car’s luggage compartment volume. The extended adjustment range of the front seats includes a lengthened seat surface of 23mm for added foot space and a perceptible increase in shoulder room for increased freedom of movement as well as optimised entry comfort for rear passengers. The new MINI’s luggage compartment volume also increases by 51 litres for a total of 211 litres.
The new MINI’s unmistakable appearance is further emphasized by the car’s hallmark brand styling and the three-way separation of body structure where the corpus, greenhouse and roof are clearly distinguished from one another in visual terms. The glass surface and the body columns form a harmonious cover extending across the entire automobile while the side view sees the window graphic tapering off the rear to create a dynamic wedge shape. The athletic stature of the new MINI is further underscored by the visual link between the front and rear wheel arches. This is achieved by means of a striking sill line which features a dynamic downward curve at both front and rear, thereby directing attention to the two large front and rear wheel arches.
The new MINI Cooper variants can be recognized by radiator grille ribs, a tailgate handle in white aluminium and a high-gloss black bumper strip, as well as a chrome trim element for the exhaust pipe. The new MINI Cooper S variants meanwhile draw its model-specific sporty flair from features such as a radiator grille with a honeycomb pattern, a bumper strip in anthracite, and exhaust tailpipes arranged at the centre. The radiator grille of this sporty variant now also bears an “S” logo topped with chrome surround.
The classic circular headlamps of the new MINI have also undertaken detailed design revisions as well and now features a wide chrome ring surround and the likewise circular additional headlamps integrated in the front apron. The new MINI Cooper variant offers Halogen headlights and fog lamps in its entry level variant while the bright white LED daytime driving lights and LED head lights and fog lamps which provides light source for both low and high beam comes as a standard for the new MINI Cooper Chilli, MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper S Wired variants.
In terms of wheel options, the new MINI offers 16” Loop Spoke Silver rims for the MINI Cooper variants as well as 17” Tentacle Spoke Silver rims for the MINI Cooper S variants.
New Generation of Engines with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology
The new MINI features an all new generation of engines, and for the first time in more than half a century, both 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology will be used to power variants of the new MINI. These petrol engines include turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS). All variants are also equipped with fully variable valve control in the form of VALVETRONIC as patented by the BMW Group. This results in a further boost to driving fun with increased performance figures alongside increased efficiency with as much as a 27 percent reduction in fuel consumption and emission levels.
At the heart of the new MINI Cooper variants is a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine which delivers a maximum output of 100kW/136hp with torque peaking at 220Nm to enable a much sportier driving performance than previously possible. The new MINI Cooper sprints from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 210km/h. These figures are combined with an average fuel consumption reading of 4.7 litres per 100km with a CO2 emissions level reading of 109g/km.
Meanwhile, the new MINI Cooper S variants are equipped for highly spirited power delivery with a 2.0-litre 4–cylinder engine which delivers a peak output of 141kW/192hp, and a maximum torque of 280Nm. The new MINI Cooper S sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds and is able to achieve a top speed of 233km/h. Despite the impressive acceleration, average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle stands at 5.4 per 100km with a CO2 emissions level reading of only 125g/km.
Extra helpings of fun urban driving can be summoned at a touch of a button as the new MINI also combines the automatic transmission with the automatic engine start/stop function for the first time, preventing unnecessary fuel consumption caused by idling at junctions or in congested traffic. Specifically for the new MINI Cooper S variants are the 6-speed sports automatic transmission which enables even shorter shift times and can be operated in manual mode using shift paddles located on the steering wheel.
Power trip: Sporty flair, efficiency and safety
The new MINI Driving Mode options provides an excellent basis for fun and exciting driving and fuel efficient motoring as the driver wishes. A rotary switch at the base of the gear selector lever is used to activate the standard MID mode, the SPORT mode or the GREEN mode.
The GREEN mode supports a relaxed and more fuel-efficient driving style where the energy used for electrically powered comfort functions such as air conditioning and exterior mirror heating is reduced. In cars that are fitted with automatic transmissions, a coasting function will be activated while the drivetrain is decoupled at speeds of between 50 and 160km/h as soon as the accelerator pedal is released. The new MINI will then continue to move forward with the engine at an idling engine speed and at a minimum rate for minimal fuel consumption. The SPORT mode, meanwhile, holds gears longer and changes the mapping of the engine to a more aggressive sound and feel to deliver a sportier driving experience while the MID mode blends both attributes from the GREEN and SPORT modes to provide a well-balanced driving experience.
In addition to the characteristic curve of the accelerator, steering and engine acoustics, the MINI Driving modes also influence the ambient lighting and displays in the central instrument panel to exude either a very sporty or chilled ambiance to suit a drivers driving style and mood.
Aside from the introduction of all new and enhanced driving modes, the new MINI is also focused on optimising structure, which impacts positively on both the driving properties and the crash response of the car. Intelligent lightweight construction developed for the new MINI is combined with an increase in rigidity, thereby promoting both agility and occupant protection. Highly resilient bearing structures, optimally designed deformation zones and an extremely stable passenger cell also provide an excellent basis for keeping impact energy away from passengers, thus ensuring maximum occupant protection.
The new MINI also features additional safety fittings that comes as standard. These comprise of front and side airbags, as well as curtain airbags for the front and rear passenger seats. All seats are fitted with 3-point seat belts with belt tensioners and belt force limiters at the front and ISOFIX child seat mountings are provided in the rear. In the event of a collision with a pedestrian which is registered by special sensors, a pyrotechnical trigger mechanism raises the engine compartment lid to create additional deformation space and significantly reduces the risk of injury when impacting against very hard parts of the engine. There are also impact absorbers, precisely defined deformation elements and a partially active bonnet; all of which are elements that minimise the risk of injury to pedestrians.
Show of Power: Hallmark MINI style, new display and operating concept
Precise lines, high-end colour and material combinations as well as modern functionality highlight the orientation of the new MINI towards an infectious driving fun and a premium interior ambience. Taking on a more sophisticated and high-quality form in the new MINI is the classic horizontal structure of the cockpit and the circular contours of key features such as air outlets, instruments and door trim elements. A new display featuring an innovative operating concept provides the ideal basis for safe, intuitive and convenient control of the driver assistance, infotainment and comfort systems, which have been significantly expanded in terms of the functions available.
One of the most important new features to the new MINI is the instrument cluster on the steering column. Road speed, engine speed and fuel levels are displayed on vertically arranged circular instruments. Meanwhile, the speedometer scale includes a colour panel for Check Control messages, vehicle status displays and visual indicators relating to driver assistance systems currently activated. Another notable new feature to the new MINI is keyless entry where the engine of the car can now be started just by pressing the toggle-type start/stop button located in the middle of the centre console which lights up red when activated. Above the toggle switch are three circular control switches for air conditioning and the operating switches for the headlamps and fog lamps have also been repositioned to the instrument cluster next to the steering wheel.
In its interior offering, the base MINI Cooper variant offers Cloth Firework Carbon Black Upholstery with Hazy Grey interior surfacing, Chrome Line Interior, manual air-conditioning, MINI Radio Basis with Bluetooth interface and Sports multifunction leather steering wheel with rain sensor and automatic lights control. The MINI Cooper Chilli variant, meanwhile, offers the addition of Leather Cross Punch Carbon Black Upholstery with automatic 2 zone air conditioning, MINI Radio Visual Boost and sports seats for driver and passenger.
In the MINI Cooper S variants, the base MINI Cooper S offers Leather Cross Punch Carbon Black Upholstery with Black Checkered interior surfacing, Chrome Line Interior, headliners in Anthracite, interior rear view mirror with anti-dazzle, automatic 2 zone air-conditioning, MINI Radio Visual Boost, John Cooper Works multifunction leather steering wheel with rain sensor and automatic lights control as well as sports seats for driver and passenger. The MINI Cooper S Wired variant, meanwhile, offers the addition of Centre Armrest, Harmon Kardon HiFi with 12-speaker sound system as well as the added function of Voice Control.
With its new indicator elements and extended functionality, the hallmark MINI central instrument panel intensifies interaction between driver and car. MINI Connected which comes as a standard for the MINI Cooper Chilli, MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper S Wired offers an extensive integration of smartphones in the car, allowing the use of internet-based services in the areas of infotainment, communications and driver experience. MINI Connected is offered from a 6.5-inch colour screen in the MINI Cooper Chilli and MINI Cooper S variant while from an 8.8-inch colour screen in the MINI Cooper S Wired which shows operating feedback from vehicle functions, air conditioning, infotainment and communication, navigation maps and route directions as well as the special graphics for MINI Connected Services.
The MINI Connected programs provided through Smartphone apps includes vehicle-related functions such as Mission Control, Dynamic Music, Driving Excitement and MINIMALISM Analyser as well as online-based services such as web radio functions, the reception of RSS news feeds and the use of social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare. All functions can be operated in typical MINI style – comfortably, intuitively and safely.
The selection and control of these functions is facilitated by a new controller in the centre console which comes in conjunction with the innovative Radio MINI Visual Boost for the MINI Cooper Chili and MINI Cooper S variants, while the Professional navigation system is made available for the MINI Cooper S Wired. The innovative display and operating concept is supported by a lighting design of the central instrument panel which is unique to MINI. LED units around the outer edge of the circular instrument which is optionally available in six colours, can respond to the current situation on the road and to specific operating steps, according to driver preference.
The interior of the new MINI is not just a daytime head-turner but its unique lighting concept now also turns any night-time drive into an authentic experience. The MINI Excitement package comes standard with both the Cooper and the Cooper S variants as part of the standard interior lighting set-up. The instruments and operating modules are illuminated including the door trim and centre console area. The driver can also change the interior lighting scheme to four different colour shades of Sky Blue, Sunrise Yellow, Sunset Orange, Cool Pink, Flashy Green or Devil Red.
The new MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S will be available in ten exterior paint shades, with the addition of the new MINI colours – Volcanic Orange, Moonwalk Grey, Blazing Red, Deep Blue and Thunder Grey (exclusively for the MINI Cooper S variants only). The roof, exterior mirror caps and bonnet stripes is also available in two colour options of white or black.
The MINI Cooper Chilli and MINI Cooper S Wired arrives packaged with the MINI Service Inclusive program which offers comprehensive MINI after-sales care for 3 years or 50,000KM. The program is offered on the base MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S variants at an additional RM 5,900.00.
The cars will be available at all eight MINI dealerships throughout the country during the MINI Weekend which takes place on the weekend of April 12th and 13th.
Estimated retail prices (on the road for personal registration, without insurance) of the new MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S are:
MINI Cooper – RM 178,888
MINI Cooper Chilli – RM 198,888
MINI Cooper S – RM 228,888
MINI Cooper S Wired – RM 248,888
* (All Prices are estimated and subject to Government Approved Selling Pricing)
