Recently premiered in London, LA and Shanghai, the lovely new third generation MINI rolled off the production line at their Oxford plant last week, where the first Mini was produced in 1959. The car will launch globally in the first quarter of 2014.
In a press release, MINI has said “The new MINI is one thing above all: a car with even more MINI about it. The new-generation model has made significant advances in every area when it comes to driving fun, quality and individuality. With new design solutions and exquisitely crafted exterior and interior details, the new MINI is more modern, eye-catching and versatile than ever.”
MINI heritage
The new three-door MINI hatchback doesn’t diverge from the unmistakeable design and driving fun of earlier models – it’s still small, with short overhangs and the hallmark “stance on the wheels”. However, there are some clear changes to the design of the iconic car, outside and inside, and there’s a new range of fuel-efficient engines to choose from.
“The new MINI generation strikes the perfect balance between MINI heritage, future-defining forms and innovations,” says Anders Warming, Head of MINI Design.
Exterior
The new MINI brings greater precision and class to iconic features.
- Lighter, wider and 10cm longer with newly designed flanks and a dynamic shape
- One-piece chrome frame to show off the hexagonal radiator grille
- More grown-up, redesigned head and rear lights
- LED headlights an option
- The outlines of the headlights, wheel arches and lights are emphasised
- Optional Chrome package for even higher standard of exterior appeal
Interior
The interior is recognisable as MINI, but more mature and with higher-quality materials.
- New instrument cluster in driver’s eyeline, including all driving-related displays
- Switches and handbrake have been moved to be more comfortable to use
- Atmospheric ambient lighting accentuates the space and design
- Sporty rear seats have been given an ‘individual-seat’ character
- Rear seating can be split 60/40 and footwells are larger
Driving
From launch, you can choose from one of the following three engines, all of which are turbocharged.
Engines
| Cooper | Cooper D | Cooper S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine size (litres) | 1.5 | 1.5 | 2 |
| Cylinders | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Diesel | Petrol |
| Capacity | 1499 cc | 1496 cc | 1998 cc |
| Output | 100kW/136 bhp | 85kW/116 bhp | 141kW/192 bhp |
| Max torque | 220 Nm at 1250-4000 rpm | 270 Nm at 1750 rpm | 280 Nm at 1250-4750 rpm |
| Acceleration (0-100km/h) | 7.9 seconds | 9.2 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Top speed (km/h) | 210 | 205 | 235 |
| Fuel consumption* (l/100km) | 4.5 - 4.6 | 3.5 - 3.6 | 5.7 - 5.8 |
| CO2 emissions* (g/km) | 105 - 107 | 92 - 95 | 133 - 136 |
*Fuel consumption will depend on tyre format. Figures for manual variants given.
Each model comes with a stop/start system, complies with Euro 6 emissions regulations and is 27% more fuel efficient than the previous engine.
6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and a sports automatic transmission are all on offer in the new front-wheel drive models.
Expect further announcements on the UKL1 platform, which will underpin the MINI range and support all-wheel drive, hybrid and electric drivetrains.
Intensified handling comes from aluminium and high-strength steel in the suspension, and Variable Damper Control is an option (providing a ‘Comfort’ and a ‘Sport’ setting.)
Technology
The new MINI is filled with more useful tools for a great driving experience.
Customise
- 12 exterior colours to choose from (including five new shades)
- Five interior colour lines
- 10 seat cover designs and other optional trim surface variants
- MINI Yours interior style packages available
The roof can be a contrasting colour – for no extra charge.
Size & Space
- 3821 mm long (98mm longer)
- 1727 mm wide (44m wider)
- 1414 mm high (7mm taller)
- 2495 mm wheelbase (42mm increase)
- 211 litres of boot space (30% increase)
Price and release date
With no confirmed release date, the new MINI Cooper, Cooper D and Cooper S are expected to go on sale next Spring, starting from £15,300.
Peter Schwarzenbauer, BMW Group’s board member for MINI, BMW Motorrad, Rolls-Royce, Aftersales BMW Group, said: “MINI is an inspiration for trend-setters and creative spirits the world over. And with our latest generation of MINI, we want to excite once again. To ensure the new generation of MINI is as successful as its predecessors, we have made just subtle modifications to its design. But beneath the outer skin is a brand-new car with state-of-the-art technologies seen for the first time at a small car.”
To find out more about the new MINI, visit their website or contact one of our MINI dealerships in Giffnock, Irvine or Kirkcaldy.