MINI has started ‘drip-feeding’ details of the all-new third generation hatchback ahead of its Australian launch next month. Today it’s the prices – starting from $26,650 for the Cooper which is $5,000 down on the superseded equivalent (although $1,050 up on the current model’s entry-level ‘Ray’).
As we know, the all-new MINI is larger, more spacious, more powerful and more fuel-efficient.
There are new three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines plus available new technology including dynamic damper control, head-up display, variable driving modes and LED headlights.
Using a new platform, the all-new MINI is 98mm longer (wheelbase up by 28mm), 44mm wider and 7.0mm higher. Front track is widened by 42mm and the rear by 34mm.
MINI says these extra dimensions deliver much more room for both front and rear seat occupants plus 51-litres more cargo space – now 211-litres.
As it should be, styling is an evolution of the iconic retro look.
The three-cylinder engines are firsts for MINI and all three-cylinder and four-cylinder petrol engines will run be turbochargers, direct injection and dual variable camshaft control.
The MINI Cooper will be powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine delivering 100kW/220Nm (230Nm on overboost).
MINI Cooper D gets a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-diesel good for 85kW/270Nm.
And the MINI Cooper S will enjoy a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant offering 141kW/280Nm (300Nm on overboost).
Drive will be via six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
The price list looks like this:
Cooper $26,650
Cooper D $31,800
Cooper S $36,950
Full details when we drive the third-generation MINI at the national media launch.
