It’s still the Mini as we know it, but the all-new model has broken cover and delivers new looks, more space, more technology, enhanced ride and improved fuel consumption.
The lineup includes Cooper S (141kW/280Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine), Cooper (136kW/220Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine) and Cooper D (85kW/270Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel engine).
As you’d expect, the BMW-owned British company has fettled the styling without disturbing the hallmark Mini looks and proportions. That means the hexagonal grill and structures but with new design headlights and DRLs (LED headlights optional).
Size is up – 98mm longer (and the wheelbase is 28mm longer), 44mm wider and 7.0mm higher. Front track is 42mm wider and the rear track is 34mm wider.
That means more space inside – shoulder room and foot room are up, the rear seat surface is increased by 23mm and luggage space has grown impressively by 51-litres to 211-litres.
There’s also a new instrument cluster on the steering column, the hallmark centre instrument gets new colour display elements and while the 4-line TFT display is standard, you can option up to an 8.8-inch screen with satellite navigation. Also available are a head-up display and camera-based active cruise control.
Mini says the all-new model is lighter and stiffer and, combined with a new single-joint spring strut front axle and new-design multi-link rear, Mini’s renown ‘go-kart’ driving dynamics are enhanced and ride comfort improved. Dynamic Stability Control with traction control and electronic differential lock is standard and Cooper S variants get a unique sporty set-up plus, for the first time, optional Dynamic Damper Control.
Wheels are new-design 15-inch alloys or 16-inch alloys on the Cooper S and options up to 18-inch are available.
Mini Australia is still finalizing local details ahead of launch early next year.
