WeeklySA_AdminAGAIN AND AGAIN: Current model revision reaches level of maturity’
By Ali Mphaki
Twenty years after the launch of the modern MINI, the latest model generation presents itself in top form. The concept associated with the relaunch of the brand, namely, to build premium cars for the small car segment, has turned into a unique and global success story.
Today, Mini is the epitome of agile driving combined with an unmistakable look; it meets the highest standards in terms of technology and quality in its vehicle class. With the current model revision, the Mini 3-door Hatch, the MINI 5-door Hatch and the Mini Convertible all receive attractive additions of standard and optional equipment, new exterior paint finishes, light-alloy wheels, interior and seating surfaces as well as innovative technology in the areas of chassis, driver assistance systems, operation and connectivity round off the latest update for the British brand’s small car models
The Mini John Cooper Works, also benefits from a model-specific further development of its design and product substance. the comprehensive design, technology and premium quality update also gives fresh impetus to the all-electric MINI Cooper SE in continuing its successful push into the electric vehicle segment.
The innovations in brief. • LED headlights now as standard equipment. • Characteristic side scuttles in a new design. • Redesigned rear apron, LED rear lights in Union Jack design now standard. • World innovation: The Multitone Roof. • New body colours and light alloy wheels. • Newly-designed interior surfaces and air outlets. • Redesigned steering wheels. • Multifunctional instrument display with 5-inch colour display. • Central instrument cluster with new Piano Black high-gloss surround, 8.8-inch display and modern graphics display as standard. • Sports seats in new Light Chequered colour. • New Ambient Light option with extended features. • Adaptive chassis now features frequency-selective damping. • Electric parking brake available for the first time. • Active Cruise Control now with Stop & Go function. • Greater safety thanks to new lane departure warning and bad weather light. 3 • Piano Black exterior with extended features. • New equipment packages allow for targeted individualisation
A new exterior design language now puts the unmistakable appearance of the Mini in a decidedly purist light. Above all, the enhanced aesthetics ensure that the central design features of the Mini become even more apparent and modern by means of reduction.
The front view.is dominated more than ever by the characteristic radiator grille, the hexagonal surround that now takes up significantly more space, and by the round hallmark Mini headlights.
The combustion engines of the MINI 3-door Hatch, MINI 5-door Hatch and MINI Convertible are combined with a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch as standard. (The John Cooper Works model uses an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.)
MINI John Cooper Works: at 170 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, top speed: 246 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 6.3 litres/100 km. CO2 emissions (combined): 143 g/km Go-kart feeling redefined: Adaptive suspension optimising the balance between sportiness and comfort.
The MINI is the original that stands out from the crowd and it continues to reinvent itself again and again.
