The faclefited MINI range is now on sale in Australia. It’s a pretty standard refresh with minor cosmetic changes, including front brake ducts, LED rear tail lights. MINI has also thrown a bit more fruit into the standard equipment, such as Bluetooth phone capability across the range. Mechanically, things are pretty much the same as before.
Full details, including pricing, can be found in the MINI Australia press release after the break.
Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned: Updated MINI Range Hits Australian Shores
- Improved driving enjoyment due to significant increased power and torque, coupled with reduced CO2 emissions
- Increased customisation possibilities making customer choices virtually endless
- Additional standard specification, including Bluetooth handsfree kit with USB audio interface
- Distinct design enhancements, including all new bonnet, grilles and bumpers, with even more additional styling changes to the JCW models
- Priced from $31,500* MRLP
With various market newcomers seeking to challenge MINI’s iconic status, the latest round of enhancements across the range proves MINI remains in a class of its own.
The new MINI family shows off attractive exterior design modifications, functional interior improvements and innovative new equipment features. In addition, there are new options and option packages available to further facilitate the customisation needs of MINI buyers along with the pocket-rocket performance and driving fun for which MINI is renowned.
Exterior and interior styling enhancements display the new MINI family at its sporty best.
The new MINI is now 99mm longer whilst maintaining all other proportions, such as MINI’s short overhangs. The front apron has gained distinctive eyebrows, thanks to new three-dimensional fog lights, and new air intake blades and brake air ducts increase the visual width of the cars. The bonnet across all models will also now match the height of the MINI Cooper D bonnet.
All MINI variants have new tail lights with LED technology. Dynamic brake lights (Brake Force Display) warn vehicles following if the MINI is braking particularly hard, rear lights are repositioned to reflect exterior styling cues and project a striking appearance at night. The Extended Light package, standard for the Australian MINI range, has been improved and now offers three LEDs to provide a multitude of shades and hues. This allows the lighting in the interior to be adjusted even further, with the brightness of the ambience still able to be adjusted to create atmosphere.
The interior of the new MINI family has also been upgraded, with black, Brilliant Silver and chrome updates enhancing the premium nature of the vehicles. All MINI steering wheels now display carbon black spokes and the interiors feature increased ergonomic considerations allowing greater access to rear space and increased comfort for passengers. To add to the convenience and luxury of the MINI range, Bluetooth Hands Free Kit with USB audio interface, fog lights on Cooper models, rain sensors with automatic headlight control and floor mats are now standard.
MINI has always lead the pack when it comes to customisation to suit individual tastes and requirements, and the new extended options packages available on the MINI range further prove this point. Options now include interior and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function, Adaptive Headlights as part of the Lighthouse Package, MINI Radio Visual Boost and MINI Business Navigation System which offers enhanced features at a reduced price. Packages now on offer include the Lighthouse Package and City Package for all models, the Pack Up Package for MINI Clubman and the Always Open Package for MINI Cabrio variants.
Exterior front
The modified design of the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible highlights the three models’ enhanced sporting appearance. The new MINI has grown at the front and rear and is now 99mm longer, offering larger deformation zones to reduce the risk of injury in a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist. The short overhangs and MINI proportions are still maintained, retaining the go-kart style MINI is famous for.
The revisions in the front apron are equally striking, with borders of the fog lights now having a more pronounced three-dimensional contour reminiscent of eyebrows, which gives them a sportier and more masculine appearance. Inside the air intake there is a visually-floating cross blade which accentuates the width of the car. The front bumper of the Cooper S has two additional brake air ducts to guide cool air to the brake discs and add underline the sporty racing car style of the MINI Cooper S.
Bonnet
The bonnet on the MINI Cooper will now match the higher MINI Cooper D bonnet. The higher bonnet underlines newly increased performance and ensures EU pedestrian protection regulations are adhered to.
Exterior side
Looking at the new MINI from the side, the design of the familiar MINI side indicator surrounds has been changed in structure. The glass cover now features concentric circles underlining the iconography of the indicators. The side scuttles of the MINI Cooper and Cooper D have a new design, a new two-colour look in black high gloss and black matt gives the side scuttle a premium appearance. The MINI Cooper S retains its’ side scuttle while receiving the new glass covers.
Exterior rear
The rear bumper has a small light wedge which underscores the three-dimensional quality of the vehicle, whilst dividing the bumper and making it appear wider.
The powerful lines of the rear end of the MINI Cooper Clubman are emphasised by the broader impact elements on either side of the licence plate recess. The rear bumper of the MINI Cooper S Clubman has a wide opening between the two exhaust tailpipes which replicates the form of an air outlet and is bordered by chrome edging. The slim, vertically stacked rear lights of the MINI Clubman are now – similarly to the MINI and MINI Convertible – framed by an inner chrome strip.
LED lights
All MINI variants have new tail lights with LED technology. LED optimises both the signalling effect and the contemporary appearance of the rear and brake lights on all members of the new MINI family. Dynamic brake lights (Brake Force Display) warn vehicles following if the MINI is braking particularly hard and prompts them to follow suit. This advanced light technology also lends the MINI models a very distinctive look at night.
The reversing light and rear fog lights are now located in the lower section of the rear bumper. On the MINI Cooper, these are housed in a centrally positioned red strip of lights. The reverse lights appear red but remain white in their function. The two lamps are designed to form a flat wide bench which emphasises the horizontal nature of the cars. In the rear bumper of the MINI Cooper S there is a wide outlet opening which complements the design of the front air intake. The reversing light and rear fog lights are integrated into the outer areas of the rear of the car, reflecting the positioning of the brake air ducts at the front.
Interior design and functional enhancements
The new MINI family enjoys numerous enhancements in interior design, ergonomics and use of space.
The MINI range has been fitted with black controls in the Centre Stack replacing the previous colour Fine White Silver. This enhances the horizontal orientation and increases the focus on the road. Brilliant Silver replaces Fine White Silver on the dials.
The radio within the Centre Speedo is now black instead of silver to enhance readability.
The steering wheel and air conditioning controls now have chrome highlights that lend an exclusive premium look to the interior.
The steering wheel has been redesigned for the MINI LCI – the new steering wheel has been fitted with carbon black spokes and the former colour Fine White Silver ring is now in chrome. The multi function button on the right will show RES instead of the current symbol.
The radio control knobs have been revised to enable a more ergonomic solution.
The new seat belt holder for the R55 Club door will improve access to the second seat row. The belt of the Club door can be fixed under the cupholder in order to allow access to the rear seats. The belt can be unfastened with a light pull from the front seat.
A new roller cover has been designed for the MINI Clubman luggage compartment which offers better handling than the current solution. The roller can be fixed in two positions and removed if required.
The Extended Light package that is standard for the Australian MINI range has been improved and now uses three LEDs to provide an extremely broad spectrum of colour choices. This allows the lighting in the interior to be adjusted even more widely. The brightness of the ambience can be adjusted.
New MINI options
The following new options will be available on the new MINI range from launch:
Interior and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function
Previously only the interior automatic dipping mirror has been available for the MINI range. Now both the interior and exterior mirrors have the automatic anti-dazzle function if required. The MRLP for this feature is $450 across the MINI range and it is only available in combination with Exterior mirror package at additional cost. Total cost is $900.
Adaptive Headlights
Adaptive headlights are available for the first time in the MINI range in conjunction with the optional bi-xenon lights. This technology allows the headlights to follow the line of upcoming corners to ensure illumination of the road surface. The steering angle, yaw rate and speed of the car are all taken into account in determining the beam angle of the headlights. To activate press button x on the direction indicator lever when the ignition is on.
MINI Radio Visual Boost
MINI Radio Visual Boost features the following highlights over the standard Radio MINI Boost CD:
- FM/AM double tuner
- Operation by means of MINI joystick in the tunnel console
- High resolution 6.5†colour liquid crystal display integrated into the central round instrument.
- Display of the on-board computer functions in the central round instrument
- Speedometer as circumferential scale in the central round instrument
This option is available for $750 across the MINI range or, alternatively, is included as part of the new Business Navigation system.
MINI Business Navigation System – Enhanced features, reduced pricing
The new Business navigation system replaces the Professional navigation.
The new Business Navigation system includes:
- MINI Radio Visual Boost
- Guidance system with voice output, arrow pointer and map display on the high resolution central display
- Daytime and night time modes selectable for display
- Operation of the Navigation system via a navigation joystick in the tunnel console
- GPS aerial integrated in the roof aerial
- Map material flashed to system memory
- Update of the navigation system via USB interface in the glove compartment possible
The modified design of the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible showcases the increased sporting potential of the three models through a number of factors. At the same time, a selection of clever touches, together with new wheel variants, paint finishes and optional extras, accentuate both the elegance and premium nature of the MINI family. The new geometry of the front bumper on each model allows them to meet increasingly stringent pedestrian protection requirements even more effectively. All models come with LEDs for the rear lights and brake lights, as well as the dynamic brake light function.
Inside the cars, the newly designed controls for the audio and air conditioning systems ensure optimised functionality and ergonomics. The cutting-edge exclusivity of the interior is further underlined by extremely harmonious colours and high-quality materials. The model-specific selection of seat upholstery, trim elements and Colour Lines has also been extensively updated.
An array of new exterior paint finishes and wheel designs is available for the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible to complement their refreshed styling. Chili Red is now available – exclusively for the MINI John Cooper Works models – as a contrast colour for the roof and exterior mirror caps. Meanwhile, three “design worlds†– Rally, Classic and Scene – have been introduced to underpin configurations tailored to the customer’s personal style. Each comprises a carefully coordinated combination of body paint finish, roof colour, wheel design, upholstery, trim elements, Colour Line and other visual features. The design worlds represent a recommendation from the MINI design team and lend the car an extremely coherent character. Additional – and almost limitless – customisation can be achieved by varying the individual components of each design world and by adding further equipment items and accessories to the mix.
All models come with innovative equipment features aimed at enhancing comfort, safety and the trademark MINI personality. For example, the optional bi-xenon headlights can be ordered with the Adaptive Headlights function, while an automatic dimming function is available for both the rear-view and exterior mirrors, and the standard ambient lighting uses a trio of
LEDs to provide a broad spectrum of colour. The MINI Clubman is now fitted with a new retractable roller-type luggage compartment cover.
Striking design modifications, an updated range of engines and a selection of additional innovative equipment items give the MINI family new impetus as it sets about writing a dynamic new chapter in its history of success. The MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible all enjoy the benefits of a host of new features which emphasise even more powerfully their characteristic personality, high level of quality, unmistakable driving fun and exceptional efficiency.
The detail-based design modifications introduced for the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible shine the spotlight on both the enhanced sporting capability of the models and their even more defined premium character. For example, the air intake in the front bumper gains visual emphasis (on the MINI Cooper S, in particular, but also on the other models), while eye-catching brake air ducts add an extra stylistic flourish to the MINI Cooper S. Elsewhere, features such as the newly designed LED rear lights and strikingly bordered side indicators represent the embodiment of cutting-edge elegance. High-quality materials and an extremely harmonious colour scheme mark out the contemporary and exclusive character of the interior of all the MINI models. The newly designed controls for the audio and air conditioning systems ensure optimised functionality and ergonomics. And new avenues are opened up for owners to customise their car to suit their personal style. The selection of seat upholstery variants, trim elements and Colour Lines have all been updated and extended, and the range of exterior paint finishes and wheel designs also offers fresh new touches.
New diesel engine: increased pulling power, CO2 emissions cut to 99 g/km.
A new generation of turbo-diesel engines enables the members of the MINI family to build further on their already outstanding position as far as efficiency is concerned. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder units embody the superlative level of development expertise within the BMW Group. Their combustion chambers have the same optimum ratio between bore and stroke as the 2.0-litre engines fitted in BMW cars, with a specially designed engine housing and likewise made-to-measure cylinder head making the transversely mounted units the perfect fit for the MINI models. The engine boasts common-rail direct injection and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, which provides precisely-judged power development throughout the rev range. The new unit benefits from a programme of substantial optimisation over the engines they replace – improving both responsiveness and efficiency. Its aluminium construction makes it extremely lightweight, and also breaks new ground in the small car segment in terms of engine acoustics.
The MINI Cooper D is fitted with a diesel particulate filter and oxidation catalytic converter. These are accommodated within the same housing, are maintenance-free, go about their business so unobtrusively that the driver would not know they were there, and do not require any additional assistance to do their jobs. Like all MINI models, the new turbo-diesel variant also meets the EU5 emissions standard.
The potential of the new turbo-diesel concept in the MINI Cooper D is impressive. Maximum output of 82 kW/112 hp at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) between 1,750 and 2,250 rpm are a recipe for instantaneous responses and impressive power development. The dash from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes a mere 9.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 197 km/h (122 mph). The new MINI Cooper D boasts average fuel consumption in the EU5 test cycle of 3.8 litres per 100 km (74.3 mpg imp) and achieves a new best CO2 emissions mark of 99 g per km.
Building on the impressive efficiency of the new diesel engine, standard-fitted MINIMALISM technology also makes its contribution to further reducing fuel consumption and emissions. MINIMALISM technology is grouped into model-specific combinations, and includes systems such as Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start/Stop function, Shift Point Display, electromechanical power steering (EPS) and the need-based operation of ancillary components. A standard six-speed manual gearbox channels the engine power to the wheels. The MINI Cooper D comes with a new, self-adjusting clutch. Automatic readjustment ensures that the pedal feel you expect from a MINI is there to be enjoyed over the car’s full service life. Plus, the synchronisation of the gears is further optimised by a carbon coating for the clutch linings.
Sporting capability, efficiency and variety: the range of petrol engines for the new MINI family.
Cutting-edge drive system technology boasting exceptional variety headlines the range of petrol engines for the new MINI family. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder units also boast a host of technical features whose development is rooted in the outstanding wealth of engine expertise within the BMW Group. The output of the new generation engine – introduced from March production, is 90 kW/122 hp in the MINI Cooper and the 135 kW/184 hp under the bonnet of the MINI Cooper S. The Cooper and Cooper S petrol models are equipped with fully variable valve management, which is based on the VALVETRONIC system used in BMW engines. This technology optimises the engine’s responses and at the same time significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions levels. In the MINI Cooper S, MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper S Convertible it joins forces with petrol direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger, making the engine the most efficient in its displacement class. In the MINI Cooper S it delivers acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.0 seconds yet gives average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of just 6.3 litres per 100 km (48.7 mpg imp) and limits CO2 emissions to 146 g per km. The range of seat upholstery, interior colours, trim elements and Colour Lines for all other models of the new MINI family has also been extensively revised. Among the newly introduced options are the Cross Check cloth/leather combination, the interior colour Polar Beige, trim elements in Striped Alloy, Black Checkered, plus Satellite Grey and Toffee Colour Lines.
Australian pricing for new MINI models.
- MINI Cooper – $31,500
- MINI Cooper S – $40,500
- MINI Cooper D – $34,750
- MINI John Cooper Works – $49,200
- MINI Cooper Clubman – $34,800
- MINI Cooper S Clubman – $43,800
- MINI John Cooper Works Clubman – $51,700
- MINI Cooper Cabrio – $40,200
- MINI Cooper S Cabrio – $48,600
- MINI John Cooper Works Cabrio – $57,300