MINI Australia will be rolling out the new F56 range across the country this month and has announced it has slashed pricing compared with outgoing R56 models.
“The new MINI receives the latest technology and features for a much higher level of refinement,” said MINI Australia GM, Kai Bruesewitz. “At the same time, we’ve retained the engaging ‘go-kart’ driving style this iconic vehicle is known for.
“But the best news for Australian MINI fans is that we have been able to reduce the pricing of the all-new MINI, making it more accessible than ever before.”
At launch there will be three models on offer:
- MINI Cooper – $26,650
(1.5 litre 3-cyl petrol engine, 100kW/220Nm, 4.7l/100km, 0–100km 7.9s) - MINI Cooper D – $31,800
(1.5 litre 3-cyl diesel engine, 85kW/270Nm, 3.7l/100km, 0–100km 9.2s) - MINI Cooper S – $36,950
(2.0 litre 4-cyl petrol engine, 141kW/280Nm, 5.9l/100km, 0–1006.8s)
Lined up against old pricing, the Cooper D has dropped $3000, the Cooper S $3750 and the Cooper has had $5000 slashed from its list price.
Further details are available below, including a brief overview of included equipment. Full specs will be available closer to launch.
The All-new MINI Hatch – All Grown Up!
- Larger, more powerful and more economical
- New generation of engines across the range
- New three cylinder engines for the MINI Cooper petrol and diesel variants
- Introduction of latest technologies including dynamic damper control, variable driving modes, head-up display, LED headlights and more
- Available from April 2014
April 3 2014 – MINI Australia has announced pricing details of the more sophisticated, more functional, more powerful and slightly larger third generation MINI hatch. With improvements in all the right places, the new MINI provides greater occupant comfort with increased interior space, a higher level of functionality with updated features and a more refined – but no less fun – driving experience.
According to Kai Bruesewitz, general manager for MINI Australia, the new MINI is an exciting combination of sophisticated new technologies and engineering, blended with the familiar and energetic MINI character.
“The new MINI receives the latest technology and features for a much higher level of refinement. At the same time, we’ve retained the engaging “go-kart†driving style this iconic vehicle is known for.
“But the best news for Australian MINI fans is that we have been able to reduce the pricing of the all-new MINI, making it more accessible than ever before,†Bruesewitz said.
Pricing of the new MINI range is indeed razor sharp, with significant reductions over the previous models. The new MINI Cooper is priced at $26,650, down $5,000, the new MINI Cooper D is down $3,000 to $31,800 and the range topping MINI Cooper S is now priced at $36,950, a reduction of $3,750.
The new MINI has grown in every direction, with increased dimensions for the chassis, body and interior space. The new platform allows for an increase of 28 mm to the wheelbase and an increase to the track of 42mm (front) and 34 mm (rear). The overall dimensions have also increased with 98mm added to the length, 44mm added to the width and seven mm added to the height of the new model.
This increase in size is instantly felt on the inside. Greater occupant comfort is guaranteed, thanks to increased shoulder room and foot space in the front seating area and a roomier rear-seat arrangement. Carrying capacity is significantly enhanced with the luggage compartment increased to 211 litres – an increase of 51 litres over the predecessor.
The exterior styling of the new MINI has been refined and presents an updated translation of the hallmark styling, proportions and body structure. Sporting fresh interpretation are the traditional design features such as the hexagonal contour of the radiator grille, the side indicator surrounds known as side scuttles, the circular headlights, the upright rear light clusters and the black detailing around the bottom edge of the body.
The MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper D are characterised by radiator grille ribs and a tailgate handle in white aluminium and a high-gloss black bumper strip as well as a chrome trim element for the exhaust tailpipe.
The MINI Cooper S identifies its pinnacle positioning and sporty pedigree with model-specific features such as a radiator grille with honeycomb pattern, a bumper strip in anthracite, bonnet scoops, brake air ducts integrated in the lower air inlets and a separate rear apron with exhaust tailpipes the centre. In addition to the side scuttle elements, the radiator grille of this model variant now also bears an “S” logo with chrome surround.
The launch of the new MINI sees a change of generation in the area of engines. For the first time ever, both three-cylinder and four-cylinder engines are used, all featuring MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. In all petrol engines this includes turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS).
The petrol engines of the new MINI models feature fully variable valve control in the form of VALVETRONIC, as patented by the BMW Group. The diesel engine of the new MINI Cooper D has a turbocharging system with variable turbine geometry and the latest generation of common rail direct injection. Compared to the predecessor, the fuel injection pressure of the new engine is increased to achieve high-precision fuel metering and clean combustion.
All model variants of the new MINI have improved engine and driving performance figures while their fuel consumption and emission levels have been reduced by as much as nineteen per cent when compared to the previous model.
MINI Cooper:
- Three-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower turbo technology
- 1,499 cc, 100 kW, 220 Nm at 1,250 – 4,000 rpm (230 Nm with overboost)
- 0-100 km/h: 7.9 seconds
- EU fuel consumption 4.7 l/100 km’s, CO2 110 grams per km.
MINI Cooper D:
- 3-cylinder diesel with MINI TwinPower turbo technology
- 1,496 cc, 85 kW, 270 Nm at 1,750 rpm
- 0-100 km/h: 9.2 seconds
- EU fuel consumption 3.7 l/100 km’s, CO2 97 grams per km.
MINI Cooper S:
- 4-cylinder petrol with MINI TwinPower turbo technology
- 1,998 cc, 141 kW, 280 Nm at 1,250 – 4,750 rpm (300 Nm with overboost)
- 0-100 km/h: 6.8 seconds
- EU fuel consumption 5.9 l/100 km’s, CO2 138 grams per km.
These incredibly efficient new generation engines are mated as standard to a new six-speed manual transmission which features carbon friction liners in the synchroniser rings for reduced weight and improved shift comfort. The optional six-speed automatic transmission also offers improved efficiency, enhanced shift comfort and shift dynamics via a more efficient transmission control system, a more direct connection and an improved hydraulics system. The new MINI combines automatic start/stop function with the automatic transmission for the first time.
The chassis and suspension systems underwent a full scale revision with the results all aimed at intensifying the experience of the agile MINI handling properties. Extensive work was applied the areas of materials with increased use of aluminium and targeted use of high strength steels to reduce weight and increase rigidity. Further development was also carried out in the area of geometry such as increased track width for both front and rear axles with the result being improved axle kinematics.
Improvements have also been made to the electromechanical power steering which includes torque steer compensation to prevent self-steering tendencies caused by differing degrees of torque at the drive wheels. The steering has been optimised for increased precision in highly dynamic and spirited driving situations and standard features include the speed-related steering assistance system, Servotronic.
Once inside the new MINI, occupants are greeted with the familiar MINI ambience, although with more sophistication and functionality.
A new display and operating concept combines the typical brand-style look and feel of the cockpit with improved functionality. Road speed and engine speed, along with other key driving-related information, is shown in the newly designed instrument cluster directly in front of the driver on the steering column.
The characteristic central instrument display now includes either a four-line TFT display, a 6.5 inch or 8.8 inch colour display depending on model and options fitted. In each case, the display provides feedback on vehicle functions, infotainment and communication as well as navigation maps and route directions in the case of the larger displays. The selection and control of these functions is facilitated by controls in the instrument display or via a new controller in the centre console which comes in conjunction with the Radio MINI Visual Boost or either of the optional navigation systems. Also new is the functional LED light ring (Optional for MINI Cooper) surrounding the display which changes colour depending on the function selected.
Starting and stopping the engine now uses a keyless function. To operate, the driver just depresses the brake pedal and presses the red toggle switch in the centre console to start or stop the engine.
The range of optional driver assistance systems has been significantly expanded. For the first time, MINI offers the availability of an extendible Head-Up Display above the steering column, a Driving Assistant system including camera-based active cruise control, collision and pedestrian warning, high beam assistant and also a parking assistant and a rear view camera.
Another addition to the MINI equipment program is Dynamic Damper Control. Two settings are available for damper set-up, allowing activation of either a more comfort-oriented response or a direct, sporty response to road bumps, depending on the given situation. The compression and rebound stage are adjusted by means of electrical control of the EDC valves.
The new MINI Driving Modes (standard on MINI Cooper S) allow an individual set-up via a rotary switch at the base of the gear shift or selector level. The modes SPORT and GREEN can be activated in addition to the standard MID mode. Depending on vehicle specification, changing the setting affects not just the characteristic curve of the accelerator and steering but also the ambient lighting, the displays in the central instrument cluster, the shift times of the automatic transmission and the characteristics of Dynamic Damper Control.
Also available for the first time in a MINI – and unique in the segment – are optional LED headlights and adaptive light distribution with LED turning lights. The bright white LED units provide the light source for both low and high beam and enhanced visibility in night time driving. The additional option of the adaptive light distribution ensures optimum illumination of the road surface and roadside by manipulating the throw and width of the light beam produced by the LED headlights.
With the host of new features and functions available with the new MINI, the standard equipment and options list for all models has undergone a complete review. Further details will be communicated closer to the launch.
Australian MRLP*
- MINI Cooper – $26,650
- MINI Cooper D – $31,800
- MINI Cooper S – $36,950
*Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT – if applicable) but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries