The New Original MINI
On November 18, precisely the birth date of Sir Alec Issigonis (18 November 1906 – 2 October 1988), MINI presented their third generation hardtop to the world. Amidst the usual pomp and fanfare the proud fathers unveiled the new model, themed the “The New Original”, at the Oxford, UK plant, home of the first Mini. Welcome references to the past were numerous though the new MINI is nowhere near as ground breaking as the original. It is however unmistakably MINI and, more importantly, also introduces an entirely new generation of drive trains.
Looking at the all new lighter and subtly longer and larger body, we notice improvements to interior space and luggage volume as well as segment leading aerodynamics of 0.28 Cd. The front end sports a nice, slightly rounded, hexagonal grille and round headlights with LED surrounds. The Cooper S uses a black honeycomb grille with S logo, an additional opening in the bonnet and fog lights and brake cooling air ducts in the lower part. At the rear, larger taillights give it a modern look while also providing better illumination. Again the Cooper S distinguishes itself with twin exhaust pipes in the center below the rear bumper. Overall the redesign gives the car a more mature look and is, in my opinion, more attractive and better integrated than the previous model.
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The interior proposes a new horizontal dashboard with a steering column mounted pod housing the speedometer, tachometer, fuel level and vehicle status displays. The characteristic MINI central nacelle houses the infotainment and navigation system when so equipped. Below are three round dials for climate control with a row of toggle switches underneath. Front seats are comfortable and fully adjustable while the back seat is surprisingly roomy, once you get there. Entry and exit, using the easy to fold front seat, requires a bit of contortion and is better suited to those of a more limber nature. The interior is modern with subtle cues to the past and is very well finished throughout.
The big news however comes from the all new drivetrain packages. The new turbocharged modular engine family comprises three innovative designs, with identical bore and stroke, sharing numerous parts. The 1.5 litre three cylinder, yes, you read that right, and the 2.0 litre four cylinder gas engines will make it to North America, the diesel unfortunately wont. Have you noticed the three cylinder engine displacement is exactly ¾ of the four cylinder, that’s how closely related they are. The Cooper receives the 1.5 litre producing 134 hp at 4500 RPM and 162 lb-ft of torque at a very usable 1250 RPM. The Cooper S uses the 2.0 litre producing 189 hp at 4700 RPM and 207 lb-ft also at 1250 RPM. They are obviously very flexible engines and should, predictably, lead to a pleasant driving experience though this remains to be experienced. The power transfers to the front wheels through all new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The manual gearbox is standard while the automatic is also available with paddle shifts. The new power trains are more economical as well as more environmentally friendly with CO2 emissions of 105 and 136 gr/km.
To maintain the famous Go-Kart feel the designers kept the electromechanical, speed variable, rack and pinion steering and added an optional, three-mode selectable, Dynamic Damper Control. The three modes are Sport, Mid and Green. The efficiency-oriented Green mode works together with the automatic transmission to provide a coasting function, said to decouple the drivetrain, in what appears to be a modern form of “free wheel”. Standard Cooper wheel size is 15 inches with 16 inches on the S.
Optional driving assistance systems include a Head-up Display and a “Driving Assistant” system. The latter, available later in the production year, is a camera-based system with active cruise control, high beam assistant, speed limit information, collision and pedestrian warning and parking assistance with rear-view camera.
The pre-production models displayed impressive fit and finish, and after seeing the production line and the modern methods employed, the production models should follow suit. MINI prides itself as a distinctive and fun lifestyle vehicle and there is every reason to believe the new generation will go on providing the unique driving experience it is famous for. Sir Alec would certainly be proud of this new iteration of his 54 year old revolutionary design
