Nine years after its revival, Mini’s fun-loving character and individual appeal is still winning hearts. However, there’s a new face on the premium small car scene in the shape of the Audi A1. Mini has thus responded with a number of subtle updates to its already winning formula, in an effort to cement its appeal amongst trendy ad execs, graphic designers and other iPhone-wielding trendoids.
Boasting a variety of body styles, from the two-door Cooper and Cooper Convertible models, to the more versatile Clubman and most recently, the four-seater Countryman, Mini promises to offer something for everyone. If that’s not enough, expect to see more models join the range in the coming months as the brand begins to stretch the concept of the original 1960′s British icon with the Coupe, Speedster and Paceman that are all expected in the near future.
For 2011, the Mini range benefits from subtle exterior updates. These include a new front bumper design that better meets the ever increasingly stringent pedestrian protection requirements, as well as offering a slight improvement in aerodynamics. The front foglights feature new chrome surrounds, while all models are now equipped with LEDs for the rear lights, as well as the dynamic brake light function. At the same time, new wheel variants, paint finishes and optional extras, accentuate both the elegance and premium character of the Mini family.
Inside, all Minis boast newly designed controls for the audio and air conditioning systems for improved ergonomics. The available choice of seat upholstery, trim elements and colour lines has also been updated. A new audio and navigation system, together with inputs for external music players and mobile phones, takes care of entertainment and communications. Plus, the Mini ‘Visual Boost’ radio and Mini navigation system also feature Mini Connected.
The Mini Connected application gives owners access to streaming Internet radio and reception of RSS news feeds. Moreover, it also enables Facebook and Twitter posts to be displayed on the on-board monitor and allows the user to send standardised text messages. Unfortunately, at this stage, the system works exclusively with the Apple iPhone and requires a USB connection to function. With a bit of luck, in future, Mini’s propellerheads will ad compatibility for Blackberry devices and Bluetooth connectivity.
Under the skin, the Mini range remains unchanged, save for the engines, which benefit from a slight increase in peak power. Both petrol engines are equipped with fully variable valve management, which is based on the Valvetronic system used in BMW engines and serves to offer a responsive character while improving efficiency. The 1.6-litre, 16-valve engine found in the Cooper range of vehicles has received a 2 kW boost in power to 90 kW, with torque remaining unchanged at 160 N.m. The naturally aspirated 1.6 delivers average fuel consumption of 5.8 L/100km and CO2 emissions of 136 g/km.
In the sportier Cooper S models, the engine is equipped with direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger, making the engine the most efficient in its displacement class. Power is up by 7 kW to 135 kW, while the torque of 240 N.m remains unchanged and an extra 20 N.m is still available as an ‘overboost’ in gears 1 through 3. At the same time, Mini say the average fuel consumption is 6.3 L/100km and CO2 emissions are 146 g/km – which, in all likelihood, is optimistic for a car that loves to dart around city streets like a squirrel between trees.
Refreshed with more power, more tech and more style, the Mini range continues at the forefront of ‘cool’.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of the Mini Connected system by Mini SA Product Manager, Chris Potgieter.
