New Year, new Mini. Meet the updated Mini Hatch and Convertible
The Mini Hatch and Convertible that we’ve grown to love over the years have undergone a mid-life makeover. LED lights are now standard, along with some fresh new in-car technology and a new dual-clutch gearbox.
The tail lights have been redesigned to include a trendy Union flag design across the light cover, and there are also some new single-ring LED headlights which can be specced up to a new Matrix beam LED system – a first of its kind in this vehicle class.
The badges around the car will now feature the revised MINI logo and are accompanied by three extra exterior colours to choose from as well as new alloy-wheel designs. The interior features a new multifunction steering, Bluetooth connectivity and a 6.5” touch display, improving the experience of the BMW iDrive-like system. Wireless phone charging and extra USB ports also find their way into the facelift.
Driving dynamics, such as the steering, chassis and drivetrain, are unchanged and engine revisions are subtle, however, the Cooper’s claimed economy figure drops from its current 3.75-litres/100km to 4.16-litres/100km in the facelift. The Cooper S and JCW cars will use a new 8-speed auto gearbox. A six-speed manual remains the standard choice across other powertrains.
An intelligent stop/start system features on the new MINI hatch and Convertible, too, using the car’s camera and navigation set-ups to switch the engine on or off as necessary. Cars fitted with MINI’s drive mode selector now feature a coasting function to save fuel during those trips in and around the city.
Prices and specs should be revealed closer to the end of Q1 2018, but given the equipment and tech upgrades, we expect the start price to rise a bit over the outgoing Mini Hatch and Convertibles.
