The new MINI Hatchback has been unveiled at the company’s Plant Oxford in Great Britain this afternoon.
Not looking too dissimilar to the current model, the all-new model rides on BMW’s UKL1 platform and, at 3,821 mm in length, 1,727 mm in width and standing 1,414 mm tall, it’s 98 mm longer, 44 mm wider and 7 mm taller than the outgoing model, while the wheelbase has been stretched by 28 mm, the front track by 42 mm and the rear track by 34 mm. Inside, boot volume has been increased by 30 per cent to 211 litres, while the 60:40 rear seat comes with tilt-angle adjustment for increased practicality.
Three engine options will be available at launch, all utilizing the company’s TwinPower turbo technology, starting with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit in the base Cooper. Developing 100 kW (136 hp) and 220 Nm of torque from as low as 1 250 rpm, with the overboost function allowing brief increases to 230 Nm. 0-100 km/h takes 7.9 seconds (automatic: 7.8s) and top speed is 210 km/h, while average consumption works out at 4.4 litres every 100 kilometres with emissions of 105 g/km. Diesel fans are offered the Cooper D with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder generating 85 kW (116 hp) and 270 Nm, which consumes 7 percent less fuel than its predecessor at 3.5l/100 km with emissions of 92 g/km.
Finally, the range-topping Cooper S receives a 2.0-litre four-cylinder lump producing 141 kW (192 hp) and 280 Nm (300 Nm with overboost), which drinks 5.6l/100 km) and emits 133 g/km. 100 km/h arrives in just 6.8 seconds (6.7s) with a maximum speed of 235 km/h. All variants feature stop-start systems, with standard six-speed manual gearboxes featuring a gear sensor which matches the engine speed to allow swifter shifting. Customers can also choose a regular six-speed automatic or go for MINI’s new six-speed sports automatic transmission which enables even shorter shift times and can be operated via flappy paddles on the steering wheel.
Visually the MINI features a rounder radiator grille with integrated bumper section and honeycomb grille, while the headlights can be specified with eye-catching LED units similar to those on the Rocketman Concept as can the chunky rear clusters. The Cooper models wear 15-inch alloys, while the S rides on 16-inchers, but customers can opt for 18-inch items.
Notable optional extras include the Variable Damper Control upgrade with sport and comfort settings, roof bars, two-zone automatic air-conditioning, panoramic glass roof, windscreen heating, a Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system and 8.8-inch infotainment system with dual controllers in the style of BMW’s popular iDrive system.
Due to be launched next spring, UK pricing will start at £15,300 for the Cooper, £16,450 for the Cooper D and £18,650 for the Cooper S.
[Source: MINI]