Fifth-generation MINI Cooper will be available with two levels of internal combustion performance.
The standard Cooper is designated with a 'C', and the performance variant with an 'S.' This is how MINI designates the performance levels of its petrol engines within the new model family.
“At MINI, 'Power of Choice ́ means that in addition to all-electric MINI models, we also offer models such as the new MINI Cooper with a petrol engine. The car is ideal for all those people who want to drive a classic MINI 3-door and appreciate the performance and characteristic sound of a combustion engine,” said Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI.
The four-cylinder engine of the MINI Cooper S puts down 204hp and 300 Nm of torque and dispatches the century sprint in 6.6 seconds. On the other hand, the three-cylinder engine of the MINI Cooper C offers up 156hp and 230Nm of torque and does the same sprint in 7.7 seconds - not slow at all.
Equipped with a suspension and damping system designed for agile handling as well as the precise typical steering and powerful brakes, MINI looks to offer its owners a high level of driving pleasure, safety and comfort.
On the exterior, short overhangs and a short bonnet contrast with the long wheelbase, giving the car typical MINI proportions. A new octagonal grille with its filigree contours defines the MINI Cooper's characteristic face even more.
BMW Group's smallest radar sensor to date is positioned on the horizontal strut between the air intakes. A total of 12 ultrasonic sensors support the driver assistance systems and increase driving safety.
Horizontal LED daytime running lights underline the new appearance in the standard setting. The striking appearance is further enhanced by three selectable light signatures for the daytime running lights of the MINI LED headlights and the redesigned matrix rear lights. All three selectable light signatures begin and end with a specially orchestrated welcome or goodbye animation.
On the inside, one finds the new steering wheel, a round OLED Display and the typical MINI toggle bar, and a two-tone textile dashboard. A panoramic glass roof adds to the bright and friendly atmosphere.
The most important driving functions, namely the parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, experience mode toggle and volume control, are directly accessible via the distinctive toggle bar.
The gear selector in the centre console makes way for the new Wireless Charging Shelf 2.0. Smartphones can be stored here and charged wirelessly.
The MINI Interaction Unit has been moved closer to the driver in the cockpit. The 240mm-diameter high-resolution, thin OLED display with high-quality glass edge is operated similar to that of a smartphone and intuitively by touch.
Relevant vehicle-related information, such as speed and fuel consumption, is displayed at the top of the screen. In the main menu, the functions are arranged horizontally as widgets and can be selected by swipe and touch.
In the lower area of the OLED display, the menu items Navigation, Media, Telephone and Climate can be selected directly at any time.
As part of the optional MINI Experience Modes, two projector units beam various illuminated graphics onto the dashboard. The interplay of visual design, ambient lighting and sound design changes the appearance of the cockpit and opens up new possibilities for personalisation.
Each mode has its own dynamic background and can be selected according to the driver's personal preferences. In personal mode, a personal photo can be set as the display background via the MINI app. The dominant colours of the photo then extend across the textile surfaces of the dashboard and the door panels as illuminated graphics.
Numerous driver assistance systems are also offered. The standard-fit Safe Exit function monitors the area around the parked vehicle and warns approaching road users before the door is opened. The function not only delays the unlocking of the doors but also uses light signals outside the vehicle to warn of a possible collision.
On the road, the MINI Navigation package optionally provides support with 3D visualisation and Augmented View, displays the current traffic situation, provides information about parking options including digital payment options, and more.
Camera and radar-based assistance functions increase safety by supporting steering and lane keeping as part of the comprehensive Driving Assistant Plus package. Automatic speed and distance control make city driving even more comfortable.
MINI Digital Key Plus function turns the smartphone into the car key via the MINI app. The welcome animation of the front and rear lights begins as soon as the driver is less than three metres away; the doors are unlocked when the driver is at a distance of less than one and a half metres.
This convenient vehicle experience can be digitally transferred to different users, including their personal vehicle settings.
Two can ride in the back of the MINI Cooper, and practicality is not forgotten. By folding down the rear seat in a 60:40 ratio, the luggage compartment can be flexibly expanded from 210 litres to provide a volume of up to 725 litres.
The new Essential, Classic, Favoured and JCW trim variants offer a wide range of customisation options. Depending on the trim, the new MINI Cooper C and MINI Cooper S are available with different body paint finishes and interior trims. The exterior colours can be combined with one of four roof colours and create a variety of contrasts.
An exclusive option in conjunction with the Favoured Trim package is the Spray-Tech design of the distinctive Multitone Roof. This features a three-colour gradient.
More to come when this fifth-generation MINI Cooper lands on our shores.
Photo Credits: MINI