Mini has revealed the new Cooper 5 Door, showcasing a range of improvements to the classic nameplate.
The company has not yet revealed when the petrol-powered hatchback will go on sale in South Africa, but its all-electric counterpart – the Cooper SE – is scheduled to arrive before the end of the second quarter, so the other models can’t be far behind.
Everything new
The new Cooper 5 Door is 4,036mm in length, 1,744mm in width, and 1,464mm in height, making it nearly identical in size to its predecessor.
Compared to the 3 Door, the wheelbase and body are 72mm and 172mm longer, respectively, but it retains a small turning circle of 11.4 metres making it agile around town.
The rear bench has a 60:40 folding split, which increases the storage space in the boot from 275 to 925 litres.
On the visual front, the Mini boasts short overhangs, a small bonnet, and larger wheels up to 18 inches in size this time around, though it has retained signature elements like the circular LED headlights and daytime running lights, and an octagonal grille.
The hatchback’s lighting fixtures play orchestrated welcome and goodbye animations when the driver comes and goes, and buyers can pick up an optional light signature package that adds even more personality to their purchase.
There are 11 body colours to choose from with three contrasting appearances for the roof, and you can personalize the car even further with three different trim levels.
The entry-level Classic Trim has a minimalist approach with Vibrant Silver logos and a black or white roof.
The Favoured Trim extends the silver treatment to other exterior components like the grille, and the range-topping John Cooper Works (JCW) option emphasizes a sportier theme with an aggressive front and rear diffuser and high-gloss black finishes on the grille and other items.
Looking inside, the Cooper features the same dashboard layout as Mini’s other products with the centrepiece being a circular 9.4-inch OLED screen that acts as both the driver and infotainment portal, and it is possible to install a heads-up display as well.
This screen has a status bar for common functions like Navigation, Media, and Telephone, and can be operated via touch or voice commands.
The two-tone surfaces for the dash and door linings are made from recycled polyester, while the seats are covered in imitation leather.
The two-spoke steering wheel has been replaced by a new three-spoke design with a textile band at the 6 o’clock position, and the various instruments and panels have a Vibrant Silver finish.
Additionally, the gear selector has been moved to the dash to allow for a bigger centre console storage compartment and a wireless charging pad.
On the JCW, you can expect perforated Vescin Sports seats with a contrast red stitch pattern.
It is also possible to customize the cabin by selecting one of the seven Mini Experience modes, which uses a projector on the back of the touchscreen to transform the dashboard’s pattern and colours, which is synced to ambient lighting strips elsewhere in the space.
Regarding its assistance functions, the Cooper uses 12 ultrasonic sensors and four surround-view cameras, enabling a Parking Assistant Plus programme to independently navigate tight parking spaces.
As for the powertrain, the Mini is available with two turbocharged petrol engines, starting with a three-cylinder block that produces 115kW and 230Nm.
This allows the small car to accelerate to 100km/h in 8.0 seconds and achieve a top speed of 225km/h.
The Cooper S, meanwhile, has a larger four-cylinder plant with 150kW and 300Nm, giving it a 0-100km/h time of 6.8 seconds and a max speed of 242km/h.
Fuel consumption for the smaller drivetrain is pegged at 6.0l/100km, while the more powerful unit uses a slightly higher 6.3l/100km.
More information on the new Mini Cooper 5 Door, such as its local pricing, will be revealed closer to its launch window.
Mini Cooper
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