The updated Mini Cooper three-door, five-door, and convertible models have gone on sale in South Africa at a starting price of R420,000.
The compact hatchbacks underwent both exterior and interior redesigns, and new equipment packages that “allow for targeted individualisation” are now available.
What’s new
At the front, the new Mini range features a redesigned radiator grille, larger hexagonal surrounds, signature LED headlights, a body-coloured bumper strip, and vertical air inlets in place of the outgoing model’s positioning lights.
Furthermore, the wheel arches were redesigned and three new alloy wheel designs can be chosen from.
A multitone roof and Union Jack taillights are standard on every Mini, too.
“The new Multitone Roof for the Mini is not only the most expressive form of contrast paint to date, it also takes the brand’s hallmark ex-works customisation options to a new level,” said Oliver Heilmer, head of Mini design.
Inside the cabin, the Mini’s air vents were reshaped, chrome bits minimised, and new “Black Pearl” fabric seats fitted.
In addition, every model sports a 6.5-inch central display with integrated navigation and Bluetooth connectivity, a leather multifunction steering wheel, manual air-conditioning, and a 5-inch multifunction display in the instrument cluster.
The latter “displays all driving-relevant information as well as check-control messages and status displays of the driver assistance systems,” said Mini.
The new Mini App further allows owners access to vehicle information on their smartphones, remote car locking, and smartphone navigation destination sharing.
Optional extras for the cabin then include sports seats in Light Chequered print, Aluminium veneer finishes, ambient lighting, a Nappa leather steering wheel, leather/leatherette upholstery, a heads-up-display, a wireless charger, and a drive mode programme.
Performance
Two powertrain options are available in the updated Mini range – a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, both connected to a seven-speed Steptronic automatic transmission as standard.
The range-topping John Cooper Works uses an eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
The various engine configurations for the Mini line-up are as follows:
- Mini One 3-door – 75kW output / 10.3 seconds from o-100km/h / 195km/h top speed / 5.6l/100km combined fuel consumption
- Mini Cooper 3-door – 100kW / 8.1 seconds / 210km/h / 5.6l/100km
- Mini Cooper S 3-door – 141kW / 6.7 seconds / 235km/h / 6.0l/100km
- Mini One 5-door – 75kW / 10.6 seconds / 192km/h / 5.7l/100km
- Mini Cooper 5-door – 100kW / 8.3 seconds / 207km/h / 5.7l/100km
- Mini Cooper S 5-door – 141kW / 6.8 seconds / 235km/h / 6.0l/100km
- Mini Cooper Convertible – 100kW / 8.7 seconds / 205km/h / 6.0l/100km
- Mini Cooper S Convertible – 141kW / 7.1 seconds / 230km/h / 6.3l/100km
- Mini John Cooper Works – 170kW / 6.1 seconds / 246km/h / 6.3l/100km
A new adaptive suspension system is also standard on the John Cooper Works, and is able to variably adjust damper force within 50 to 100 milliseconds, said Mini.
Price
The South African pricing for the new Mini range is as follows:
- Mini One 3-door – R420,000
- Mini One 5-door – R430,000
- Mini Cooper 3-door – R469,500
- Mini Cooper 5-door – R479,500
- Mini Cooper S 3-door – R530,000
- Mini Cooper S 5-door – R540,000
- Mini Cooper Convertible – R533,000
- Mini Cooper S Convertible – R614,000
- Mini John Cooper Works – R615,000
Each purchase of a Mini One includes a 3-year/75,000km BMW Motorplan, while the rest of the models are accompanied by a 5-year/100,000km BMW Motorplan.
Mini Cooper S 3-door
Join the discussion