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November 14, 2022
Motor Journalist Koji Ozawa on the Allure of the MINI CROSSOVER PHEV | MINI
Presented by MINIPHEV or Not, It's Still a MINI
'Whether it's a PHEV or a diesel, it's still a MINI, isn't it?'
The moment I got into the car and started driving, that's what I thought.
I've been driving a MINI for the past few years, and as you know, they've expanded into quite a variety of models. Initially, there was only the 3-door hatchback, but now there's the open-top 'Convertible,' the 'Clubman' with its split doors and 5-door hatchback, the SUV-bodied 'Crossover' I'm testing now, and the high-performance 'John Cooper Works' models, among others. Honestly, some models feel like they've grown quite large.
Yet, every time I get behind the wheel, the feeling of 'it's still a MINI' comes through, which is remarkable.
Regardless of the size, a certain demeanor, design quality, and driving feel remain consistent. Strangely enough, this is a common trait among global brands with strong appeal in fashion, gourmet food, and sports gear; when you use them, you experience a quality and worldview that makes you say, 'Ah, of course.'
In MINI's case, this is particularly evident in its unchanging design and driving dynamics. The MINI Crossover I drove this time debuted its first generation in 2010. As the brand's first four-door model, it exceeded four meters in length and even offered the 'ALL4' four-wheel-drive system. To be honest, the size was considerable. However, when you drive it, the experience is unmistakably MINI.
This holds true for the current third generation as well. While it has grown even larger than the first generation (the F60 moved to the UKL2 platform in its second generation), its appearance retains MINI's playful spirit and British charm. Simultaneously, when you drive it, it still feels like a MINI. It's a remarkably unique characteristic, reflecting a certain aspiration and conviction in car manufacturing.
Now, regarding the main topic: the MINI Crossover PHEV. I wondered how much of the MINI character it would retain. The base is the current MINI Crossover, and its dimensions—4,315mm long, 1,820mm wide, and 1,595mm high—are identical to the gasoline and diesel Crossover models. However, the internals differ. It's equipped with a 136 PS 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline turbo engine at the front, driving the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission, and an 88 PS PHEV motor at the rear, driving the rear wheels.
Furthermore, it features a 10 kWh lithium-ion battery in the rear, providing an electric-only range of approximately 53 km (WLTC mode) on a full charge, as mentioned earlier. However, the charging port is located on the front left, and crucially, the luggage compartment floor is raised due to the battery placement, reducing its capacity from 450 liters to 405 liters. The vehicle weight also increases by about 90 kg compared to the diesel 'Cooper SD ALL4' model, reaching 1,770 kg.
Would the MINI Crossover, even with its inherent qualities, feel a bit sluggish and heavy after becoming a PHEV? I had anticipated this. Modern electrification subtly alters a car's character. Specifically, the added weight can lend a smoother, more luxurious feel. While 'luxury' sounds appealing, I wondered how this would align with MINI's motto of a quick, go-kart-like driving experience.
However, my concerns vanished the moment I started driving. From the initial acceleration, it possessed MINI's characteristic swiftness, and the responsiveness of the acceleration felt even better, not worse. Especially in full power mode from a fully charged battery, the 88 PS rear motor adds power, bringing the system output to 224 PS. It's the most powerful in the current MINI Crossover lineup, and with the low-end torque of the electric motor engaged, it accelerates smoothly and rapidly from a standstill.
The steering response is also superb. Personally, this was my biggest concern; I worried that the added weight might lead to sluggishness, but I felt none of that. No matter the model, a MINI is a MINI. I suspect that dedicated driving dynamics specialists, with their unwavering commitment, underpin the manufacturing philosophy.