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November 14, 2022
Motor Journalist Koji Ozawa on the Allure of the MINI CROSSOVER PHEV | MINI
Presented by MINIMINI's Distinctive Style Pursued in Color and Detail
The exterior is similarly striking. As mentioned, the MINI Crossover exceeds 1.8 meters in width. However, at just over 4.3 meters in length, it's on the shorter side for a compact SUV segment today. Its boxy silhouette, combined with oval headlights featuring LED daytime running rings, the classic MINI grille, and stylish two-tone color schemes, makes its size less apparent. I've always felt that MINI's British-inspired design possesses a certain magic in conveying the brand's worldview. Perhaps it's the unique grille and the relationship and balance of the headlights that achieve this.
Furthermore, the MINI Crossover Untamed Edition PHEV (hereafter referred to as the Untamed Edition) I drove features a dedicated Momentum Grey body color. Unusually for MINI, which often uses chrome extensively, this model comes standard with the Piano Black Exterior package, accentuating elements like the headlights, rear combination lamps, front grille frame, emblems, and tailpipes with a sleek black finish.
The air intakes on the front bumper and the underguard have also been changed to the same Momentum Grey as the body color.
While other brands might use a lot of blue to evoke an eco-friendly image for their electrified models, BEVs, or PHEVs, MINI takes a different approach. It asserts its 'electrified model' status through a combination of unique earth tones and subdued black. The grey has a slight greenish hue, reminiscent of camouflage, which is characteristically MINI and distinctive.
It's a contrarian strategy that avoids conformity, but one that fans will surely appreciate. It's not just about performance or driving dynamics; they've meticulously pursued the MINI essence in color choices and detailed design as well.
The interior follows suit. Fundamentally, everything from the gauges to the center display and controls is circular or oval. Moreover, the color palette, textures, and chrome accents are tastefully done, preventing it from looking juvenile. The 8.8-inch touchscreen offers a balanced digital feel and supports Apple CarPlay.
The connected features, unique to PHEVs, are also comprehensive. Through the dedicated smartphone app, 'MINI App,' you can check fuel levels, charging status, remaining range, and receive notifications for maintenance.
In daily use, you can locate your parked car in a large parking lot, pre-heat the cabin on cold winter mornings by setting your departure time, and remotely control door locks, unlocking, and even headlights.
Additionally, the MINI Crossover Untamed Edition PHEV adopts a unique earth-tone interior. It's adorned with special natural-inspired blue and green accents, with the 'Untamed' lettering subtly appearing on the Frozen Blue panel in front of the passenger seat. The combination seats, upholstered in leather and fabric, feature a stylish exclusive Highland Green color. The subdued tones are beautifully contrasted by vibrant green and blue stitching.
Here too, even with electrified SUVs from other brands, it's clear that MINI is striving to offer its own distinct worldview.