The New MINI Debuts | MINI
CAR / MOTOR SHOW
April 3, 2015

The New MINI Debuts | MINI


MINI


Third-Generation MINI Debuts


On November 18, 2013, the 107th birthday of Sir Alec Issigonis, who created the original MINI, the third generation of the reborn MINI was finally unveiled.



Text by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro (OPENERS)



Character Unchanged Despite Growth


The new MINI has slightly increased in size, with the Cooper measuring 3,821mm long, 1,727mm wide, and 1,414mm high. It is 98mm longer, 44mm wider, and 7mm taller. The wheelbase has also been extended by 28mm to 2,495mm, with the front and rear tracks widened by 42mm and 34mm respectively.

At launch,Three Engine VariationsThe 'MINI Cooper' features a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder twin-power turbo engine producing a maximum output of 100kW (136ps). The 'MINI Cooper S' employs a 2-liter 4-cylinder twin-power turbo engine boasting 141kW (192ps). Additionally, the 'MINI Cooper D,' equipped with a 3-cylinder diesel engine, delivers a maximum output of 85kW (116ps) and a peak torque of 270Nm. All models can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a newly developed 6-speed automatic or 6-speed sport automatic transmission.

The 6-speed automatic MINI Cooper achieves 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds, an improvement of 2.6 seconds, while fuel efficiency has increased by 27 percent. The MINI Cooper D demonstrates high environmental performance with a European fuel consumption of 3.5-3.6L/100km (approximately 28.6-27.8km/L) and CO2 emissions of 92-95g/km.






The basic structure, with its box-shaped body and large glass area, topped by a roof that appears to sit on top, remains unchanged, ensuring immediate recognition as a MINI. Meanwhile, while tradition is upheld in fine details, new interpretations have been added.

The hexagonal front grille, where the bumper is blacked out to appear as a single connected unit, features horizontal slats on the Cooper and a honeycomb design on the Cooper S. The distinctive round headlights offer optional LED lighting, a first in this class. Both front and rear lights are LED, with the fog lamps available in halogen or LED. Additionally, roof rails are now available as an option for the first time on a MINI.





MINI


Third-Generation MINI Debuts



Early Unveiling in Tokyo and LA


Inside, the speedometer is positioned behind the steering wheel, with the tachometer and fuel gauge accompanying it. The meter face includes a color LCD for displaying various warnings. The outer ring of this meter illuminates with LEDs, providing visual feedback to the driver's actions. Engine start has been changed to a type where the switch in the center console is turned ON while holding the key. The power window switches, previously located on the center console, have been moved to the door panels, a subtle but notable change.

Fabric seats are standard, with leather/fabric combinations or leather available as options. The increased body size also contributes to comfort and cargo capacity, with rear seat legroom extended by 23mm and the luggage compartment increased by 51 liters to 211 liters.




MINI Cooper S



As an optional feature, 'MINI Driving Modes' are available, which adjust the settings for the accelerator, steering, AT shift timing, and dynamic dampers. This system allows switching between NORMAL (MID), SPORT (optimal for sporty driving), and GREEN (fuel efficiency focused) modes using a rotary switch. In GREEN mode, the transmission and engine disengage when not under load, enabling coasting.

Appropriate for a latest model, driver assistance systems using cameras and radar are also enhanced. These include Active Cruise Control based on camera images, a collision and pedestrian warning system with braking function, High Beam Assistant, and road sign recognition. A transparent head-up display is available, projecting information without obstructing the driver's view.

The infotainment system, MINI Connected, has also been enhanced with a built-in SIM card in the vehicle's communication module. This enables features such as emergency eCall and MINI TeleServices, as well as expanded social media and entertainment services through smartphone integration.

Five body colors are offered. The roof and door mirrors are available in contrasting white or black at no extra charge.

The new MINI will be exhibited early at the Tokyo Motor Show, starting November 22, and the LA Auto Show.



Spec



MINI Cooper
Body Size | Length 3,821 x Width 1,727 x Height 1,414 mm
Wheelbase | 2,495 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,501 / 1,501 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 124 mm
Weight | (6MT) 1,085 kg (6AT) 1,115 kg
Engine | 1,499cc Inline 3-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC with Turbocharger
Bore x Stroke | 82 x 94.6 mm
Compression Ratio | 11.0
Max Output | 100 kW (136 ps) / 4,500-6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 220 Nm / 1,250-4,000 rpm
(Overboost) | 230 Nm / 1,250-4,000 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Manual / 6-speed Automatic
Drivetrain | FF
Front Suspension | MacPherson Single Joint Suspension Strut Axle
Rear Suspension | Multi-link Axle
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Disc
Tires Front/Rear | 175/65R15 84H
0-100km/h Acceleration | (6MT) 7.9 sec (6AT) 7.8 sec
Max Speed | 210 km/h
Fuel Consumption |
(6MT) 4.5-4.6 L/100km (approx. 22.2-21.7km/L)
(6AT) 4.7-4.8 L/100km (approx. 21.3-20.8km/L)
CO2 Emissions | (6MT) 105-107 g/km (6AT) 109-112 g/km
Trunk Capacity | 211 Liters


MINI Cooper S
Body Size | Length 3,850 x Width 1,727 x Height 1,414 mm
Wheelbase | 2,495 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,485 / 1,485 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 124 mm
Weight | (6MT) 1,160 kg (6AT) 1,175 kg
Engine | 1,998cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC with Turbocharger
Bore x Stroke | 82 x 94.6 mm
Compression Ratio | 11.0
Max Output | 141 kW (192 ps) / 4,700-6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 280 Nm / 1,250-4,750 rpm
(Overboost) | 300 Nm / 1,250-4,750 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Manual / 6-speed Automatic
Drivetrain | FF
Front Suspension | MacPherson Single Joint Suspension Strut Axle
Rear Suspension | Multi-link Axle
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Disc
Tires Front/Rear | 195/55R16 87W
0-100km/h Acceleration | (6MT) 6.8 sec (6AT) 6.7 sec
Max Speed | (6MT) 235 km/h (6AT) 233 km/h
Fuel Consumption |
(6MT) 5.7-5.8 L/100km (approx. 17.5-17.2km/L)
(6AT) 5.2-5.4 L/100km (approx. 19.2-18.5km/L)
CO2 Emissions | (6MT) 133-136 g/km (6AT) 122-125 g/km
Trunk Capacity | 211 Liters


MINI Cooper D
Body Size | Length 3,821 x Width 1,727 x Height 1,414 mm
Wheelbase | 2,495 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,501 / 1,501 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 124 mm
Weight | (6MT) 1,135 kg (6AT) 1,150 kg
Engine | 1,496cc Inline 3-cylinder Common Rail Direct Injection Turbocharged Diesel
Bore x Stroke | 84 x 90 mm
Compression Ratio | 16.5
Max Output | 85 kW (116 ps) / 4,000 rpm
Max Torque | 270 Nm / 1,750 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Manual / 6-speed Automatic
Drivetrain | FF
Front Suspension | MacPherson Single Joint Suspension Strut Axle
Rear Suspension | Multi-link Axle
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Disc
Tires Front/Rear | 175/65R15 84H
0-100km/h Acceleration | (6MT) 7.9 sec (6AT) 7.8 sec
Max Speed | (6MT) 205 km/h (6AT) 204 km/h
Fuel Consumption |
(6MT) 3.5-3.6 L/100km (approx. 28.6-27.8km/L)
(6AT) 3.7-3.8 L/100km (approx. 27.0-26.3km/L)
CO2 Emissions | (6MT) 92-95 g/km (6AT) 98-99 g/km
Trunk Capacity | 211 Liters