Powertrain Options: Diesel and Hybrid

Previous MINI Crossoverdebuted in 2011 under the catchphrase “ALL ABOUT 4.” It sold 540,000 units worldwide. The reason for this was, as the catchphrase suggested, its 4-meter length, four doors, four-wheel drive, and the ability for four people to ride comfortably.

This time, it has been further evolved and increased in size. While maintaining the "go-kart feeling" characteristic of the MINI family, its quality, including driving performance, has been improved, and the body size has increased by 195mm in length, 30mm in width, and 45mm in height compared to the previous model. This has led to its transition from the previous B-segment to the C-segment.

Three powertrain options will be available for the MINI Crossover introduced in Japan. The "Cooper D Crossover" and "Cooper D Crossover ALL4" are equipped with a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine producing a maximum output of 150ps and a maximum torque of 330Nm. The "Cooper SD Crossover ALL4" features a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with a maximum output of 190ps and a maximum torque of 400Nm.

The "Cooper S E Crossover ALL4" combines a 3-cylinder 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine driving the front wheels, with a maximum output of 136ps and maximum torque of 220Nm, with an electric motor driving the rear wheels, producing a maximum output of 88ps and maximum torque of 165Nm. It is equipped with a 7.6kWh lithium-ion battery, allowing for EV driving at speeds up to 125km/h for a range of approximately 40km. Delivery for this hybrid model is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2017.

Functionality has also been improved. Notably, the rear legroom has been expanded by approximately 50mm. Furthermore, comfort has been enhanced with the addition of a reclining function and standard air conditioning vents. The rear seats also feature a fore-and-aft sliding function, allowing for increased comfort when moved to the rearmost position, or for more effective use of luggage space when moved to the foremost position.

The tailgate can be opened and closed automatically by placing your foot under the bumper, thanks to the Easy Opener function with automatic tailgate operation. Additionally, a picnic bench is provided, allowing occupants to sit on the rear edge of the luggage space. This bench is normally folded and stored beneath the luggage compartment, but can be pulled out when needed, allowing occupants to sit on the luggage space without worrying about dirt on the bumper, making it a useful feature for outdoor activities.

The luggage space capacity is 450 liters, an increase of 100 liters compared to the previous model.

MINI-ness and SAV-ness

Along with the increased body size, the design has also been changed. The front design features design details that make it instantly recognizable as a current MINI, such as the rounded headlights, hexagonal radiator grille, and round fog lights. On the other hand, "to emphasize its SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) character, we adopted a more square and powerful design for the headlights," explains Nobuyuki Okada, Product Marketing Manager of the MINI Division at BMW Japan.

On the sides, the design elements unique to MINI, which divide the design into three parts—roof, cabin, and body—have been carried over. In addition, silver accents have been added to the roof rails and side sills to emphasize its SAV character. While many cars nowadays integrate roof rails seamlessly into the roof, the Crossover deliberately separates them from the roof to express robustness and its SAV identity.

There is another characteristic feature on the side. While typical MINIs often feature curved surfaces with minimal character lines, the Crossover employs a line that runs from the headlights through the front fenders, drops down to the side sills, then kicks up around the rear door handle and extends to the rear fender. This emphasizes the fenders, giving the impression that all four wheels are firmly planted on the ground, and conveying a muscular, masculine strength.

At the rear, the license plate is integrated into the back door. This is to maintain design consistency with the traditional 3-door models.

Inside, MINI's signature circular and rounded design motifs are used throughout. However, there are also Crossover-specific designs. Okada explains, "For example, the air conditioning vents are intentionally square, or more precisely, rectangular, to express a greater sense of power, similar to the headlights." Additionally, chrome rings are frequently used around these vents and other circular design elements, enhancing the sense of traditional quality.

Elevated Status, Alongside the User

So, why did the MINI Crossover move from the B-segment to the C-segment? In fact, theMINI "Clubman"which debuted in September 2015, underwent a similar segment transition and simultaneously announced a new CI strategy.

Regarding this brand strategy, François Roca, also Head of the MINI Division, stated, "Previously, MINI had a very good positioning with an image of playfulness, youthfulness, and a bit of mischief." However, "The world has changed over time, and our users have changed. Other manufacturers have also introduced similar vehicles. We want to maintain our leadership, so this is a result of looking towards the new era."

He further analyzed the changes in users, saying, "Currently, they desire something more mature, sophisticated, and authentic." "Therefore, by creating a new strategy, we have matured and become a premium brand."

Roca offered an interesting analogy: "Fifteen years ago, former soccer player David Beckham wore very flashy and unusual T-shirts and had eccentric hairstyles. But today, he is completely different. He has matured and his style is impeccable. Our target audience is similar; they want authenticity, not something contrived. MINI understands this and wants to deliver authenticity without pretense."

How is the positioning differentiated from the Clubman, which was introduced to the C-segment earlier? Okada explains, "MINI launched the 3-door model in 2014and since then,added the 5-door model,and last year introduced theConvertible.These models are what we call the premium small segment (B-segment). Then, in September 2015, the Clubman entered the premium compact segment (C-segment)." He further elaborated, "The character of the Clubman is that of a gentleman, possessing a mature and sophisticated charm. The Crossover, on the other hand, has the character of an adventurer, oriented towards an active lifestyle." He added that the target user is envisioned as "someone who goes out actively, connects with nature, and travels with family, alone, or with a partner."

The price of the new MINI Crossover starts at 3.86 million yen for the front-wheel-drive Cooper D Crossover, 4.14 million yen for the all-wheel-drive Cooper D Crossover ALL4, and 4.83 million yen for the higher-end Cooper SD Crossover ALL4. The hybrid Cooper S E Crossover ALL4, which will be introduced later, is priced at 4.79 million yen.

MINI Cooper D Crossover | MINI Cooper D Crossover
Body Dimensions | Length 4,315 x Width 1,820 x Height 1,595 mm
Wheelbase | 2,670 mm
Weight | 1,540 kg
Engine | 1,995 cc Inline 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel
Maximum Output | 110 kW (150 ps) / 4,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 330 Nm / 1,750-2,750 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT
Drivetrain | FF
Fuel Economy | 21.2 km/ℓ
Price | 3.86 million yen

MINI Cooper D Crossover ALL4 | MINI Cooper D Crossover ALL4
Body Dimensions | Length 4,315 x Width 1,820 x Height 1,595 mm
Wheelbase | 2,670 mm
Weight | 1,610 kg
Engine | 1,995 cc Inline 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel
Maximum Output | 110 kW (150 ps) / 4,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 330 Nm / 1,750-2,750 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT
Drivetrain | 4WD
Fuel Economy | 21.3 km/ℓ
Price | 4.14 million yen

MINI Cooper SD Crossover ALL4 | MINI Cooper SD Crossover ALL4
Body Dimensions | Length 4,315 x Width 1,820 x Height 1,595 mm
Wheelbase | 2,670 mm
Weight | 1,630 kg
Engine | 1,995 cc Inline 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel
Maximum Output | 140 kW (190 ps) / 4,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 400 Nm / 1,750-2,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT
Drivetrain | 4WD
Fuel Economy | 20.8 km/ℓ
Price | 4.83 million yen

MINI Cooper S E Crossover ALL4 | MINI Cooper S E Crossover ALL4
Engine | 1,499 cc Inline 3-cylinder Turbo Gasoline
Engine Maximum Output | 100 kW (136 ps) / 4,400 rpm
Engine Maximum Torque | 220 Nm / 0-3,000 rpm
Motor Output | 65 kW (88 ps)
Motor Maximum Torque | 165 Nm
System Combined Output | 165 kW (224 ps)
Battery | Lithium-ion battery 7.6kWh
Transmission | 6-speed AT
Drivetrain | 4WD
Fuel Economy | 20.8 km/ℓ
Price | 4.79 million yen