MINIs get big refresh

MANILA, Philippines — Iconic Oxford-based carmaker MINI, through its Asian office, and local importer British United Automobiles, recently released refreshed iterations of the MINI 3 Door, MINI 5 Door, and MINI Cabrio.

“The British premium automobile manufacturer strengthens the progressive character and appeal of its original models in the premium small car segment with a stylishly refined visual appearance and extensive technological advancements. The update includes fresh design accentuations, innovations in the field of drive technology and additional customization options,” said the company in a statement. “The upgrading of the original product substance highlights the mature yet distinctive charisma of MINI. This is due to elements such as the new engine-transmission combinations, an extended range of standard features, newly designed headlights and rear lights, additional body finishes and cutting-edge connectivity technology for convenience and infotainment.”

In an interview with STAR Motoring, MINI Philippines national sales manager Jefferson Lizardo underscored that there are “a lot of new changes” in the aforementioned models. Features that used to be options now come standard, and the company continues to update its vehicles with the freshest highlights.

One of the new features now coming standard in the new MINIs are LED headlamps imbued with anti-dazzle technology, while offering increased brightness for both high and low beams. “The LED daytime driving light and the turn indicator light are generated by a ring which surrounds the entire contour of the headlight.”

Lizardo also pointed out the new interpretation of the MINI logo, which appears on the bonnet, tailgate, steering wheel, central instrument display and remote control in all models. Compared to the old logo, it “assumes a two-dimensional ‘flat design.’”

Paying homage to its origins, MINIs now sport a Union Jack design on its taillights (in conjuction with LED adaptive headlights). “The striking flag motif is recreated in the structure of the light functions. The turn indicators are horizontally arranged and the brake lights are vertically aligned, with the taillight additionally representing the diagonal lines of the British flag,” explains MINI.

The company also introduces three new exterior colors: Emerald Grey Metallic, Starlight Blue Metallic, and Solaris Orange; exclusive to the MINI Cabrio is Carribean Aqua. New 17-inch alloy wheels have also been unveiled: Propeller Spoke Two-Tone for the Cooper and Rail Spoke Two-Tone for the Cooper S.

“A broad selection of seat surfaces, interior surfaces and Colour Lines add a touch of individual style to the interior of the new MINI 3 Door, the new MINI 5 Door and the new MINI Cabrio. New features for the MINI 3 Door include the Chester leather trim in Malt Brown and a Colour Line now also available in Malt Brown,” continues the release. The Union Jack theme also appears in the optional MINI Yours Interior Style Piano Black. “Surfaces in the area of the doors and center console finished in Piano Black… this also includes a rear-lit decorative strip for the instrument panel on the passenger side. The latter is likewise finished in Piano Black as well as bearing a stylised Union Jack motif. The colour of the background lighting for the decorative strip is the same as the mood of the ambient lighting selected by the driver as part of the MINI Excitement Package.”

While the engines remain basically unchanged, they have been tweaked — leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.

The engines are mated to a seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch — optionally available for the models on the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S. “The new transmission type offers very fast gearshifts for sporty acceleration maneuvers without torque interrupt,” said Lizardo. It is operated using a new electronic gear lever. A 7-speed Steptronic sports transmission with double clutch is also available for the MINI Cooper S. This includes shift paddles at the steering wheel.

Even the steering wheel of the MINI has been reimagined with multi-function buttons. “The standard trim also includes an audio system with 6.5-inch color screen in the central instrument and mobile phone integration via Bluetooth. The Control Display offers a touchscreen function in conjunction with the optional Radio MINI Visual Boost and a navigation system.”

The optional MINI Excitement Package now also includes the MINI logo projection on the driver‘s side. When the vehicle is opened and closed, the new MINI logo is projected onto the ground in front of the door for 20 seconds, or permanently if the door is left open.

When asked about the Union Jack’s more thorough assimilation into the vehicle design, Lizardo replied: “I think it’s to be true to its iconic heritage.” MINI also offers increased customization options. “3D-printed, customized trims are available as well,” added Lizardo.

Prices of the new MINI hatches are as follows: MINI Cooper 3 Door, P2,550,000; MINI Cooper S 3 Door, P3,000,000; MINI John Cooper Works 3 Door, P3,850,000; MINI Cooper 5 Door, P2,650,000; MINI Cooper S 5 Door, P3,100,000; MINI Cooper SD Convertible, P3,350,000.