The new MINI family

• Eye-catching design modifications and innovative new equipment features give the MINI family fresh impetus to continue its history of success in the small car segment. The changes introduced for the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible underpin both the unique premium character of the brand and the leading position in the marketplace of each individual model in terms of driving fun and efficiency. The range of typically MINI customisation options available for the cars – which are each built precisely according to customer specifications – is more appealing and extensive than ever.
• The modified design of the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible accurately showcases the increased sporting potential of the three models through a number of details. At the same time, a selection of clever touches, together with new wheel variants, paint finishes and optional extras, accentuate both the elegance and premium character of the MINI family. The new geometry of the front bumper on each model allows them to meet increasingly stringent pedestrian protection requirements even more effectively. All models come with LEDs for the rear lights, as well as the dynamic brake light function.
• Inside the cars, the newly designed controls for the audio and air conditioning systems ensure optimised functionality and ergonomics. The cutting-edge exclusivity of the interior is further underlined by extremely harmonious colours and high-quality materials. The model-specific selection of seat upholstery, trim elements and Colour Lines has also been extensively updated.
• An array of new exterior paint finishes and wheel designs is available for the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible to complement their refreshed styling. Chili Red is now available – exclusively for the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman – as a contrast colour for the roof and exterior mirror caps.
• All models come with innovative equipment features aimed at enhancing comfort, safety and the trademark MINI personality. For example, the optional xenon headlights can be ordered with black headlight reflectors or the Adaptive Headlights function, while an automatic dimming function is available for both the rear-view and exterior mirrors, and the optional ambient lighting uses a trio of LEDs to provide a broad spectrum of colour. The MINI Clubman is now fitted with a new retractable roller-type luggage compartment cover. 
• The new audio and navigation systems and the integration devices for external music players and mobile phones both offer top-class entertainment and communications capability. All the radio systems come with an MP3-compatible CD player and an AUX IN connection, while the MINI Visual Boost radio and MINI navigation system team up with a high-resolution colour display in the Centre Speedo and a Bluetooth hands-free system complete with USB audio interface. If the customer has ordered their car with the Bluetooth mobile phone preparation including USB interface, both systems can be hooked up with compatible mobile devices to allow functions such as audio streaming via Bluetooth, album cover artwork display and innovative office functions. Plus, the MINI Visual Boost radio and MINI navigation system also give owners access to MINI Connected. The application available for this globally unique form of in-car entertainment includes a web radio function, and reception of RSS news feeds. Moreover, it also enables Facebook and Twitter posts to be displayed on the on-board monitor and allows the user to send standardised text messages.

2.   Premium quality
  and individual style
  in unparalleled variety.
  MINI, MINI Clubman, MINI Convertible.

Striking design modifications, an updated range of engines and a selection of additional innovative equipment items give the MINI family new impetus as it sets about writing a dynamic new chapter in its history of success. The MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible all enjoy the benefits of a host of new features which emphasise even more powerfully their characteristic personality, high level of quality, unmistakable driving fun and exceptional efficiency. And this, in turn, further enhances the appeal of this unparalleled range of premium models in the small car segment.

The new MINI family showcases the brand’s hallmark charisma across an even greater variety of model variants. All MINI derivatives are  available with the option of two petrol engines with different outputs. In addition, customers may also be tempted by the extremely sporty MINI John Cooper Works, MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and MINI John Cooper Works Convertible models. Launched under the John Cooper Works badge denoting outstanding performance, these elite sporting machines ensure that the MINI model range is without parallel worldwide, both in its breadth and in terms of ultimate ability.

Whichever body variant and engine the customer chooses, all MINI models share distinctive characteristics born out of the origins and tradition of the brand, a concept geared towards delivering maximum driving fun, an appreciation of individual style and a commitment to premium quality. Expressive design incorporating the contemporary interpretation of historical features, agility commonly described as a “go-kart” feeling, an unmatched variety of customisation options and an exceptional level of technology and workmanship lift the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible head and shoulders above the competition.

The original: stand-out concept is the key to giving MINI its unmistakable identity.

The compelling aura of the MINI, however, is rooted in a truly original concept. Although it is part of the BMW Group, the MINI brand benefits from a considerable degree of autonomy, which is expressed as much through its design as in its drive concept, variety of equipment options and the target groups identified in the development of additional models and variants. Every model built by the brand is conceived and produced exclusively as a MINI. This is a recipe for cars defined by a distinctive and credible, not to mention exclusive, character. Every model is therefore very much an original – displaying a wealth of attributes only a MINI can offer.

As the world’s first maker of premium small cars, MINI broke new ground when the brand was relaunched in 2001. The strategy of combining advanced drive and chassis technology, uncompromising quality and an individual style in cars in this segment immediately earned MINI its own niche in the world’s car markets. With its innovative profile, MINI won over a trend-conscious target group of customers who also shared an appreciation of quality. Over 1.7 million MINI models have been sold since 2001, highlighting the dynamic growth in this newly established market segment.

Character with a history – unique for more than 50 years.

In addition to the variety of models and the product quality of the MINI, the car’s historical roots also play a significant role in its popularity. The new MINI family builds on a tradition which now stretches back more than 50 years, and the history of the brand exudes an extraordinarily powerful allure.

Few other vehicles have had such a sustained impact on automotive development as the classic Mini presented in 1959.  A rigorous commitment to the efficient use of space and the innovative arrangement of the drive components spawned a small car concept that was revolutionary at the time and is still considered pioneering today. As well as the practical and economic virtues of the compact four-seater, its agile handling also helped the classic Mini to attain legendary status not only in its native Britain, but around the world.

Fast-forward to the 21st century and MINI remains a maker of classless and globally successful cars. Indeed, the brand’s current crop of models also retain significant links with their forebears in terms of design. The principle adhered to in the development of the classic Mini – of creating maximum interior space and functionality within exceptionally small exterior dimensions – also underpins the brand’s present line-up.

Front-wheel drive, engines mounted transversely at the front, short body overhangs and a low centre of gravity helped to give the classic Mini its distinctive character. And, along with the distinctive design features reflected in both the proportions of the cars and a number of details, these elements of the original car’s construction remain – in a reinterpreted, updated form – today. This allows the MINI, similarly to the classic Mini in its day, to raise the bar in terms of advanced drive and chassis technology, combined with state-of-the-art active and passive safety elements. MINI therefore remains faithful to both the traditional values of the brand and the requirements of a modern car in terms of space, performance and safety.

Customisation on a premium level: MINI as an expression of personality.

MINI sets the benchmark in the small car segment and beyond with the unsurpassed variety of customisation options available for its models. Driving a MINI is not only about enjoying the journey but also expressing your own personal style. The MINI enables far-reaching scope for customisation, giving customers enviable freedom to express their personal preferences. MINI offers its customers a more extensive and detailed range of options than any other manufacturer when it comes to kitting out their car in their own image. The unusually large selection of exterior paint finishes, roof/soft-top colours, interior colours, seat covers and trim variants form the basis for each custom-made design.

A host of attractive and high-quality options available ex-factory for the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible help to further enhance both driving fun and comfort. The range of Original MINI Accessories, meanwhile, includes everything from classic racing technology – in the form of John Cooper Works components, roof carrier systems and auxiliary headlights – to handy features for everyday needs and rather more off-the-wall elements, such as extravagant roof trim, mirror caps, door handles and side indicator surrounds.

Global popularity, sustained growth: a new chapter in the MINI success story.

Another ingredient in the identity of the brand is its British origins. Multiple expansion programmes have allowed production capacity at the MINI plant in Oxford to keep pace with growing demand. Today, MINI cars are exported from Oxford to more than 80 countries.

The USA has become the biggest single market for premium small cars, with Great Britain and Germany following in second and third places in the sales figures. And, more recently the brand has seen an extremely dynamic growth in demand in China, in particular.

Credit for the steady increase in sales figures must also go to the brand’s rigorously pursued model strategy. In 2004 the classic two-door model was joined by the MINI Convertible in the range. Then, in 2007, the MINI Clubman arrived on the scene with its longer wheelbase and an all-new space concept. The hallmark MINI driving fun had now been combined with additional day-to-day practicality.

The three body variants of the current MINI family already give the brand a broader-based model line-up than any of its competitors. Yet the growth potential of MINI is far from exhausted. Indeed, in autumn 2010 the MINI Countryman will see a five-door MINI measuring more than four metres in length set out onto the world’s roads – and, thanks to the optional all-wheel- drive system, off them as well – for the first time. The Countryman paves the way for the brand’s trademark driving fun to be experienced beyond the boundaries of urban mobility as well, and is therefore geared to the requirements of a larger and evolving target group. Added to which, the MINI Concept Coupé and MINI Roadster Concept studies presented at the 2009 International Motor Show in Frankfurt have offered a preview of further variants, the first of which will be ready for series production as early as 2011.

3.   Sporty, stylish, unmistakable.
The design.

The precision-modified design of the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible accurately showcases the three models’ enhanced sporting potential. A new geometry for the front bumper allows them to meet increasingly stringent pedestrian protection requirements even more effectively. The new details merge in subtly with the overall appearance of the new models. The designers went to great lengths with the three-dimensional sculpting of the newly designed body elements to ensure that the customary MINI proportions, including its short overhangs, were kept intact.

Eye-catching air intakes underline the car’s sporting character.

The modifications in the lower section of the front apron are considerably more prominent. Here, the borders of the positioning light units and foglamps now have more pronounced three-dimensional contours. The lower air intake on all the model variants is also given greater visual emphasis. On the MINI Cooper, a black cross-piece accentuates the width of the car, while outer air intakes (optionally with chrome frames) on the MINI Cooper S guide cool air to the brake discs and add an extra edge to the sporting appearance of this model variant.

The hallmark MINI circular headlights are halogen units as standard but can be ordered with xenon light – and the Adaptive Headlights function – as an option. Black headlight reflectors, which were first featured in the MINI 50 Camden anniversary model, are available as an option for all models, with the exception of the MINI John Cooper Works.

Looking at the car from the side, the new design of the familiar MINI side indicator surrounds between the front side panel and the door provides an extra, finely-judged touch of elegance. The glass cover of the indicators now has a striking structure formed from concentric circles. On the MINI Cooper, the combination of shiny and matt black surfaces gives the surround an extremely high-quality appearance.

Rear lights with LED technology, dynamic brake lights.

LEDs optimise both the signalling efficiency and contemporary appearance of the rear lights on all members of the new MINI family. Standard-fitted dynamic brake lights flash to warn vehicles following behind if the MINI is braking particularly hard and prompts them to follow suit.

This advanced light technology also lends the MINI models a very distinctive look during the hours of darkness. Other new features include the reversing lights and rear foglamps, now located in the lower section of the rear bumper.

On the MINI Cooper these are housed in a centrally positioned and harmoniously styled red strip of lights. An additional light-breaking edge in the bumper emphasises the horizontal arrangement – and thus the broadness – of the rear of both models. In the rear bumper of the MINI Cooper S is an outlet opening whose width and contours take their lead from the design of the front air intake. The reversing lights and rear foglamps are integrated into the outer areas of the rear of the car, reflecting the positioning of the brake air ducts at the front.

The powerful lines of the rear end of the MINI Cooper Clubman are emphasised by the broader impact elements on either side of the licence plate recess. The rear bumper of the MINI Cooper S Clubman has a wide opening between the two exhaust tailpipes which replicates the form of an air outlet.

Attractive new additions to the range of exterior paint finishes and standard and optional wheel variants offer customers additional scope for personalising their new car. The new metallic paint finishes British Racing Green II, Spice Orange and – for the MINI Cooper S – Eclipse Grey can be specified from launch. Ice Blue will be available at a later stage.

Extreme sports performance, exclusive design:
MINI John Cooper Works.

Chili Red can now be specified exclusively for the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman as a contrast colour for the roof and exterior mirror caps, and can be combined with the Pepper White, Pure Silver, Midnight Black, British Racing Green and Eclipse Grey paint finishes for the body. And to complement the effect, the standard-fitted 17-inch light-alloy wheels in Cross Spoke Challenge design can also be specified in black as an option.

4.   More driving fun.
The engines.

Sporting capability, efficiency and variety: the range of petrol engines for the new MINI family.

Cutting-edge drive system technology boasting exceptional variety headlines the range of petrol engines for the new MINI family. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder units also boast a host of technical features whose development is rooted in the outstanding wealth of engine expertise within the BMW Group. The new generation of engines ranges from 90 kW in the MINI Cooper up to 135 kW under the bonnet of the MINI Cooper S.

Both the petrol engines are equipped with fully variable valve management, which is based on the VALVETRONIC system used in BMW engines. This technology optimises the engine’s responses and at the same time significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions levels. In the MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper Clubman and MINI Cooper Convertible, power is up to 90kW (from 88kW in the previous generation) while torque remains unchanged at 160Nm. In the MINI Cooper it delivers acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds yet gives average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of just 5.8 litres per 100 km and limits CO2 emissions to 136g per km.

In the MINI Cooper S, MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper S Convertible the powerplant joins forces with petrol direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger, making the engine the most efficient in its displacement class. The increased output allows the MINI Cooper S to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.0 secondsAt the same time, the average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is just 6.3 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions are limited to 146g per km.

Building on the impressive efficiency of these engines, MINIMALISM measures also make their contribution to further reducing fuel consumption and emissions. For example, the engineers’ focus on aerodynamic optimisation has seen the front aprons of both models redesigned to reduce drag. MINIMALISM technology is grouped into model-specific combinations, and includes systems such as electromechanical power steering (EPS) and the need-based operation of ancillary components.

A standard six-speed manual gearbox channels the engine power to the wheels. Both models come with a new, self-adjusting clutch. Automatic readjustment ensures that the pedal feel you expect from a MINI is there to be enjoyed over the car’s full service life. Plus, the synchronisation of the gears is further optimised by a carbon coating for the clutch linings.

In addition, all the models in the new MINI family now also boast thermal encapsulation of the entire drivetrain. This addition optimises heat storage between one journey and the next in order to minimise the friction losses in the drive unit which occur as the engine temperature falls. Moreover, fuel consumption from cold starts is reduced by a significant shortening of the warm-up period. The thermal encapsulation measures comprise insulation elements around the bonnet, firewall and side sections, and an all-round rubber seal. They also promote aerodynamic optimisation, which in turn also helps to enhance efficiency. The improved use of heat has benefits for passenger comfort as well; in colder outside temperatures the stored heat can be used effectively to quickly warm up the interior of the car.