THE NEW MINI: WORLD PREMIERE IN PARIS

The new MINI: world premiere in Paris.
Evolution in design, revolution under the bonnet: the second generation of this
highly successful model sees its debut at the Mondial de l'Automobile 2006.

Munich/Paris. World premiere for the new MINI: at the Mondial de l'Automobile
2006 in Paris the sporty two-door car is presented to the public for the first
time. The new version of the best-selling small car in the premium segment -
with over 800,000 sold - reveals a fascinating evolutionary development of its
characteristic design, a complete reworking of the interior and entirely newly
designed 4-cylinder engines. Guaranteeing the outstanding agility of the new
MINI Cooper S is its 1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo engine with 128 kW/175 bhp. The
new MINI Cooper's 1.6 litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with 88
kW/120 bhp provides impressive driving pleasure. The world premiere of the new
MINI is one of the major attractions of the Paris automobile show, which runs
from September 30th to October 15th and is expected to attract 1.5 million
visitors.
"From original to original"- this is the body design philosophy of the new
MINI. The striking details of this evolutionary revision include the newly
design hexagon radiator grille which emphasises the friendly expression of the
car. The large circular headlamps are also new, with direction indicators now
integrated in them. This means that the front has greater clarity; an
additional eye-catcher is provided by the position lights which are placed
below the headlamps. From the side perspective, the characteristic all-round
row of windows tapers off to the rear more markedly than in the predecessor
model.

The rear of the new MINI is sportier and more powerful with its commanding
shoulder section. The more striking powerdome and the opening in the bonnet are
particularly characteristic of the MINI Cooper S as compared to the MINI Cooper.

The second MINI generation offers a completely new interior design. The
atmosphere in the interior is characterised by additional leg space for driver
and front passenger, high-quality materials and an unmistakable cockpit design.
The instruments are designed in circular shapes and reduced to an absolute
minimum. The central display unit - the Center Speedo - now has a significantly
increased range of functions, including the entertainment system controls and
the display for the optional navigation system. The range of fascinating
equipment details also includes the new ambient lighting, part of an optional
lighting package which creates a unique interior atmosphere.

The colour of this discreet "waterfall lighting", which beams down gently from
above, can be adjusted to five different levels ranging from warm orange to
sporty blue.

In addition to the new engines, the newly designed MINI chassis also provides
the optimum basis for a sporty driving experience and the go-kart feeling which
is characteristic of the brand. The powerful brakes and a new steering system
also contribute to the fascinating and safe handling of the new MINI. For
maximum vehicle occupant protection, safety features include six airbags as
standard. As an alternative to the 6-speed manual transmission, the MINI Cooper
S and MINI Cooper can be optionally fitted with a newly developed 6-speed
automatic transmission which allows the driver to intervene in drive program
selection by means of paddles at the steering wheel.

An extensive range of attractive special fittings is available for the new
MINI, which like its predecessor is built in Oxford/UK. The wide range of
options for individualisation reflect the premium character of the car,
enabling MINI fans the world over to express their own personal style in the
design of their automobile. The new MINI Cooper S and the new MINI Cooper will
be available from November 2006.