Facelifted MINI launched in Malaysia
MINI Malaysia has just launched the facelifted MINI which it describes as representing the latest and finest of technology and design. The 3-door and 5-door version of the new MINI is available, now fitted with the latest powertrain packages from the BMW Group to give both increased driving excitement and better fuel efficiency.
The Cooper S is available for both 3- and 5-door models, but the more powerful John Cooper Works is only for the sportier-looking 3-door. The MINI Cooper S 3 Door and the New MINI Cooper S 5 Door are powered by the 2.0-litre 4-Cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Engine. Both deliver up to 192hp and 280Nm of torque, with a top speed of 235kph. The JCW makes 231hp and 320Nm.
The cars has also got a new engine cover made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic which is 13 per cent lighter than before. Talking about getting lighter, the engine itself is eight kilogram less.
That helps to give a more efficient MINI, added with the Coasting feature that is now not only available in the GREEN mode, but also in MID. What happens is the engine goes to idle when cruising and the foot is taken off the throttle pedal.
Also new is the electronic gear shifter and 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox in the Cooper S 3 Door and 5 Door. The new MINI 3 Door goes from 0 to 100kph in 6.7 seconds and combined fuel consumption of 5.5l/100km. The MINI 5 Door sprints from 0 to 100km/h and offers a combined fuel consumption of 5.6 l/100km. However, the JCW gets the 8-speed automatic.
The headlamps and taillamps are LEDs that has new DRL design, the latter taking the role of turn indicators when needed. The tail end comes with taillights with a stylised Union Jack flag motif. Very cool.
Both 3 Door and 5 Door cars come with 17 inch alloys, but while the former sports the Cosmos Spoke design in black, the 5 Door boasts the high gloss 17 inch John Cooper Works Track Spoke in Black. This alloy is developed for maximum weight support and is wrapped with run-flat tyres.
Similarities continue to the 6.5 inch colour centre touchscreen that complements the MINI Controller. The screen also displays image from the reverse camera (with guidelines), another new addition to the facelifted MINI. With the MINI Connected, owners can integrate their smartphone and its aps – including the MINI Connected App – to the MINI.
The two MINI Cooper S variants distinguishes between itself by, for example, the trim. While both share the same Cross Punch in Carbon Black leather upholstery, the trim for the 5 Door is Black Chequered. The 3 Door, meanwhile, is with the MINI Yours Illuminated Cockpit with Union Jack motifs that comes with illumination in a choice of 12 colours.
The 5 Door gets something a bit extra in the form of the John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit which includes a rear spoiler. The car comes in a choice of six colours namely Chili Red, Pepper White, Emerald Grey, White Silver, Starlight Blue, and British Racing Green. The 3 Door colour choices are the same except that Emerald Grey is out, with the addition of Solaris Orange and Thunder Grey.
For the first time in South East Asia, MINI Yours Customised accessories is now available. Among the options you can now have include side scuttles, cockpit facia, LED Door Sills Finishers and LED Door Projector to be produced according to the customer’s personally designed specifications.
The 3-Door MINI Cooper S is priced at RM226,888, Cooper S 5 Door at RM236,888. The MINI John Cooper Works is RM283,888.
