New Mini breaks through
A little quicker but traditional cues remain
    |
BMW's revealed full details of the new Mini Cooper and Cooper S.
Featuring a new body design and interior and modern high-performance engines, the two new models go on sale before the end of the year. And it looks as if BMW's been careful not to upset potential buyers of the phenomenally successful brand by not making it look too different from the last one. Since its 2001 launch, it has sold over 800,000 around the world, 200,000 of them in the UK.
Mind you, when the original design endured from 1959 until 2000, you have to ask why they couldn't have waited another decade or so...
Performance
The Cooper produces 120hp, accelerates from 0-62mph in 9.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 126mph -- hardly changed from the previous version. The Mini Cooper S is powered by an intercooled and turbocharged version of the same power unit and produces 175hp -- 4bhp up on the older model. It covers the 0-62mph sprint in 7.1 seconds -- against 7.7 seconds for BMW's first Mini -- and achieves a top speed of 140mph.
The fuel consumption of both models has improved dramatically. The combined cycle for the Mini Cooper is now 48.7mpg (formerly 40.9) and Mini Cooper S 40.9mpg (formerly 32.8). CO2 emissions have also been reduced meaning that both models will move two places in the VED car tax ratings.
Engine: Mini Cooper
The 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated power unit in the Mini Cooper develops maximum output of 120hp at 6,000rpm. Engine torque reaches 103lb-ft at 2,000rpm, peaking at 118lb-ft the engine reaches 4,250rpm.
This four-cylinder mill features fully variable valve control based on the BMW's Valvetronic system, which adjusts intake valve lift and timing to meet the power and performance requirements of the driver. The big advantage is that it replaces the conventional throttle butterfly, which upsets the intake airflow. Valve timing is also controlled on the outlet stroke, said to deliver high torque at low engine speeds and high power at high speeds.
The two technologies reduce fuel consumption, depending on the route the driver is covering, by up to 20 per cent, according to BMW. Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is down by about 12.5 per cent. The claimed CO2 emissions on the Mini Cooper are now 139g/km and 164g/km on the Mini Cooper S – a reduction of 43g/km.
Engine: Mini Cooper S
Displacing 1.6-litres, the four-cylinder turbocharged power unit of the Mini Cooper S now develops 175hp, up 5hp on the outgoing supercharged engine. Maximum engine power comes at 5,500rpm, with peak torque of 177lb-ft maintained between 1,600 and 5,000rpm. When accelerating hard, torque rises to an even higher level of 192lb-ft by briefly increasing charge pressure through an overboost system.
The Cooper S engine uses direct injection -- intake air is compressed by a twin-scroll turbocharger and passes through an intercooler. Exhaust gases are split and forced through the exhaust ducts of two cylinders each, separated from one another in the exhaust gas manifold and the turbocharger. Response time when accelerating is said to be near-instantaneous.
Valve management of the four valves per cylinder, operated by two overhead camshafts, includes infinitely variable inlet valve timing to manage both engine output and torque while minimising fuel consumption and emissions. The exhaust valves are sodium-filled in order to offset the higher temperature loads typical of a turbocharged engine.
The Hams Hall-constructed engines featured in the new Mini boast a wide range of innovative technologies. The two-piece bedplate structure of the crankcase, for example, is sophisticated technology derived from motor sport. The cylinder block and bearing housing are made of cast aluminium alloy, while the camshafts on both engines are composite structures, not the usual castings, in order to reduce weight.
The on-demand water pump in the coolant circuit helps to reduce fuel consumption since it is only activated when the engine has reached its regular operating temperature. This helps to save fuel in the warm-up phase and the catalyst is able to reach the temperature required for optimum operation earlier.
Transmission
Both the new Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. As an option, a six-speed automatic transmission will become available for both models. Paddles on the steering wheel allow the driver to change gear manually without removing his hands from the wheel.
Chassis and suspension
As with the first generation, spring and damper settings tune the chassis and suspension set-up of the new Mini Cooper S to be firmer and more dynamic than the Mini Cooper. As an option both models are available with an identical sports suspension set-up, comprising harder springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.
Front-wheel drive, a low centre of gravity, a long wheelbase, wide track, short body overhangs, a stiff bodyshell and the firm suspension all interact to determine Mini’s go-kart feeling.
The front axle is based on the MacPherson spring strut principle and features an anti-roll bar to reduce body sway. The central-arm rear axle is new to Mini and said to be unique in this segment. Its longitudinal track control arms are made of aluminium that reduces weight by 6kg over the former model. The rear axle is equipped with an anti-roll bar on both model variants.
Steering, wheels and tyres
The car's electric power-assisted steering systems provide low steering forces when parking and improved responses at high speeds, according to BMW. The system offers the driver a choice of two different steering control maps. The standard set-up ensures a well-balanced steering response in all speed ranges. The second map is activated when the sport button is pressed and the power steering becomes even more direct. The electronic map for the accelerator is also modified by the sport button to give a quicker response.
The Mini Cooper comes as standard with 15-inch light-alloy rims and 175/65 R 15 tyres. Run-flat tyres are standard on the Cooper S's 16-inch light-alloy rims. In the event of a puncture, run-flats allow drivers to continue their journey for 90 miles at speeds of up to 50mph and provide stability in the event of a blow-out or sudden deflation. Seventeen-inch rims running on 205/45 R Run-flat 17 tyres are available as an option on both models.
Exterior
The Mini design team brief was continuity in concept, while modernising traditional design details and engineering features. So every body panel has been re-designed, but it still looks like BMW-era Mini.
Typical Mini characteristics include short body overhangs front and rear, the wheel-at-each-corner stance and the high shoulder line rising towards the rear -- all retained -- along with the hexagonal radiator grille and the large, round headlights.
Other changes
- The new Mini has grown slightly in size from the first generation in order to fulfil future safety requirements. The new Mini Cooper is 60mm longer than its predecessor and the new Mini Cooper S, 61mm longer. But to maintain the car’s proportions, the designers matched the increase in size at the front by giving the car more rounded contours at the rear.
- The round, clear-glass headlights are now fixed to the body and have been turned slightly to the outside to maintain the geometry of the car from the front. The indicators, formerly isolated in the front valance, are now housed within the main headlight units.
- The radiator grille is now made up of a closed, self-contained element without the former dividing line made by the upper edge of the bumper. This design is reminiscent of the air intake scoop on the classic Mini.
- The Mini Cooper S has a ‘stronger’ front end due to the bonnet curving up approximately 20mm more to provide extra space for the turbocharged engine underneath and to meet pedestrian impact regulations.
- Rising gently to the rear, the shoulder line is now 18mm higher than on the former model with the aim of "visually accentuating the powerful stance of the car’s body".
- The rear lights are now slightly larger and feature separate external surrounds.
- On both models, vertical air flow edges on the C-pillars and individual spoilers at the rear end of the roof are claimed to enhance the level of aerodynamics. The Mini Cooper now has a drag coefficient of 0.33. (0.35 on the previous model).
- Customisation of the new Mini starts with a wide range of paintwork colours. 12 body colours will be available, seven of which are new.
Interior
The changes inside are as comprehensive as those outside. Still the most striking feature inside is the central speedometer, which now comprises not only the analogue speedometer, but also all entertainment and, as an option, navigation functions.
The centre console below the speedo is slimmer to create more space in the footwells for driver and front passenger. The door lock blipper and ignition key is now a round signal sensor. When inserted into a slot beside the steering wheel it allows the driver to press a start/stop button to switch the engine on and off.
New ambient illumination included in the optional lights package is unique in the automotive industry. The colour of the interior lights in the roof lining, the door storage compartments and grab handle recesses may be changed at any time in five stages from warm orange to sporting blue, depending on the occupants’ personal preference. This is controlled from a new panel of toggle switches in the roof lining. The toggle switches in the dash that operate the electric windows, seat heating and central locking were a real hit with current Mini owners and have been made larger on the new Mini.
A Colour Line option allows individual design of the Mini cockpit. Colour highlights in the lower sections of the dashboard flow on into the door linings, where they are combined with the materials on the trim surfaces. Colour Line is available in five colour shades, with the trim surfaces coming in four exclusive variants over and above the versions already standard on the Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S: glossy black piano paint, dark brown grained oak, brushed aluminium, and an extra-fine gloss surface.
A set of 16 chrome-plated trim rings for the air vents, cupholders and instruments gives the interior an even more sophisticated look. In the rear, passengers are offered more comfort with recessed knee cut-outs in the front seats lined with material rather than the traditional plastics.
Safety
Both models feature a wide range of safety features. Six airbags are standard consisting of front, side and curtain head airbags for the driver and front passenger. The extra-large curtain airbags (integrated in the roof lining) protect rear passengers from head injuries.
Active safety measures include ABS, electronic brake force distribution and cornering brake control as standard on both models. Automatic stability control + traction is standard on the Mini Cooper S with on-off control by the driver and, as an option, DSC. Included within the DSC option DSC is hill assist, which means you don't have to know how to do a hill start any more.
Passive safety -- the transverse engine of the new Mini combined with the extra-large deformation zones at the front absorbs most of the impact forces in the event of a collision. Highly stable crossbars and reinforced door structures also help to keep impact energy away from the passenger cell. The same effect is provided by the front axle absorbing energy and passing impact forces on through the floor of the car.
The electric fuel pump is switched off automatically in the case of a severe accident to prevent any chance of a fuel fire. At the same time the central locking is opened and both the interior lights and hazard warning flashers are immediately activated to attract attention.
Final details
The new Mini will be built at Plant Oxford, which is currently gearing up to increase its capacity to 240,000 by 2008, more than double the planned production capacity prior to the first car coming off the line in spring 2001. The new BMW-designed engines will be assembled at Hams Hall in the Midlands and the body panels and sub-assemblies will come from Plant Swindon. This ‘Mini production triangle’ in the UK is one of the true automotive UK success stories of recent years.
The new Mini One will follow in the first half of 2007, its 1.4-litre engine developing maximum output of 95hp. The Mini range will be joined at the same time by the new Mini Diesel featuring the most advanced and sophisticated turbodiesel technology in its class. Further details of these key Mini derivatives will be issued at a later date -- and full specification and technical details will be issued at the time of the new Mini’s debut at this year’s Paris motor show.
Expected on-the-road prices:
- Mini One £11,595
- Mini Cooper £12,995
- Mini Cooper S £15,995
So a few stretches and tweaks to the body panels for new safety regs, and associated twists and turns to keep the car looking almost the same.
Oh, and more power in the Cooper S.
And don't those wheels and ride height look a bit stupid, or is that just to my eyes?
Not exactly my idea of a new model...
a MAXI... Absolutely, especially for the company car market, and for The netherlands where for some reason fuel consumption and emissions are set against the ground surface area a car occupies(!) for energy classification (which in turn attracts a bonus or malus in registration taxation). Last time I looked, even the humble One was in the 'malus' class...
. Not much has really changed in the looks dept but I guess BMW are just to scared to change a model that has had so much success. I must say the fuel economy is very impressive and that will go down with potential buyers especially all the ladies using them for the weekly shop
-----Original Message-----
The on-demand water pump in the coolant circuit helps to reduce fuel consumption since it is only activated when the engine has reached its regular operating temperature. This helps to save fuel in the warm-up phase and the catalyst is able to reach the temperature required for optimum operation earlier.
GTRene
So a few stretches and tweaks to the body panels for new safety regs, and associated twists and turns to keep the car looking almost the same.
Oh, and more power in the Cooper S.
And don't those wheels and ride height look a bit stupid, or is that just to my eyes?
Not exactly my idea of a new model...
New suspension, new gearbox, etc etc
Ten years ago, Honda had a 160 horsepower NA engine out (the B16a as used in the VTI civics etc)... Have a word, BMW!
Those sportsMINIs are great but why oh why an entry 1.4?
It's so confusing . . .
I have an entry level Mini One D.
I use it for tuition, it's not quick but the MPG is great.
I get loadsa mile from one almost full tank...
These new tweeks aren't even noticable, almost pointless.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff