New MINI Hatch – price, pictures and specification

A new MINI model hit dealerships in March 2014 – we take a look at the new features of this iconic car

The new MINI was revealed simultaneously across three continents

Premiered in late 2013 in London, LA and Shanghai, the lovely new third generation MINI is rolling off the production line at their Oxford plant, where the first Mini was produced in 1959. The car will launch globally throughout March 2014.

In a press release, MINI has said “The new MINI is one thing above all: a car with even more MINI about it. The new-generation model has made significant advances in every area when it comes to driving fun, quality and individuality. With new design solutions and exquisitely crafted exterior and interior details, the new MINI is more modern, eye-catching and versatile than ever.”

MINI heritage

The new three-door MINI hatchback doesn’t diverge from the unmistakeable design and driving fun of earlier models – it’s still small, with short overhangs and the hallmark “stance on the wheels”. However, there are some clear changes to the design of the iconic car, outside and inside, and there’s a new range of fuel-efficient engines to choose from.

“The new MINI generation strikes the perfect balance between MINI heritage, future-defining forms and innovations,” says Anders Warming, Head of MINI Design.

Exterior

New MINI front shot

The new MINI brings greater precision and class to iconic features.

Lighter, wider and 10cm longer with newly designed flanks and a dynamic shape
One-piece chrome frame to show off the hexagonal radiator grille
More grown-up, redesigned head and rear lights
LED headlights an option
The outlines of the headlights, wheel arches and lights are emphasised
Optional Chrome package for even higher standard of exterior appeal

Interior

New MINI interior

The interior is recognisable as MINI, but more mature and with higher-quality materials.

New instrument cluster in driver’s eyeline, including all driving-related displays
Switches and handbrake have been moved to be more comfortable to use
Atmospheric ambient lighting accentuates the space and design
Sporty rear seats have been given an ‘individual-seat’ character
Rear seating can be split 60/40 and footwells are larger

Driving

From launch, you can choose from one of the following three engines, all of which are turbocharged.

Engines

New MINI turbocharged engine

	Cooper	Cooper D	Cooper S
Engine size (litres)	1.5	1.5	2
Cylinders	3	3	4
Fuel type	Petrol	Diesel	Petrol
Capacity	1499 cc	1496 cc	1998 cc
Output	100kW/136 bhp	85kW/116 bhp	141kW/192 bhp
Max torque	220 Nm at 1250-4000 rpm	270 Nm at 1750 rpm	280 Nm at 1250-4750 rpm
Acceleration (0-100km/h)	7.9 seconds	9.2 seconds	6.8 seconds
Top speed (km/h)	210	205	235
Fuel consumption* (l/100km)	4.5 - 4.6	3.5 - 3.6	5.7 - 5.8
CO2 emissions* (g/km)	105 - 107	92 - 95	133 - 136

*Fuel consumption will depend on tyre format. Figures for manual variants given.

Each model comes with a stop/start system, complies with Euro 6 emissions regulations and is 27% more fuel efficient than the previous engine.

6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and a sports automatic transmission are all on offer in the new front-wheel drive models.

The new MINI is built on the UKL platform, which will underpin the MINI range and support all-wheel drive, hybrid and electric drivetrains.

Intensified handling comes from aluminium and high-strength steel in the suspension, and Variable Damper Control is an option (providing a ‘Comfort’ and a ‘Sport’ setting.)

New MINI on the road

Technology

The new MINI is filled with more useful tools for a great driving experience.

“Beneath the outer skin is a brand-new car with state-of-the-art technologies seen for the first time at a small car.”

As well as the new infotainment system and optional MINI Head-Up display, the new MINI features Pedestrian Protection, revised suspension technology and comprehensive safety features. A rear view camera, Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant are available for the new MINI.

The new MINI also features an innovative MINI key cap. The key cap is built around an integrated Near Field Communication (NFC) cap, facilitating data exchange between the MINI key and the owner’s smartphone. The key cap recalls the driver’s individual settings, allowing access to features like MINI Connected Services, Bluetooth connection, volume control and app launch.

New MINI head up display

Customise

12 exterior colours to choose from (including five new shades)
Five interior colour lines
10 seat cover designs and other optional trim surface variants
MINI Yours interior style packages available
The introduction of four design lines featured on a range of optional interior and exterior upgrades – including everything from key lanyards to sun protection:
- Vivid Green
- Speedwell Blue
- John Cooper Works Pro
- Essential Blue

And the roof can be a contrasting colour – for no extra charge.

New MINI from the front

Size & Space

3821 mm long (98mm longer)
1727 mm wide (44m wider)
1414 mm high (7mm taller)
2495 mm wheelbase (42mm increase)
211 litres of boot space (30% increase)

New MINI interior rear seats

Price and release date

The new MINI Cooper is available now from £15,300.

Peter Schwarzenbauer, BMW Group’s board member for MINI, BMW Motorrad, Rolls-Royce, Aftersales BMW Group, said: “MINI is an inspiration for trend-setters and creative spirits the world over. And with our latest generation of MINI, we want to excite once again. To ensure the new generation of MINI is as successful as its predecessors, we have made just subtle modifications to its design. But beneath the outer skin is a brand-new car with state-of-the-art technologies seen for the first time at a small car.”

New MINI from the back