MINI models get a refreshing update for 2018

The British premium automobile manufacturer is strengthening the progressive character and appeal of its models in the small car segment with a stylishly refined visual appearance and extensive technological advancements.

The update for the MINI 3 Door, the MINI 5 Door and the MINI Convertible includes fresh design accentuations, innovations in the field of drive technology, additional customisation options and an expansion of the digital services available as part of MINI Connected.

The upgrading of the original product substance in the premium segment of small cars highlights the mature yet distinctive charisma of MINI, which in its current model generation is now available for the first time with three body types for hallmark driving fun in urban traffic.

This is due to such elements as the new engine-transmission combinations, an extended range of standard features, newly designed head lights and rear lights, additional body finishes and cutting-edge connectivity technology for convenience and infotainment.

A modified design for the characteristic circular head lights make the hallmark front view of the new MINI 3 Door, the new MINI 5 Door and the new MINI Convertible even more powerfully expressive. In the standard halogen head lights, a striking accentuation is added by means of a black panel.

In the LED head lights available as optional equipment items, the high-quality technology is underscored by means of an entirely new design of the light sources.

The rear lights also feature a new design in conjunction with the LED head lights and the adaptive LED head lights. As a clear reference to the brand's British origins, the upright light units at the rear now appear in a Union Jack design.

At the same time, the new MINI logo is clear and authentic in style, appearing on the bonnet, tailgate, steering wheel, central instrument display and remote control in all models.

It is a reinterpretation of the existing logo and now features a two-dimensional 'flat design'. As such, the MINI logo reflects the new brand identity with its focus on the essentials - namely key values such as driving fun, distinctive design, premium quality and emotional appeal.

What is more, the list of optional equipment items features an additional means of customising the exterior design.

With the option Piano Black Exterior, the surrounds of the head lights, rear lights and radiator grille are finished in high-gloss black instead of chrome.

The selection of optionally available light alloy wheels has been expanded, too. The 17-inch light alloy wheels in the design styles Roulette Spoke and Propeller Spoke are now available for all body variants of the new MINI. The likewise 17-inch light alloy wheels in Rail Spoke design have also been newly added to the program.

Inside, a broad selection of seat surfaces, interior surfaces and Colour Lines add a touch of individual style. New features include the Chester leather trim in Malt Brown and a Colour Line now also available in Malt Brown.

A detailed revision of the engines offered mainly benefits driving fun. It also leads to a reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ figures by as much as five percent, as well as optimising emissions so as to be able to comply with the more rigorous exhaust emission standards of the future.

The engine covers are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic, so they are now lighter, too. The material used to make them is carbon fibre recyclate generated in the production of BMW i automobiles.

As an alternative to the standard six-speed manual transmission, a seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double-clutch is optionally available for the MINI One, MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper D.

The new transmission type is characterised by very fast gearshifts, enabling extremely sporty acceleration manoeuvres without torque interrupt.

All Steptronic transmissions available allow use of the coasting function in MID and GREEN mode as well as the latest generation of the auto start/stop function. Navigation and front camera data can now be incorporated in the control of the latter, too.