The new MINI Cooper – still available with a petrol engine

With the original Mini, the range was diverse and customers had a choice of bodystyles. When BMW acquired the brand 28 years ago, it maintained the variety of choices with modern interpretations of classic models. It also tried to offer as much personalisation as possible and, in 2017, it was said that there were as many as 15 trillion different combinations (according to the British Financial Times).

However, this is never good for mass production and old Henry Ford certainly hated it. He even tried to offer customers just one colour (black) to make production more efficient. Having so many variations also affects economies of scale as the volumes are smaller, so the finance people also dislike such marketing approaches.

Rationalised product range for efficiency
So when it came to planning for the new generation that is now being progressively introduced into the market, it was clear that there had to be better control on variants and many bodystyles have disappeared. Even the Clubman has been dropped, the last unit leaving the line this month.

Furthermore, this generation would see a greater focus on electrification (which had already started earlier), so production rationalisation is even more important to avoid waste. Thus the fifth generation made its debut in September last year with two models – the Countryman and the Cooper hatchback, with fully electric powertrains and also combustion engines. The Aceman will also join the range in the near future.

Two versions of Cooper
Following more detailed presentations of the new Clubman and new MINI Cooper Electric, we can now take a close look at the two new models with combustion engines: the MINI Cooper C and the performance-enhanced MINI Cooper S.

“At MINI, ‘Power of Choice’ means that in addition to all-electric MINI models, we also offer models such as the new MINI Cooper with a petrol engine. The car is ideal for all those people who want to drive a classic MINI 3-door and appreciate the traditional performance and characteristic sound of a combustion engine,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI.

Different engines
The second of the two turbocharged engines in the Cooper S does not have higher output due to more aggressive tuning but is a different engine. It is a 4-cylinder unit with a 2-litre displacement which produces 204 bhp/300 Nm, while the other powerplant in the Cooper C is a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder unit producing 156 bhp/230 Nm.

Exterior design language changed significantly
It is in the exterior design of the new Cooper that there is a significant change from before. The new design language is closer to that of an EV with more aerodynamically-influenced surfaces.

The front end is characterised by a new octagonal grille with filigree contour. Positioned either side are newly designed circular LED headlights (3 customisable light signatures optionally available), each with a specially orchestrated welcome and goodbye animation.

The rear end of the Cooper also features clear surfaces, with redesigned matrix lights which can be switched to different modes in the same way as the headlights.

The design with a compact silhouette is still purist at its core, with short overhangs and a short bonnet but a long wheelbase that allows creative use of space within. Chrome is completely removed, bringing a fresh take to the exterior design.

The factory in England currently offers the new Cooper with a choice of 5 exterior paint finishes – including all-new Ocean Wave Green and Sunny Side Yellow – two contrasting roof colours, and three different wheel options.

Interior inspired by classic Mini
Inspired by the classic Mini, the new Cooper’s interior is minimalistic, with the entire cockpit focussed on just three elements: the new Vescin-wrapped steering wheel, a new OLED display and toggle bar. Vescin (used in BMWs, it is called Sensafin) is a synthetic leather that is made of recycled materials that is itself 100% recyclable.

The dashboard is constructed using a textile surface, where a specially developed knitting process has been used to create a versatile, easy-care material in a two-tone design that is made of recycled polyester. Behind the steering wheel, the optional Head-up Display presents relevant information on the glass ahead of the driver.

To create additional space, all the most important driving functions including parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, Experience Mode toggle and volume control are directly accessed via the toggle bar. The removal of the gearstick creates extra space for a new Wireless Charging shelf.

Innovative circular OLED display.
The command centre of the Cooper is the circular, 24 cm OLED display where all vehicle functions can be operated via either touch or voice control using MINI Operating System 9. The upper half of the screen displays vehicle-related information such as speed and important information on vehicle status, while the lower area houses Navigation, Media, Phone and Climate.

Seven MINI Experience Modes are available on the new Cooper: Core, Green, Go-Kart, Personal, Vibrant, Timeless and Balance. Each mode has specially designed backgrounds and when one is selected, the display focuses on a relevant Mode App. Giving drivers the opportunity to personalise the inside cabin, the MINI projector housed on the back of the OLED display immerses the dashboard in matching colour schemes and patterns, while the combined ambient lighting provides a unique cabin experience.

First MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant.
‘Hey MINI’ said by the driver (or front passenger) will ‘wake up’ the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA) on the OLED display. A 3D visualisation then appears in the form of a car avatar or MINI’s digital companion, Spike. Interacting with the MINI IPA, the driver can use their voice to control a wide range of options such as navigation, telephony, entertainment and other vehicle functions.

The MINI Digital Key Plus function enables customers to use their smartphones as a car key via the MINI app. The welcome animation of the front and rear lights begins as soon as the driver is less than 3 metres away. The doors are only unlocked when the driver is at less than 1.5 metres from the car. A useful feature is that the Digital Key Plus can be digitally transferred to different users, including their personal vehicle settings,

Fully electric MINI Countryman ALL4 now available