Fourth generation introduced
The latest generation of Minis are here. Mini Asia and British United Automobiles Inc., introduced the fourth generation Mini range in the Philippines in their new showroom in BGC. They’re headlined by three new models: the new Mini 3-door, Mini 5-door, Mini Convertible including the Mini John Cooper Works 3-door and the Mini John Cooper Works Convertible.
Mini has managed to continuously keep their premium compact car fresh with every iteration by featuring new exterior paint finishes, new light alloy wheels and new interior and seating surfaces. They also constantly update technology in the chassis and now include driver assist systems.
Exterior
The front end has been given a larger, unbroken hexagonal grille, LED headlights now have a black inner housing and the circumferential light is the DRL. Air intakes replace the fog lights making for a more dominant looking front end, while at the same time improving aerodynamics. The rear has also been redesigned, where a similar hexagon frames a sophisticated look with one tailpipe on the side, while on Cooper S models get black twin tailpipes. All variants get LED tail lights with the Union Jack design and a rear fog light is integrated into the rear apron.
The Mini Convertible’s soft top is fully electrically driven and quietly opens and closes in 18 seconds. It can be opened at speeds of up to 30 km/h.
There three new colors available are Rooftop Grey Metallic, Island Blue Metallic and Zesty Yellow as part of the Piano Black Exterior option where items like the door handles, side scuttles, and fuel cap high-gloss black, along with the Mini logos on the hood, luggage compartment lid, model lettering, tailpipes, the surrounds of the headlights, radiator grille, and rear lights.
The light-alloy wheels have also undergone a redesign with five new variants, 17-inch wheels are the Tentacle Spoke black design, Scissor Spoke, a black version of the Pedal Spoke and 18-inch Pulse Spoke and John Cooper Works Circuit Spoke black design.
Powerplant options
For the different variants, there are choices of three or four cylinder engines with Mini TwinPower Turbo technology, mated to a seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch as standard.
Interior
The interior has been further refined, and with more technological updates. The “reduced design” approach has seen a rework of the dashboard and a reduction of the chrome inside. Standard on all Mini models is a new, Nappa leather sports steering wheel, with redesigned spokes and black panel for the multi-function controls.
Also standard equipment on all variants is the new instrument cluster, which is a five-inch digital screen, which allows the driver to see relevant information, check-control messages and status of the driver assist systems.
Across the model lineup is the new infotainment system which has an 8.8-inch touchscreen surrounded by an LED ring. The display and white text on new color backgrounds have a more upscale and modern look. Aside from the audio entertainment, it also controls vehicle functions, hands free telephony, navigation and apps. It also allows you the choice between two color schemes, the relaxing Lounge and aggressive Sport, for the central display and digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay is also standard along with wireless charging.
Driving Assistant Package
This is an available option for all versions of the Mini 3-Door, Mini 5-Door and Mini Convertible. This camera-based system increases vehicle occupant and pedestrian safety, has collision warning, pedestrian warning and city braking. It also has Park Distance Control with sensors and a rear view camera, cruise control with braking. It also has lane departure warning, camera based speed and distance control and also sees and reports speed limits.
Price and availability
The new Minis are now available starting at P2,750,000 for the Mini Cooper 3-Door; P3,150,000 for the Mini Cooper S 3-Door; P2,850,000 for the Mini Cooper 5-Door; P3,250,000 for the Mini Cooper S 5-Door; and P3,500,000 for the Mini Cooper S Convertible.
“MINI is kicking things up a notch in the Philippines with its biggest launch to date. With seven new variants across the range, there is a MINI for everyone,” said Willy Q. Tee Ten, President of the Autohub Group. “These cars are premium, urban, and thrillingly playful. No matter which version you choose, you will see a great leap in modern design, technology and pure MINI-ness while staying true to its iconic classic go-kart design.”
The new Mini range is available for viewing at Mini Bonifacio Global City, Mini Alabang, Mini Pampanga, and Mini Cebu.