2014 MINI unveiled – bigger, faster, more frugal

MINI has unveiled its all-new 2014 MINI. As expected, at first glance, the new model looks almost exactly like its predecessor. However, look closely and you’ll spot details that set the two apart.

The latest-generation sports an enlarged hexagonal radiator grille framed by a chrome surround. Similarly, chrome can also be found surrounding the hatch’s head and taillights. There’s a new turn indicator element and peripheral body surround in black.

There are five new exterior paint finishes, with the contrasting roof offered as a no cost option. The newly designed headlamps, can be swapped for the optional full LED units with daytime running lights, integrated direction indicator, adaptive light distribution and LED fog lamps.

The rear lights are also optionally available in LED, while the optional lighting package brings LED interior lights and orange-coloured ambient lighting.

The most significant update however, is the MINI’s all-new platform. It rides on BWM Group’s UKL1 architecture that is shared with the upcoming BMW 1 Series GT and the next X1 crossover.

The new MINI measures 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm taller than the outgoing model. Its wheelbase is also 28mm longer, with larger track width both at the front and rear (+42mm front, +34mm rear). With bigger dimensions all round, the 2014 MINI’s luggage space has gone up by 51 litres to 211 litres. The rear backrest is foldable with 60:40 split while an optional storage package including luggage compartment floor which can be locked into place at varying points is available.

The new-generation MINI is available with a new generation of 1.5-litre 3-cylinder and 2.0-litre 4-cylinder twin-turbocharged petrol engines. Three variants are available at launch:

1. The MINI Cooper with a 100kW (136 bhp) 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine;
2. The MINI Cooper S with a 141kW (192 bhp) 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine; and
3. The MINI Cooper D with a 85kW (116 bhp) 1.5-litre 3-cylinder diesel engine.

All models are paired with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, with a 6-speed auto available as an option. For improved fuel consumption, the MINIMALISM technology that features engine start/stop function is standard on auto models.

As expected, the MINI Cooper S is the fastest model, completing the 0-100km/h dash in 6.8 seconds, while the MINI Cooper D is the most efficient, consuming 3.5-3.6L/100km, dependent on tyre selected.

Inside, MINI has revamped the cockpit with a new instrument cluster on the steering column showing road and engine speed, colour display for vehicle status details and fuel level.  MINI Head-Up Display, Driving Assistant with camera-based active cruise control, high beam assistant, road sign detection and parking assistant are also available.

Australian specifications will be announced closer to local launch in the first half of 2014.

MINI Cooper S:

4-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology (turbo charging, direct injection, fully variable valve control, variable camshaft control),
Capacity: 1,998 cc, output: 141 kW/192 bhp at 4,700 – 6,000 rpm, max. torque: 280 Nm at 1,250 – 4,750 rpm (300 Nm with overboost),
Acceleration (0–100 km/h): 6.8 seconds (automatic: 6.7 seconds), top speed: 235 km/h (233 km/h),
Average fuel consumption: 5.7 – 5.8 litres (5.2 – 5.4 litres)/100 kilometres,
CO2 emissions: 133 – 136 g/km (122 – 125 g/km), exhaust emission standard: EU6.

MINI Cooper:

3-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology (turbo charging, direct injection, fully variable valve control, variable camshaft control),
Capacity: 1,499 cc, output: 100 kW/136 bhp at 4,500 – 6,000 rpm, max. torque: 220 Nm at 1,250 –4,000 rpm (230 Nm with overboost),

Acceleration (0–100 km/h): 7.9 seconds (automatic: 7.8 seconds), top speed: 210 km/h (210 km/h),
Average fuel consumption: 4.5 – 4.6 litres (4.7 – 4.8 litres)/100 kilometres,
CO2 emissions: 105 – 107 g/km (109 – 112 g/km).

MINI Cooper D:

3-cylinder diesel engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology (turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, common rail direct injection, max. fuel injection pressure: 2,000 bar),
Capacity: 1,496 cc, output: 85 kW/116 bhp at 4,000 rpm, max. torque: 270 Nm at 1,750 rpm,
Acceleration (0–100 km/h): 9.2 seconds (automatic: 9.2 seconds), top speed: 205 km/h (204 km/h),
Aaverage fuel consumption: 3.5 – 3.6 litres (3.7 – 3.8 litres)/100 kilometres,
CO2 emissions: 92 – 95 g/km (98 – 99 g/km), exhaust emission standard: EU6.