- All new body panels, same iconic cheeky style.
- More powerful, more frugal, cleaner engines.
- VALVETRONIC technology for MINI Cooper.
- Twin scroll turbo, direct injection for MINI Cooper S.
- More safety, more equipment, more fun, more options.
- Chilli models available from launch.
The New MINI has arrived in Australia and is already winning hearts with its
chic design, cheeky driving style and its huge array of personalisation options.
It was love at first sight for Australians from the moment the MINI returned
in March 2002. Close to 9,000 customers took the MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S and
MINI Cabrio models to heart over the next five years. Now the new MINI hardtop
is ready to win over even more lovers, with the same unique design, driving and
customisation strengths that made the first car so successful.
Available from launch powered by a high technology lightweight all-aluminium
1.6-litre engine with fully variable valve timing for efficient, powerful
performance, the MINI Cooper boasts 88 kW of power at 6,000 rpm and 160 Nm of
torque at 4,250 rpm. That’s an increase of 3 kW and 10 Nm over the previous
generation engine. On road improvement in refinement and mid-range is far more
noticeable than the figures suggest and fuel economy improves by 16 percent to
5.8l /100km on the combined cycle. Top speed is 203 km/h.
The MINI Cooper S is now boosted by a twin scroll turbocharger and also
features state-of-the-art direct fuel injection. It produces 128 kW of power at
5,500 rpm and 240 Nm of torque between 1,600 rpm and 5,000 rpm - a rise of 3 kW
and 20 Nm. Fuel use is reduced by a substantial 20 percent to 6.9l/100km, and
emissions are 21 percent lower. Top speed is now 225 km/h.
For slingshot overtaking acceleration, the MINI Cooper S boasts an
“Overboost” function whereby a short burst of additional thrust boosts torque to
260 Nm between 1,700 and 4,500 rpm.
Both cars now feature a brand new six-speed manual Getrag gearbox as standard
or a new Aisin six-speed automatic as an option, complete with steering
wheel-mounted shift paddles.
The new MINI has retained its iconic silhouette and styling features that
made the first generation such a success (875,000 were sold in six years), but
every exterior panel on the 2007 MINI is new.
The interior is all new too, as are the engines, rear suspension, and the
electrically-assisted steering which helps retain MINI’s go-kart-like cornering
ability. Assistance is related to road speed for low steering effort when
parking, but gives a more direct response at high speeds.
The iconic central speedo - now enlarged and containing audio controls, the
steering column-mounted rev counter, centre console toggle switches and circular
air vents live on, albeit reinvented for the new MINI. A new electronic ignition
key and the ability to change the interior illumination between orange and blue
(in five steps) add even more to the interior’s luxury ambience.
New features include the engine start / stop button, a rake and reach
adjustable steering column, and standard multifunction sports leather steering
wheel, which controls cruise control (now standard on MINI Cooper), audio and
telephone functions. Audiophiles will be pleased to note a standard AUX-In jack.
Six airbags, including new curtain airbags are standard, along with anti-lock
brakes, Cornering Brake Control and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.
Traction at low speed is guaranteed with the now standard Automatic Stability
Control and Traction ASC+T system, while Dynamic Stability Control is available
as an option.
The new MINI also offers additional high-spec options for the first time,
including Bi-xenon headlights, Comfort Access (for keyless entry and engine
starting), in-dash CD changer and an even larger Panoramic sunroof with a double
tilt function. Optional satellite navigation now comes with the additional
option of a TV receiver which displays on the central speedo screen when the
MINI is parked.
Enthusiastic drivers will enjoy the Sport button on the MINI Cooper S
(optional on MINI Cooper) which sharpens engine response to throttle position,
sharpens steering response and reduces shift change times on cars fitted with
automatic transmission.
Marking MINI’s growing maturity are new exterior paint colours including
Mellow Yellow non metallic, Sparkling Silver metallic, Lightning Blue metallic,
and Laser Blue metallic. Favourites such as Chilli Red, Pepper White and Astro
Black live on, as does the (no cost) option to choose a contrasting white or
black roof.
Inside, the MINI Cooper comes with ‘Cosmos’ cloth as standard, while the MINI
Cooper S has ‘Checkered’ cloth. The Chilli models offer cloth/leather
combination ‘Ray’ upholstery, while full leather is optional on all models.
MINI has always been famous for its vast choice of interior trim and
upholstery combinations, including the ability to colour code dashboard and door
panels to the car’s exterior colour. The new MINI takes this individualisation
ability even further.
The standard interior dash and door trim for MINI Cooper is Fine White Silver
and for the MINI Cooper S it is Checkered. Cost option alternatives for these
trim panels are Piano Black, Brushed Aluminium, Fluid Silver, and English Oak.
The new Colour Line option enables even more customisation for the soft touch
knee roll and armrest on the inside of the doors. Colour lines are available in
five colours: Dark Grey, Cream White, Mellow Yellow, Rooster Red and Pacific
Blue.
But wait, there’s more. MINI also offers even more choice for interior trim
to match upholstery colours through its new Colour World feature.
Carbon Black is the standard colour world for Cosmos (Cooper) and Checkered
(Cooper S) with an alternative interior Colour World in Gotham Grey available.
Leather Lounge (which has fluted seat facings and contrasting piping) has a
Redwood Red Colour World with an alternative Colour World available in Carbon
Black.
MINI offers eight different light alloy wheels at launch, five of which are
completely new.
Standard for the MINI Cooper is the 5 Star Spooler 15-inch rim while the MINI
Cooper S is fitted with S Winder 16-inch as standard.
Joining the family at launch are the high-specification Chilli packages,
previously the most popular models in the MINI hardtop range.
The MINI Cooper Chilli adds the exterior Chrome Line package, cloth/leather
combination ‘Ray’ upholstery for the Sport seats, high-output 10-speaker HIFI,
velour floor mats, front fog lights, and 5 Star Blaster 16-inch light alloy
wheels.
The MINI Cooper S Chilli further adds Bi-Xenon headlights, even firmer Sport
suspension (optional), Crown Spoke 17-inch light alloy wheels and automatic
climate control, but deletes the exterior Chrome Line package.
Prices for the MINI Cooper six-speed manual start at $31,100 and the MINI
Cooper Chilli manual is $34,700. The Chilli package delivers more value than
before.
The MINI Cooper S six-speed manual is $39,900 (an increase of only $1,000)
and the MINI Cooper S Chilli is $43,500.
The six-speed automatic transmission is an additional $2,200 on each model.
The New MINI arrives in dealers on 9 March, 2007.
The MINI Cabrio continues unchanged, including the just arrived Chilli model
for both Cooper and Cooper S. Coming mid-year is the further
cosmetically-enhanced Sidewalk Cabrio model.
“MINI continues to be the first choice for excitement, fun and chic transport
in a compact package,” says Justin Hocevar, National Manager, MINI.
“We have state-of-the-art engines with more power but which use substantially
less fuel and emit much less carbon dioxide.
“There is more equipment as standard, more safety and more opportunity to
build exactly the MINI you want. That’s one standout feature of many that our
customers tell us they love about their MINIs.
“You will be unlikely to see two identical MINIs in Australia. Each car is an
expression of its owner’s personality,” Justin said.
Pricing for the New MINI.
MINI Cooper, 88 kW, 6-speed manual
$31,100
MINI Cooper, 88 kW, 6-speed automatic $33,300
MINI Cooper Chilli,
88 kW, 6-speed manual $34,700
MINI Cooper Chilli, 88 kW, 6-speed automatic
$36,900
MINI Cooper S, 128 kW, 6-speed manual $39,900
MINI Cooper S, 128 kW,
6-speed automatic $42,100
MINI Cooper S Chilli, 128 kW, 6-speed manual
$43,500
MINI Cooper S Chilli, 128 kW, 6-speed automatic $45,700
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