BMW Group Malaysia today welcomed the new MINI, introduced locally as the MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S and MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) variants.
The new cars now feature striking new looks, new and better performing engines and for the first time, showcases MINI Connected – the BMW Group’s innovation strategy for the MINI brand and works similarly to BMW's iDrive system, except it's much more retro looking, very MINI.
The MINI Connected package is a suite of technology features that opens the door to a globally unique form of in-car entertainment, utilising technology specifically developed to integrate the telecommunications, entertainment and online functions of an iPhone into the MINI.
The system operates via a central joystick, steering wheel buttons, and an on-board monitor. Using the familiar MINI display and operating logic, MINI Connected allows all functions to be used comfortably, simply, safely and intuitively with minimal distraction from the road ahead.
New functions of MINI Connected include the world's first web radio function that allows users to pick up their preferred radio stations from around the world through the application's thousands of radio stations whose programs can be accessed online. Other features include the reception of user-definable RSS news feeds, the content of which is displayed on the on-board monitor and can be read out using an optional voice output functions which also works with applications like Twitter.
Rounding up the MINI Connected package is a Harmon Kardon HiFi loud speaker system (480W/10 Speakers) and Radio MINI Visual Boost with a 6.5 inches high-resolution colour LCD screen. The MINI Connected package retails at RM14,988.
With the launch of the new MINI, the inimitable essence of the MINI is reinvigorated with sharpened up design features, vehicle efficiency, individuality and sheer outright fun to guarantee its position as the original premium small car.
In external looks, a new geometry of the front and rear bumper enhances the presence of the new MINI giving the car sportier capabilities with a more defined premium character. Particularly on the MINI Cooper S and MINI John Cooper Works, the eye catching outer air intakes at the bottom of the front bumper further underlines the sporty character of the car.
Key design highlights include a new design for the familiar MINI side indicator surrounds. The glass covers of the indicators now feature a new concentric circles, while the borders of the positioning light units and foglamps have also been made more pronounced with three-dimensional contours.
The new MINI is now also available with new exterior colour schemes of Eclipse Grey, Spice Orange, White Silver and British Racing Green for the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S. For the MINI John Cooper Works, Chilli Red is now available exclusively as a contrast colour for the roof and exterior mirror caps, and can be combined with the Pepper White, Pure Silver, Midnight Black, British Racing Green and Eclipse Grey paint finishers for the body. To further complement the effect, the standard fitted 17-inch light alloy wheels in Cross Spoke Challenge design are available in black.
As an option, customers can also obtain the Glass Roof package. The glass roof on the new MINI offers one touch operation and convenient opening through radio-remote control key. The package can be obtained for an additional RM 9, 988.
Inside, high-quality materials and an extremely harmonious colour scheme mark out the contemporary and exclusive interior character of the new MINI while newly designed controls for the audio and air-conditioning systems ensure optimised functionality and ergonomics. The all new trim elements and colour lines together with a range of exterior paint finishers and new wheel designs also offers new touches to the already amazing looking car.
In terms of output, the MINI Cooper deliver 120hp and 160Nm of torque, enabling the car to hit the 100km/h mark in 10.4 seconds with an average fuel consumption of 6.7 liters per 100km.
The new Cooper S is further fitted with petrol direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger capable of generating 184hp and 240Nm of torque with an overboost of 260Nm at high speeds, giving the car the most efficient engine in its displacement class. The Cooper S reaches 100km/h in 7.2 seconds while managing an average fuel consumption of 6.7 liters per 100km.
The range topping MINI Cooper John Cooper Works now churns out 211hp with an incredible 260Nm of torque and a massive 280Nm of torque at high speeds, and is able to make the 100km/h sprint in just 6.5 seconds whilst only consuming 7.1 liters per 100km.
The retail prices (on the road for personal registration, without insurance, with the MINI Tender Loving Care service package) for the MINI are as below:
MINI Cooper - RM195,888
MINI Cooper S - RM239,888
MINI John Cooper Works - RM275,888
