Mini News

Pricing confirmed for 5-door Mini Cooper, starting from just $27,750.Mini has confirmed pricing for the 5-door version of the Cooper hatchback, with all models priced just $1100 more than their respective three-door models.The five-door Cooper will be available in same three trim levels as the existing three-door, starting with the $27,750 entry-level Cooper before moving on to the mid-spec $32,900 Cooper D turbodiesel and the hot $38,050 Cooper S.Mini have lengthened the wheelbase on accountof the extra doors, giving the five-door an extra 72mm over the three-door for a total of 2567mm. The five-door is also 11mm taller than the three-door.The longer dimensions have also boosted the luggage space. The 278L capacity is 67L more than the three-door.Five-door Cooper drivetrains mirror the existing three-door lineup, starting with the Cooper’s 100kW/220Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The Cooper S ups the displacement to 2.0-litres, the power to 141kW and the torque to 280Nm.Combined fuel consumption for the Cooper is rated at 4.9L/100km with the standard six speed manual, and 5.0L/100km with the optional six-speed auto.The sportier S is rated at 6.0L/100km for the manual, and 5.5L/100km for the auto.The efficiency-leading Cooper D comes with a 85kW/270Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbodiesel, and consumption of 3.8L/100km in manual and 3.9L/100km with the auto.Feature-wise, the five-door Mini Cooper comes with 15-inch alloys, air-con, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, automatic wipers and lights, LED interior lights, rear fog lights as well as an audio system that has USB, auxiliary and Bluetooth connectivity.The mid-spec Cooper D replaces the air-con with dual-zone climate control and the audio system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen Radio Mini multimedia system. It's controlled via Mini's version of the BMW iDrive interface. There are also front arm rests, fog lights on the front and the alloy wheels are 16-inches.The top-spec Cooper S adds leather/cloth trim, front sports seats and satnav.The five-door Mini Cooper goes on sale in Australia from November 1.

Mini adds $5000 worth of extras to Paceman and Countryman for 2015.More gear for the same asking price - that's the message Mini is sending with its revamped Countryman and Paceman.The BMW-owned British brand has given the pair some extra pep as well for their arrival next month but the claimed $5000 worth of extra gear is likely to generate more interest.The brand says the added features include satnav, audio upgrade and trim tweaks Its dashboard will have a 'new-look" instrument dial layout and air vent controls. Denser sound insulation improve scabin refinement.Cooper S versions of each, and the All4 variant of the Countryman, will pump out an extra 5kW. External changes include LED fog/daytime running lights, heated mirrors and windscreen washers.Countryman owners are not necessarily expected to go off-road - a main road through to the snow is more likely - so in addition to the heating functions there's also a new Offroad styling package standard on Cooper S All4 and Cooper SD All4 variants.Mini says the improvements are worth $5000, but it says it is (generously) absorbing these costs and aligning the prices - the upgraded Countryman and Paceman will start from $34,150, which is a $50 rise for the former and a cut for the latter by $1650.Mini Australia general manager Kai Bruesewitz says the brand is in the middle of 'an exciting and eventful year".'The launch of the all-new Mini Hatch in April heralded a new era in Australia, with enhanced specifications and a major increase in customer value," he says.Sales have perhaps not reflected the maker's excitement, which is why staffers are looking forward to the five-door.So far this year only 1258 Mini vehicles have rolled from showrooms, a 17 per cent drop on its 2013 performance to the same point. Alfa Romeo and Porsche, among others, are outselling Mini.Bruesewitz says there is more to come from the British automotive icon.

Mini has announced pricing and details of the new Mini One entry-level hatch.The most affordable Mini, the One replaces the previous entry-level variant, the Mini Ray. The One delivers more power, greater economy, more sophistication and a higher level of specification at a lower price.Priced from $24,500, the Mini One comes standard with Bluetooth and USB interface, automatic start/stop with keyless go, servotronic power steering, Dynamic Stability Control including Dynamic Traction Control and Electronic Differential Lock as well as colour line in carbon black.It has the same technical and quality advancements in the rest of the new generation Mini hatch range, and when compared to the previous entry level model, offers buyers greater performance, improved comfort and more value for money.Mini One is powered by a 1.2 litre version of the three-cylinder engine currently found in the new Cooper hatch and delivers 75kW and 180Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is 4.9 L/100km (automatic is 5.0).

Have you ever had one of those moments of total clarity, just before you do something that you know is going to hurt?If yes, then you may know Guerlain Chicherit's pain.The pro skier, snowboarder and rally car driver from France was attempting a world record for the world's longest car jump when things went horribly wrong.The unbelievable footage, captured by Go Pro cameras in the car and film crews on the ground, show the terrifying moment when Chicherit's car hits the ramp at 133km/h.When the car finally comes to a stop, the ramp is littered with debris and fluids can be heard leaking from the car, with Chicherit visibly shaken inside the car.All seems well while he is flying through the air, and then he lands….. on the nose of his car and flips over and over and over. Thankfully Chicherit was treated and released from hospital with only minor injuries.Next time he may want to leave the Monster car at home and take the Red Bull out - you know, because it gives you wings. 

Longer and more spacious, this five-door Mini still looks the part.

You’d be hard pressed to notice but they’ve done a complete update on the Mini hatch, redesigning the body and installing new powertrains and interiors. Mini says the new hatch is more sophisticated, more functional, more powerful and slightly larger than the second generation it replaces. Yep, this is Gen III.Occupant comfort is improved with increased interior space, a higher level of functionality with updated features and a more refined driving experience. Passengers will instantly feel the difference inside in shoulder room gains and foot space, a roomier rear-seat arrangement and luggage space is also increased.PRICESThey’ve cut the price with new Mini Cooper pitched at $26,650, down $5,000, Cooper D is down $3,000 to $31,800 and the range topping Cooper S is now priced at $36,950, a reduction of $3,750.The new model has grown in every direction, with increased dimensions for the chassis, body and interior space. The new platform allows for an increased, track length, width and height.STYLINGNot much can be said about the exterior styling except that it has that defining Mini look albeit with detail differences between the latest and previous models. Park them side by side and it’s obvious, on the road – not so much. It’s still a brick on wheels.They differentiate the various models but once again, you’d be hard pressed to notice…though the Cooper S has a much more aggressive look to its flanks, bigger wheels more body add-ons and centre tail pipes.ENGINESThere are three pot petrol engines (diesel and petrol) in the line-up this time around. Both three and four-cylinder engines in the line-up feature TwinPower turbo technology with the petrol models scoring turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS in BMW speak).The petrol engines also feature fully variable valve control in the form of VALVETRONIC, as patented by the BMW Group. The turbo diesel has variable turbine geometry along with higher pressure fuel injection.All have improved engine and driving performance figures while their fuel consumption and emission levels have been reduced. The Mini Cooper’s three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine Is good for 100kW/220 Nm, the latter at 1,250rpm with 230Nm on over boost. It uses as little as 4.7 l/100 km. The Cooper D also has a three pot 1.5-litre engine with 85 kW/270Nm at 1,750 rpm and fuel consumption of an astonishing 3.7 l/100 km.  The Mini Cooper S is a four pot 2.0-litre turbo with 141kW/280Nm (300 on over boost) and 5.9l/100km.All engines are hooked up to a new six-speed manual transmission with a six speed auto available. Automatic start/stop with the automatic transmission is fitted for the first time.DYNAMICSThe chassis and suspension systems underwent a full scale revision with the results all aimed at intensifying the experience of the agile Mini handling properties. It brought new materials with increased use of aluminium and targeted use of high strength steels to reduce weight and increase rigidity. Further development was also carried out in the area of geometry such as increased track width for both front and rear axles with the result being improved axle kinematics.Changes were also made to the electromechanical power steering which includes torque steer compensation to prevent self-steering tendencies. The steering has been optimised for increased precision in spirited driving situations and standard features include the speed-related steering assistance system, Servotronic.INSIDEThe interior has a familiar, funky Mini ambience, although with more sophistication and functionality. A new display and operating console combines the typical brand-style look and feel of the cockpit with improved functionality. Road speed and engine speed, along with other key driving-related information, is shown in the newly designed instrument cluster directly in front of the driver on the steering column.The characteristic central instrument display now includes either a four-line TFT display, a 6.5 inch or 8.8 inch colour display depending on model and options fitted. In each case, the display provides feedback on vehicle functions, infotainment and communication as well as navigation maps and route directions in the case of the larger displays.

You probably thought you'd seen the limits of how far modern-day Mini could stretch their design. But there's one body type they hadn't tackled -- until now -- the ute. But a group of BMW interns has filled in the gap with a concept based on the Paceman softroader.Dubbed the Mini Paceman Adventure, the diminutive load-carrier gets a small trayback lined with a chequerplate tub, offroad tyres, a roof rack bearing the spare, a snorkel to let the 1.6-litre turbo engine keep breathing through creek crossings and roof-mounted spotlights perfect for highlighting a bit of circle work at the Deniliquin Ute Muster.It rolls on a modified suspension system and the Paceman's all-wheel drive system, and gets higher ground clearance and increased entry and exit angles over the donor car, with Mini saying the little ute could tackle gravel, dirt and desert tracks.Do they have plans for production? No. Would it sell if they did -- yes, probably. But with even the SUV version of the Mini being largely a city-dweller once it leaves the showroom, they might have to add a torneau cover to protect the hipster buyer's shopping. Those artisan breads and single-source cereals won't take kindly to getting wet.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott

The new family of engines will give 15 Toyota and Daihatsu models an efficiency gain of up to 30%, including Toyota's new Yaris due in 2015.The Yaris will be battling for top spot in light car sales with the upcoming Mazda 2 and Ford Fiesta, which will have similar efficiency gains from its skyactiv and EcoBoost technology respectively. The new engines could also help the rumoured upcoming Toyota Rush become the one of the most efficient SUVs in Australia.The 1.3-litre and 1.0-litre power plants have been co-developed with Toyota's small car brand, Daihatsu. Both units take advantage of an Atkinson cycle, which increases the compression ratio and reduces waste heat to operate more efficiently. However, the Atkinson cycle produces less power than ordinary engines, which has limited its use mainly to Hybrid cars until now.But Toyota has packed both engines with technology to help retain maximum power while optimising economy. A range of new developments will help the engines breathe better, achieving optimal efficiency. For example, the 1.3-litre will have a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, a redesigned intake port and electronically controlled variable valve timing (VVT-iE).Both engines are designed to be compatible with stop-start technology, which cuts out the engine in traffic to save fuel. This system is currently limited in small cars to premium offerings, such as the Mini Cooper or the Volvo C30. However, Toyota and Daihatsu could be utilising this feature in the most basic entry level cars.Both engines will commence production in coming weeks, but we may only get the larger 1.3-litre engine in Australia initially. However the efficiency gains in the 1.0-litre engine could increase the incentive for Toyota to offer a cheap entry level car sourced from Daihatsu, to rival the Suzuki Alto, Nissan Micra and Mitsubishi Mirage. 

Mini has announced new details of its new Mini Cooper hatch lineup, ahead of its local debut this month. Arriving in UK showrooms this week, the all-new Mini Cooper hatch is the third-generation under BMW's stewardship, and the largest Mini Cooper model to date. Growing by 98mm in length, 44mm in width and 7mm in height, the new Mini also rides on a 28mm longer wheelbase to offer the most spacious Mini hatch cabin to date. Continuing with seating for four, the extra cabin space has improved shoulder room, foot space, rear-seat access, and larger front seats have a greater adjustment range. Cargo space has also improved by more than 30 per cent to 211-litres. The new hatch may be bigger than ever, but it's still at least 60mm shorter than a Mazda 2 or Toyota Yaris.The interior design is an evolution of the trademark modern mini circular theme, but with a new LED central display of up to 8.8 inches (depending on spec) and the window controls have been relocated from the centre of the car to the door trims as with the Countryman and Paceman models.The new model brings the availability of LED headlights for main and high beams, along with LED daytime running lights forming a ring around the trademark circular lights. The taillights across all variants are also full LED designs, and the brand's trademark body and roof colour personalisation options continue.The 2014 Mini introduces new modular turbocharged three and four cylinder petrol and diesel engines. UK models include two versions of each of the three cylinder units, kicking off with the price-leading Mini One with either 75kW/180Nm 1.2-litre petrol or 70kW/220Nm 1.5-litre diesel units. The mid-spec Mini Cooper is available with either a 100kW/220Nm 1.5-litre petrol or 85kW/270Nm diesel, and the hot Cooper S scores a 141kW/280Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.All promise improved efficiency, performance and driveability, and are available with new six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. When equipped with satellite navigation, automatic variants are able to integrate with the mapped terrain to choose the most efficient ratios ratios.The new Cooper's chassis has also been heavily revised, with a new single-joint spring strut axle at the front and a multi-link axle at the rear to maintain the brand's renowned handling dynamics. Dual-mode adaptive dampers are also available for the first time.Australian spec and pricing is yet to be confirmed, but all will be revealed with the model's local arrival in the coming weeks.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_FlynnWatch the 2014 Mini Cooper and Cooper S video on our desktop site. 

...with a five-door Cooper included in the mix. Carparazzi caught it in winter tests and says it's not the new Countryman, but a car that's closer to the basic three-door hatch with some added practicality from a longer wheelbase.This reporter is on Twitter: @paulwardgover