MOTORING NEWS - The new edition of the original in the premium small car segment is the main focus of the Mini presentation at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2018 in Detroit.
It will be a joint premiere for the new Mini hardtop and the Mini convertible at the major international motor show.
The update ranges from specific design modifications and customisation options to equipment and the addition of the latest digital connection services.
NAIAS is traditionally the first significant trade show of the year, representing the start of the season for the international automotive industry.
It takes place from 20 to 28 January with around 200 exhibitors from all over the world presenting their latest models, products, technologies and services.
With its product upgrade, the British-based automobile manufacturer owned by BMW, hopes to highlight the more mature character and charm of the latest Mini models.
A black panel for the headlights adds a striking accent to the front view of the new hardtop, the Mini hardtop four-door and the new Mini convertible.
At the back, tail lights also get a new design with LED headlights.
As a reference to the brand's British origins, the structure of the lights takes the form of the Union Jack.
Three new metallic finishes supplement the current range of body colours. The Mini Cooper S hardtop on show in Detroit is finished in Solaris Orange metallic, while the Mini Cooper S Convertible featured is in a Starlight Blue metallic finish.
Emerald Grey metallic will also be available for the first time. Another newly available option is Piano Black Exterior.
All models of the latest generation also bear the new two-dimensional Mini logo at the front and rear, as well as on the steering wheel, central instrument screen and remote control.
The range of optional light alloy wheels has been expanded as well.
A touch of fresh interior style is provided by a malt brown colour for the Chester leather trim.
The colour line feature in the interior piano black style is now available as option for the hardtop and the hardtop four-door.
This comprises a backlit decorative strip with a Union Jack motif on the passenger side of the instrument panel.
The operating system in the Mini Hardtop, hardtop four-door and Mini Convertible now includes a touchscreen function for the display in the central instrument. Telephony with wireless charging is optionally available.
Connected functions offer a variety of digital services at premium level that is unique in the small car segment.
New Mini convertible.
A new feature here is Mini Online, which includes current news and weather reports. In addition to Intelligent Emergency Call and Mini Teleservices, it is now also possible to use Remote Services, Concierge Service and Real Time Traffic Information.
The function Send to Car enables planned routes to be sent from a smart phone and other digital touch points to the Mini navigation system using a connected App. Another newly available feature is Apple CarPlay preparation.
INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERS
Its distinctive combination of driving fun, premium quality and individual style is also what accounts for the success of Mini in two vehicle segments of the US automotive market as acknowledged at the Detroit show.
Three models, each with their own distinctive characteristics, consolidate the position of Mini in the small car segment
The new Mini Hardtop represents the classic body concept, the new Mini Hardtop four-door with its extended functionality and the new Mini Convertible – developed for exclusive open-air driving fun.
They are available in the US as the Mini Cooper with 100kW and the Mini Cooper S with 141kW.
Meanwhile, the Mini Clubman and the Mini Countryman provide emotional responses in the premium compact segment.
The unique body concept with four doors and the two split doors at the rear is what gives the Mini Clubman its special character.
The Countryman is larger and more versatile than ever. The Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is also the first plug-in hybrid model to be offered as part of the brand's range.
The Mini Cooper Clubman and the Mini Cooper Countryman are powered by a 100kW, 3-cylinder engine.
The 4-cylinder power unit in the Mini Cooper S Clubman and the Mini Cooper S Countryman mobilise a peak output of 141kW. Both engines can be optionally combined with the ALL4 all-wheel drive system.
All-wheel drive comes as standard with these extreme athletes in the premium compact segment, namely the Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman.
They are powered by a 4-cylinder turbo engine with an output of 170kW.
New colour options
Driving fun inspired by motor racing is also available in the small car segment thanks to the 170kW 4-cylinder engine which likewise ensures an irresistible forward thrust in the Mini John Cooper Works and the Mini John Cooper Works Convertible.
We will keep readers up to date on when or if these models are bound for local distribution.
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