MINI have been notorious for growing larger and more un-MINI each time, and with the new 2015 MINI Cooper and Cooper S, they’ve gone small somewhere completely different!
The all-new MINI Cooper models have grown in size further, yet retain their compact and sporty stance like it was their birthright. The new cars are longer, wider and taller than their predecessors and even run a longer wheelbase. Thankfully, the focus was still concentrated on fun and frugality in equal measure. Thus, we have three new engines and matching transmissions to go with them. BMW’s er.. MINI’s TwinPower Turbo technology is a part of all three units: two petrol and a diesel, with one new 3-cylinder unit, for petrol and diesel each, as part of the line-up.
The iconic design remains, albeit scaled up slightly this time around, but fret not, it is still unmistakeably MINI. The upside is you have a wee-bit more space and there are more creature comforts, including a segment-first integrated SIM card for a true car-phone which also facilitates emergency calls no end. The cargo space has also gone up to 211 litres, up a significant 51 litres. The essential sporty or luxury aspects of the car will be reflected in their trims; more details of the market specific options will become available closer to launch. Under the hood is where everything is different.
The engine truly reflect the MINI moniker and debut the company’s 3-cylinder engine line. The MINI Cooper will have a 1.5-litre TwinPower Turbo three-pot making 136 PS between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm with a considerable 220 Nm of torque stepping in at just 1,250 rpm. The MINI Cooper Diesel will have a 1.5-litre turbo-three making 116 PS at 4,000 revs and a peak torque of 270 Nm from 1,750 rpm; 4 PS up on their 1.6-litre turbo-four, with the same torque. The Cooper S meanwhile will have the only 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo unit of the range. The 2.0-litre motor makes 192 PS from 4,700 to 6,200 revs and a high 280 Nm of peak torque from 1,250 revs, with Overboost taking that figure up to 300 Nm.
The transmissions are also all-new, with a 6-speed manual being standard with automatic and sports-automatic versions also on offer. The new 6-speed manual brings reduced weight and improved shift comfort from the use of carbon friction linings for the synchroniser rings. MINIMALISM technology, offered as standard, includes not only the automatic engine start/stop function and extensive measures to optimise weight and aerodynamic drag, but also a shift-point display (for manuals), brake energy recuperation and need-oriented fuel pump and coolant pump control.
The resultant increases in efficiency are welcome. Fuel economy figures have increased by up to 27% and the new models are all EU6 emissions compliant. Furthermore, with more engine efficiency, extensive MINIMALISM technology, optimised weight and enhanced aerodynamic properties, the new MINI Cooper Diesel range is a front-runner in terms of efficiency, delivering up to 30 km/l on the highway.
The all-new MINI Cooper, Cooper Diesel and Cooper S will arrive in India shortly. One can only assume that their larger siblings – the Countryman, Paceman and even the Convertibles – will follow suit just as quickly.
Story: Jim Gorde
Images: MINI Press
