MINI product range gets a makeover.

03.10.2010

With chiselled body surfaces, a sporty, stretched side view, short front and rear overhangs and large wheel cut-outs, the charm of MINI's new model range is undeniable.

The revised product range will make its global debut at this year's Mondial de l'Automobile Paris Motor Show from 2nd to 17th October 2010. Design and engine changes introduced for the MINI Hatch, MINI Cabrio and MINI Clubman underpin the brand's progressive growth and leading position in terms of driving fun and efficiency. In addition, the range of customisation options has been broadened making MINI more appealing than ever.

An updated range of engines and a selection of additional innovative equipment gives the MINI family new impetus as it sets about writing a new chapter in its history of success. The MINI Hatch, MINI Cabrio and MINI Clubman will enjoy a host of new features demonstrating even more power, high quality, unmistakable driving fun and exceptional efficiency. These changes include targeted updates that further increase performance and considerably reduce CO2 emissions.

The new enhanced design and engine range will be available in the Middle East from October 2010. With direct petrol injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger, the new engines represent the world's most efficient units in their class. The MINI Cooper S, for example, has an 184 hp engine that accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a speedy 7.2 seconds yet burns just 6.4 litres of petrol per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 149 g per km.

Design highlights available on all the new Cooper S models include an increased air intake in the front bumper while eye-catching brake air ducts give MINI a more dominant posture on the road. Elsewhere, features on the new MINI range include newly designed LED rear lights and dynamic brake lights represent the embodiment of cutting-edge elegance. The new geometry of the front bumper and lighting technology on each model allows MINI to meet increasingly stringent pedestrian protection requirements even more effectively.

The interiors boast newly designed controls for the audio and air conditioning systems to ensure optimised functionality and ergonomics. The exclusivity of the interior is further underlined by a combination of high quality seat upholstery variants, tim elements and colour lines - and the range of exterior paint finishes, roof colours and wheel designs offer new options for owners to customise their car to suit their peronal style.

The audio, navigation systems and integration devices for external music players and mobile phones have been upgraded to offer top-class entertainment and communications capabilities.

Available as an optional extra, the MINI Visual Boost radio and MINI navigation system will give owners access to MINI Connected. The MINI Connected comprises globally unique technology governing the integration of the Apple iPhone (available in markets where Apple has a presence) into the car's system architecture and allowing its telephone, music player and online functions to be operated using a joystick, steering wheel buttons and the on-board monitor.

The application is a unique form of in-car entertainment that runs through an Apple iPhone that includes a web radio function - a world first for any vehicle - enabling one to listen to any radio station in the world no matter where you are. In addition to the web radio, there is a function where you can connect to Google and reacieve Google Send to Car services and RSS news feeds.

Moreover, MINI Connected also enables Facebook and Twitter posts to be displayed on the on-board monitor and allows the user to send standardised text messages. When the car is stationary, video files stored on a compatible Apple iPod can also be viewed on the on-board monitor.