There’s too much history when we talk about the iconic Mini, popularly known as Mini Cooper. Before Mr. Bean popularized his citron-green with matte black bonnet Mini on the sitcom in 1990, the Mini was present long before. Originally, British Motor Corporation made the first Mini in 1959 as a solution to narrow European roads before, which was then acquired by British Aerospace in 1988 until it was bought by BMW in 1994.

Variants

In the year 2000, the fourth-generation Mini was introduced with improved features and specifications that fit in the modern time. Mini Philippines proudly launched the Mini 3-Door, Mini 5-Door, and Mini Convertible with Mini John Cooper Works variants for those looking for more aggressive performance.

The classic 4-seater Mini Cooper 3-Door 1.5 Automatic Transmission base is priced at Php2,550,000. The Mini Cooper 3-Door S 2.0 Automatic Transmission is available at Php3,000,000, and Php850,000 for the Mini Cooper 3-Door John Cooper Works 2.0 Automatic Transmission variant.

The 5-seater Mini Cooper 5-Door 1.5 Automatic Transmission is available at Php2,650,000, while its S variant – the Mini Cooper 5-Door S 1.5 Automatic Transmission is priced at Php3,100,000.

For the convertible, The Mini Convertible John Cooper Works Automatic Transmission is priced at Php4,300,000 and can accommodate four occupants.

The modern Mini has now grown in variety and flexibility as the iconic car is now available in larger builds. The 5-seater Mini Clubman Cooper 1.5 Automatic Transmission is priced at Php2,950,000, Php3,450,000 for the Mini Clubman Cooper S 2.0 Automatic Transmission, and Php4,650,000 for the Mini Clubman John Cooper Works 2.0 Automatic Transmission variant.

There’s also the fresh Mini Countryman Cooper D 2.0 Automatic Transmission and Mini Countryman Cooper S Pure 2.0 Automatic Transmission both available at Php3,250,000. The Mini Countryman Cooper SD 2.0 Automatic Transmission is priced at Php3,700,000, while the Mini Countryman Cooper S Sport 2.0 Automatic Transmission and Mini Countryman Cooper SD ALL4 2.0 Automatic Transmission is available at Php850,000. And the top-of-the-line variant – the Mini Countryman John Cooper Works 2.0 Automatic Transmission variant is at Php4,750,000.

There are six base color variants to choose from – the Sage Green Metallic, British Racing Green IV, Chili Red, White Silver Metallic, Island Blue, and Enigmatic Black Metallic. On the other hand, there are three available colors for the roof and mirror caps, the black, white, and silver. For the wheels, you could have it in a 19-inch Turnstile Spoke 2-tone, 18-inch Black Pin Spoke, 18-inch Pair Spoke, and !8-inch Pin Spoke.

Powertrain

The Mini sits on top of a transverse engine layout BMW UKL1 platform. It provides more cabin space because of its front-wheel-drive setup. It is powered by either a 1.5-Liter Twin-Power Turbo or a 2.0-Liter Twin-Power Turbo engine that produces 136 to 192 horsepower and 220 to 280-newton meters of torque, depending on the variant, and paired with a 7-speed sports Steptronic dual-clutch transmission.

Exterior

The new-generation Mini showcases a sporty yet classic-minimalist exterior that follows the original Mini model. It is well-known for its distinct round-shaped headlamps and quirky body tones. The air vent grille has been redesigned and made wider for better aerodynamics. The headlamps were also changed to black from their chrome housings before to make the lights brighter. The foglamps were removed to make the front fascia as minimalist as possible and provide more space for the air vent. At the back, the rear headlamps light at a union jack pattern, resembling its origin. There are also two types of wheels to choose from 17 inches and 18 inches.

The convertible variant features a fully-electric and quiet soft-top opening in 18 seconds. It also has a sunroof function where it opens to 40 centimeters. The John Cooper Works variants get additional overhangs and a rear diffuser for a sportier supercar vibe.

Interior

The interior vibe of the new-generation Mini has remained the same with its stunning quirks and distinct cabin finish. It still has the same toggles and mood lighting. On the other hand, the circular infotainment system is upgraded to an 8.8-inch touchscreen panel and now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless charging in the center console, which is much better than its outgoing model. The two outer air-con vents are also redesigned with a black background to have a minimalist finish.

Behind the new leather multifunction sports steering wheel can be found the 5-inch floating-tyle digital instrument panel. The leather seats are power-adjustable with memory and lumbar support for a relaxing drive and ride. Each seat has two individual setting configurations that you can save for easy adjusting. There are three interior theme finishes available – the piano black, silver checkered, and Mini horse aluminum, depending on the variant.

Safety and Security

As a premium car, the Mini lineup comes with safety and security assistance, including collision warning, pedestrian warning, park distance control, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, speed limit information system, crash sensor, traction control, side-impact beams, front impact beams, door ajar warning, seat belt warning, power steering, low fuel warning light, vehicle stability control system, tire pressure monitor, day and night rearview monitor, anti-theft device, anti-theft alarm, central locking, engine immobilizer, and the standard anti-lock braking system with EBD.

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