MINI REVEALS LIGHT REFRESH FOR HATCH AND CONVERTIBLE
Mini has revealed minor styling and equipment updates for its three- and five-door hatchbacks as well as its convertible.
The refreshed models are expected to arrive in South Africa in the second quarter of 2018, with local pricing and specifications set to be revealed closer to launch.
The BMW-backed automaker says the update includes “a stylishly refined visual appearance and extensive technological advancements”, along with additional customisation options.
Look closely and you might notice the redesigned headlamps (optionally in LED guise with a Matrix function for the high beam) and tail-lights (in the Union Jack design), while Mini says three new body colours (Emerald Grey metallic, Starlight Blue metallic and Solaris Orange metallic) and fresh alloy wheel designs will also be offered. A gloss-black exterior styling package will furthermore be added to the options list.
Then, of course, there’s the debut of the latest Mini logo. Inside, the brand promises an “extended range” of leather trim and interior surfaces, along with a bit more standard equipment and the option of wireless smartphone charging. A new multifunction steering wheel and a 6,5-inch colour screen also debut as standard.
A handful of changes have been made under the bonnet, too. The 75 kW three-cylinder turbopetrol engine in the Mini One, for instance, now draws its oomph from a capacity of 1,5 litres (rather than 1,2 litres), boosting peak torque from 180 N.m to 190 N.m. And, as previously reported, a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will be offered in some models, as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual gearbox.
