Five months ago, auto manufacturer MINI unveiled the new Cooper model at the Munich Motor Show, marking the fifth generation of the iconic car and the fourth under BMW’s wing. Initially, only electric versions were presented - and now gasoline versions are also joining the lineup, sporting significant performance boosts.
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As of now, the vehicle’s base version dubbed the Cooper C, will be equipped with a refined gasoline engine with three cylinders and a displacement of 1.5 liters like its predecessors, delivering a maximum of 156 horsepower (+20), and a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.7 seconds - an improvement of 0.4 seconds compared to the outgoing generation.
Alongside it, the Cooper S sports model will also be offered, featuring a four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2.0 liters and 204 horsepower (+26). Despite a noticeable improvement in power, the acceleration to 100 km/h remains the same - 6.6 seconds. Furthermore, the lineup is expected to expand with a basic version of the model called ONE, as well as a JCW sports model.
In addition, the cargo space volume is slightly larger than that of the electric version, standing at 210 liters in normal mode (10+), but with folded seats, the volume will reach 725 liters (75-).
As with the electric model presented, the model’s exterior design retains the traditional MINI features, including round front lighting units and the option for a two-tone paint for the body and roof, with changes reflected in a different front grille design and modernized rear lighting units, with the choice between several LED signatures, including animated sequences when the vehicle is opened or closed.
The car’s interior has undergone a significant update with a round ("9.4) OLED touchscreen in the center console paying tribute to the original MINI, toggle switches that also serve as the gear selector, and a dedicated surface for a smartphone, including wireless charging.
The new screen, which also replaces the Head-Up Display, will offer a variety of options for customizing icons, colors, and will also allow the use of a personal image as a background.
The model’s safety systems will also be extensive, with autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control as standard, as well as a system to alert about an approaching vehicle before opening the door - providing a visual warning to others outside of the car. A dedicated smartphone application will allow for keyless entry to the vehicle.
Despite its colorful screen and modern technologies, the MINI is a car that plucks the strings of nostalgia and emotion. As such, it can’t settle for electric propulsion alone and forgo the sounds and sensations that are still difficult to find in engines that don’t burn gasoline.
Certainly, veteran fans of the brand will be happy with the new model, while younger customers may prefer the electric versions. It’s not unreasonable to assume that this will be the last time customers will have such a choice.