Car Review: New MINI 3 door, MINI 5 door and MINI Convertible

The MINI brand has updated the MINI 3 door, MINI 5 door and MINI Convertible to include fresh design accents, innovations in drive technology, additional customisation options and an expansion of the digital services available as part of MINI Connected. We joined MINI to check out all the fun new features while ‘exploring new corners’ of the Cape. 

What’s new about the new MINIs?

The 2018 MINI is a warmed up, fresher version of the little British-built car. Changes are fairly small with the new Union Jack design LED rear lights being the focus of attention. Other highlights include new engine-transmission combinations, an extended range of standard features, newly designed headlights, additional body finishes and connectivity technology for convenience and infotainment. MINI’s new logo also features on the updated models.

Under the bonnet, BMW decided to make no changes to the mechanicals of the MINI, which in this case is a good thing, because the ride quality of the MINI has always been one of the funnest, so we’re glad this hasn’t changed! Its go-kart like driving style and excellent ride quality was something we were happy to experience again in the new MINI. It’s the perfect balance between comfort and fun. Worth noting is that a new 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch, boasting fast gearshifts that enables even sportier acceleration, is now optionally available for the models MINI One, MINI Cooper and our favourite MINI Cooper S.

Inside, the MINI is still full of character and exciting features and surfaces. In fact, we think the MINI has one of the most exciting interiors of all small hatches. You’re surrounded by buttons, levers, switches, colourful lighting and gadgets of all shapes and sizes – and it’s all super comfortable upfront. A new steering wheel with multifunction buttons and a radio with a 6.5-inch colour screen is standard, while an LED ring around the instrument changes colour, depending on what driving mode you’re in.

We used Spotify during our test drive, and we love that you’re able to use it directly through the car’s MINI Connected system, rather than having to fiddle with your phone to search for songs.

Maximum individualisation: MINI Yours Customised

This is one of our favourite new features for the MINI range, because, well who doesn’t love a bit of personalisation on their car?

The MINI Yours Customised program now raises hallmark brand individualisation to a whole new level. It includes retrofit products whose design can be created by customers themselves, which are then produced precisely according to these individual specifications. The MINI Yours Customised range includes side scuttles, decorative strips for the cockpit fascia, LED door sill finishers and LED door projectors.

MINI Yours Customised products can be selected, designed and ordered through a specially created online shop (www.yours-customised.mini). Here customers can choose between various colours, patterns, surface structures and icons, as well as contributing their own texts and adding a touch of personal style to the design. This creative interaction between manufacturer and customer enables MINI fans to turn their vehicle into a unique specimen that bears the stamp of their own personality. The individualised products are manufactured using innovative production techniques such as various 3D printing methods and laser engraving.

The MINI Yours Customised products need to be ordered from overseas, but once they’re delivered to you, they’re super easy to fit to your car yourself. Take a look…

Engine Range 

The new MINI   3 door
MINI One 3 door: 75 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 10.1 seconds (10.2 seconds), top speed: 195 km/h (195 km/h), fuel consumption: 5.0 – 4.9 litres/100 km (5.0 – 4.8 litres/100 km)*, CO2 emissions: 115 – 111 g/km (114 – 109 g/km)*.
MINI Cooper 3 door: 100 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds (7.8 seconds), top speed: 210 km/h (210 km/h), fuel consumption: 5.2 – 5.0 litres/100 km (5.0 – 4.8 litres/100 km)*, CO2 emissions: 118 – 114 g/km (114 – 109 g/km)*.
MINI Cooper   S 3 door: 141 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds (6.7 seconds), top speed: 235 km/h (235 km/h), fuel consumption: 6.1 – 6.0 litres/100 km (5.3 – 5.2 litres/100 km)*, CO2 emissions: 139 – 138 g/km (120 – 119 g/km)*.

The new MINI 5 door
MINI One 5 door: 75 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds (10.5 seconds), top speed: 192 km/h (192 km/h), fuel consumption: 5.1 – 4.9 litres/100 km (5.0 – 4.8 litres/100 km)*, CO2 emissions: 116 – 112 g/km (115 – 110 g/km)*.
MINI Cooper 5 door: 100 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds (8.1 seconds), top speed: 207 km/h (207 km/h), fuel consumption: 5.2 – 5.1 litres/100 km (5.0 – 4.8 litres/100 km)*, CO2 emissions: 120 – 116 g/km (115 – 110 g/km)*.
MINI Cooper   S 5 door: 141 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds (6.8 seconds), top speed: 235 km/h (235 km/h), fuel consumption: 6.3 – 6.2 litres/100 km (5.4 – 5.4 litres/100 km)*, CO2 emissions: 143 – 141 g/km (124 – 123 g/km)*.

The new MINI Convertible

MINI Cooper Convertible: 100 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds (8.7 seconds), top speed: 208 km/h (206 km/h), fuel consumption: 5.4 – 5.2 litres/100 km (5.4 – 5.2 litres/100 km)*, CO2 emissions: 123 – 119 g/km (123 – 118 g/km)*.
MINI Cooper   S Convertible: 141 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds (7.1 seconds), top speed: 230 km/h (230 km/h), fuel consumption: 6.4 – 6.3 litres/100 km (5.6 – 5.5 litres/100 km)*, CO2 emissions: 146 – 144 g/km (127 – 126 g/km)*.

Pricing 

Pricing for the updated MINI Cooper range is as follows:

3 Door MINI One: from R302 200

3 Door MINI Cooper hatch: from R370 300

3 Door MINI Cooper S hatch: from R428 300

3 Door John Cooper Works hatch: from R487 300

5 Door MINI One: from R312 300

5 Door MINI Cooper hatch: from R380 400

5 Door MINI Cooper S hatch: from R438 400

MINI Convertible hatch: from R423 200

MINI Convertible S hatch: R493 800

For more pricing click here.