Third-Genaration Mini Gets New Chassis, New Engines and Same Style

MiniMINI (BMW)Germany, 2000 > present15 models
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has launched its third generation new MiniMINI (BMW) MINI 3Germany, 2014 > present24 versions
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on the 107th birthday of Alec Issigonis, the designer of the original Mini. The latest generation rides on BMW’sBolwellAustralia, 1961 > present1 model
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brand new UKL platform for front-wheel drive cars and uses a new modular engine family. When it goes on sale in early 2014, the Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S will go on sale in simultaneously.

The exterior design is a mild update over the second generation but many buyers may not be able to tell the new car from the old one. The biggest change comes at the front. The front grill is split between chrome strips at the top and a gloss black bumper below. The Cooper S replaces the chrome with a mesh design. It also gets new LED running lights in a ring around headlights. Compared to the previous two generations of the modern Mini, the hood is far flatter and higher to meet pedestrian safety rules.

All of the generations of the modern Mini together with an older one

© photo courtesy of: MINI (BMW)

The rear is also quite similar to the previous generation. The headlights have grown significantly and now cut into the hatchback. Like the previous two generations, the Cooper has a single exhaust at the side of the car, and the Cooper S gets dual center exhausts with a simulated diffuser. From the side, the latest generation is nearly identical as the previous generations, except for slightly larger rear wheel arches.

Compared to the previous generation, the third generation Mini is 98mm (3.9in) longer, 44mm (1.7) wider and 7mm (0.28in) higher. The wheelbase is 28mm (1.1in) longer, and the track is 42mm (1.7in) wider in the front and 34mm (1.3in) wider in the rear. The changes make the rear seat 23mm (0.9in) wider, and the luggage compartment is 51 liters (1.8 cubic feet) larger.

All models now use turbocharged engines. The Mini Cooper comes with a three-cylinder 1.5-liter engine with 134hp (136ps) and 162lb-ft (220Nm) or 170lb-ft (230Nm) with boost. It takes 7.9 seconds to reach 100km/h or 7.8 seconds with the automatic. The Cooper S uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 189hp (192ps) and 207lb-ft (280Nm) or 221lb-ft (300Nm) with overboost. It takes 6.8 seconds to reach 100km/h or 6.7 seconds with the manual. The Cooper D used a 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel with 114hp (116ps) and 199lb-ft (270Nm). It reaches 100km/h in 9.2 seconds with either transmission.

All of them come with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic transmission, and stop/start is also standard.

The new platform also gives the car a new suspension layout. Up front, it has a single-joint spring strut axle made from aluminum and steel components. The rear gets a new multilink rear suspension. A new electronically controlled differential is also standard. There are three throttle and steering modes – Mid, Sport and Green – that tune the car to the driver’s demands. The Mini Cooper S has a three-setting active suspension system.

Inside, the Mini no longer has a center-mounted instrument panel. The speedometer and tachometer are attached to the steering wheel, and the previous location is used for infotainment and the optional backup camera. There is also an optional head-up display.

Production begins today at the Mini Plant Oxford, and it will get public debuts at the Tokyo Motor Show and LA Auto Show on November 19. Sales are scheduled to begin in very early 2014 in Europe and by the end of 2014 in the United States. Prices have not yet been announced.