NEW DELHI
British luxury carmaker MINI has launched the 2021 facelifts of the 3-door Cooper S, the MINI Convertible, and the John Cooper Works in the Indian market. The cars see the addition of new exterior elements as well as fresh colours along with subtle updates in the cabin. While the Cooper S is priced at Rs 38 lakh, the convertible version is priced at Rs 44 lakh. The most expensive of the lot is the more powerful John Cooper Works edition, which is priced at Rs 45.50 lakh, (all prices, ex-showroom). Let’s take you through all the changes.
LOOKS
On the 3-door hatch and convertible, the front view is dominated by the new characteristic hexagonal radiator grille and the round hallmark MINI LED headlights which remain the same as before. The fog lights though are now integrated with them while the LED side indicators are integrated into the redesigned side scuttles. The British-flag-inspired rear lights graphics are in Union Jack design and add to the appeal of the cars. The rear fog light is now integrated into the rear apron as a narrow LED unit. The new air intakes are vertically integrated with the bodywork and according to the makers, increase aerodynamics.
In John Cooper Works, a new hexagonal radiator grille at the centre section and has a characteristic honeycomb pattern with a cross member at the bottom edge finished in red. Aerodynamic features include the front apron with integral air ducts and side sills that ensure better driving dynamics. The Cooper S and Convertible are available in four new colours – rooftop grey metallic, island blue metallic, enigmatic black, and zesty yellow; the last one available only on the convertible. An optional piano black exterior is available where the door handles, side scuttles, fuel cap, MINI logos on the bonnet and luggage compartment lid, the model lettering and tailpipes of the exhaust system are finished in high-gloss black in addition to the surrounds of the headlights, radiator grille and rear lights.
INTERIORS
According to Mini, the new multifunction steering wheel design integrates more functions yet reduces the number of control surfaces. An 8.8-inch touchscreen display, touch-sensitive favourite buttons and piano black high-gloss surfaces are now standard features in the car. The operating system controller placed on the centre console now features an all-black surface in conjunction with a navigation system. The optional MINI wired package comes with navigation system, wireless charging, and enhanced bluetooth mobile preparation. Other infotainment options include Apple CarPlay and harmon kardon speaker system. The new ‘Lounge’ and ‘Sport’ modes offer a choice of six interior light colours each. In the former, the content displayed ranges between turquoise and petrol blue while in latter, the screen backgrounds are red and anthracite.
ENGINE
The 2-litre 4-cylinder twin turbo petrol engine on the Cooper S and Convertible churns out a peak output of 192 hp and produces a maximum torque of 280 Nm at 1,350-4,600 rpm. While the hatch sprints from 0 to 100 km/hour in 6.7 seconds, the Convertible takes 7.1 seconds for the same. The John Cooper Works is fastest, and hits 100 km/hour in just 6.1 seconds. Here the same engine makes 231 hp along with 320 Nm at 1,450 –4,800 rpm. While the first 2 cars are mated to a 7-speed double clutch steptronic transmission, JCW comes with an 8-speed steptronic sport transmission. It also features paddle shifters for a sportier driving experience. Different drive modes on the cars focus on ride comfort, enhanced sportiness, or efficiency according to the driver’s preference. These are MID, SPORT and GREEN modes.
SAFETY
Driver Assistance Systems on the cars include cruise control, park assistant, rear view camera and head-up display. The standard safety equipment comprises front passenger airbags, brake assist, 3-point seat belts, dynamic stability control, crash sensor, anti-lock braking system, cornering brake control, run-flat tyres, and rear-view camera. The Convertible also comes with a rollover protection system for additional safety. The cars also get start/stop function, brake energy recuperation, active cooling air flaps and electromechanical power steering.
The writer is Senior Editor at carandbike.com