MINI launches new range that’s set to excite

20 YEARS after the launch of the modern MINI, the original brand concept of building small premium cars with style and character has grown into a global success story, with MINI now the pinnacle expression of small cars with big character.

Featuring a near-endless palette of charming and customisable options, advanced in-car technology, and the highest levels of premium fit and finish, the iconic British brand has once again presented its future-conscious design language in an updated package.

The 2021 Hatch and Convertible model range sports a new exterior design that’s minimalist in its style, with the front view of the MINI 3-door Hatch (including the MINI Electric Hatch) being particularly expressive.

The hexagonal surround of the characteristic MINI front grille is now accentuated by a substantial black surround. In contrast, peripheral elements are reduced, and position lights are replaced by vertical air inlets pushed to the outer corners of the front fascia.

Contrasting colours for the roof and side mirror caps add a striking new look, with new paint work added to the range as well.

In addition to the Jet Black, Aspen White and Melting Silver paintwork, as well as Chili Red for John Cooper Works range, a new and innovative world-first Multitone Roof will now be offered for the MINI 3-door and the MINI 5-door.

A colour gradient from San Marino Blue through to Pearly Aqua and Jet Black extends from the windscreen frame to the rear, applied one after the other in a wet-on-wet painting process.

This paint finish, known as Spray Tech, is fully integrated into the mechanised production process at the MINI Oxford plant in the UK. Since slight deviations naturally occur because of environmental factors in application, every roof will have a unique finish.

Three new colours will be introduced with the 2021 MINI Hatch and Convertible range: Rooftop Grey metallic, Island Blue metallic and Zesty Yellow (the latter only available for the MINI Convertible at the time of introduction).

Spontaneous power delivery, precise steering, powerful brakes and spirited handling are all key features of MINI’s signature go-kart driving experience. Powerful and efficient petrol engines with three or four cylinders constitute the drive portfolio.

The redesigned interior is sophisticated, modern and of particularly high quality. New to the range are sports seats in Light Chequered colour, while the familiar Black Pearl fabric is given a new, expressive check look in hallmark British MINI style.

The seams at the transition to the seat bolsters feature a colour scheme that matches the fabric of the seat surfaces. The number of chrome elements has been significantly reduced throughout the interior too.

The two outer, round air outlets are now framed by black panels. The interior fascia, optionally available in the new Silver Chequered and MINI Yours Aluminium finishes, now extends across the entire width of the instrument panel into the driver‘s area.

An 8.8-inch colour touchscreen display now features touch-sensitive favourite buttons and Piano Black high-gloss surfaces. In addition, a new surface design with laser engraving updates the appearance of the LED colour-changing ring around the central instrument.

Finally, the operating system controller placed on the centre console gets an all-black surface makeover in conjunction with a navigation system. A new sports leather steering wheel becomes standard across the MINI Hatch and Convertible range for 2021 as well.

Redesigned keypads that ease operation of telephone, audio and driver assistance systems feature, along with a new 5-inch digital LCD instrumentation screen, first seen on the MINI Electric Hatch.

Always keen on enhancing the mood for any driving experience, MINI’s new digital instrumentation enables mood switching that changes the look and feel of the interior to the experience desired.

Corresponding to the car’s vehicle setting, MID and GREEN modes are paired with a ‘lounge’ setting on the screen display. SPORT switches up the colour display to red graphics and a sportier look.

A uniform colour scheme for all modes can also be configured in the control system menu. In conjunction with the new ambient light option, the colour worlds of the displays can also be combined with the interior ambience.

Six interior light colours can be selected for each of the two modes; Lounge and Sport. They can each be set using a toggle switch located in the upper area of the windscreen frame.

The operating system of the MINI Hatch and Convertible is now more advanced than ever too, thanks to a new graphics display and updated options for selecting and controlling audio, telephone, navigation and apps on-the-go.

The new MINI App offers an advanced user experience that is completely oriented towards a digital lifestyle. It allows a driver to contact their MINI at any time, to call up information on the car‘s status or to prepare the next excursion.

Interactive functions can vary from checking fuel or charge status remotely, or locking/unlocking the doors via remote services. One can also send navigation information straight to the car using the app.

Servicing appointments can be arranged, and model-specific features like charging on the MINI Electric Hatch can be controlled from a distance. Finally, with a new interface and design, the MINI App can be downloaded free of charge for your relevant smartphone.

The 2021 MINI Hatch and Convertible range will make their way into Australia in the latter half of this year. Pricing and specification on the new range will be announced closer to arrival.