The New MINI Seven combines stylish individualism and progressive technology with an awareness of brand tradition and the British roots of the original in the premium segment of small cars. The design model follows in the footsteps of the classic Mini, its name echoing the very first appearance of its legendary ancestor more than five and half decades ago in two virtually identical model versions.
This first classic Mini ever produced was an Austin Seven. It left the Longbridge plant in Birmingham, UK, on 4 April 1959. The only features distinguishing the Austin Seven from its twin, the Morris Mini Minor, were the radiator grille complete with brand logo, the hub caps and the body paint finish. Tartan Red, Speedwell Blue and Farina Grey were the names of the colours in which the Austin Seven was available.
In the current generation, MINI is also represented in the small car category for the first time with a 5-door model. Featuring a wheelbase extended by 72 millimetres, two additional doors, a third seat at the rear and the largest luggage compartment in its class with a volume of 278 litres, the new MINI 5 door provides a whole new range of options to enjoy the driving fun.
Featuring front-wheel drive, an engine mounted transversely at the front, short overhangs and a wide track, the MINI offered an unusually generous amount of space for passengers and luggage within a minimum surface area.
The launch of the new MINI 5 door made driving fun in the original of the small car premium segment accessible to additional target groups. The individual style of the new design comes into its own in both the MINI 3 door and the MINI 5 door. The new MINI Seven is available in four engine variants for each body type:
- MINI Cooper S, 4-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology, capacity: 1.998 cc, acceleration (0–100 km/h): 6.8 seconds, top speed: 235 km/h;
- MINI Cooper: 3-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology, capacity: 1.499 cc, acceleration (0–100 km/h): 7.9 seconds, top speed: 210 km/h;
- MINI Cooper SD: 4-cylinder diesel engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology, capacity: 1.995 cc, acceleration (0–100 km/h): 7.3 seconds, top speed: 227 km/h
- MINI Cooper D: 3-cylinder diesel engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology, capacity: 1.496 cc, acceleration (0–100 km/h): 9.2 seconds, top speed: 205 km/h.
The latest engine generation with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology, likewise newly developed transmissions and extensive MINIMALISM Technology help ensure all model variants achieve an exemplary balance between driving fun and fuel consumption.
The interior design created for the new MINI generation is defined by three-dimensionally moulded surfaces, high-quality colour and material combinations and a modern display and operating concept. A new interpretation of classic styling is reflected in the horizontal structure of the cockpit and the circular or elliptically shaped contours of key features such as the air vents, instruments and door trim. The central instrument - another characteristic element - offers additional display content. Functionality and ergonomics are optimised by the new dashboard on the steering column and the newly positioned controls.
MINI Seven will hold the UK premiere at Goodwood Festival of Speed on the MINI stand from 23-26th June. Prices start for MINI 3 door Seven from £18,545 OTR and from £19,145 for MINI 5 door Seven.