Manila, Philippines. Since the global relaunch of the brand at the turn of the millennium, the MINI has not only developed into a premium vehicle, but it has also reinvented itself time and again without neglecting its origins and tradition. This constant development and the ability to regularly set new trends have established a large fan base for MINI worldwide. Now, MINI is presenting two of its most important models – the New MINI Cooper and New MINI Countryman. The two models will be available with all-electric drivetrains – a first for the MINI Countryman – as well as innovative and efficient petrol engines.
Unveiled at The Fifth at Rockwell on Friday, September 20, the full range of new models is now on display, showcasing the best of MINI’s innovative design and performance.
"We are thrilled to announce that the New MINI Family has finally arrived in the Philippines. Each model stays true to the inventive and unique spirit that MINI is known for while embracing modern advancements that cater to the diverse personalities of our MINI enthusiasts," said Willy Tee Ten, Chairman of the Autohub Group of Companies.
The hallmark MINI creative use of space offers maximum flexibility as well as enabling a high degree of variability in terms of interior design. The round OLED display, the MINI Interaction Unit, is both an instrument cluster as well as the center of experiences and comfort. Textile surfaces revolutionize the aesthetic appeal of the interior by reducing it to the essentials and adding a new level of well-being and warmth.
“This launch marks a new era for MINI in the Philippines, and we invite everyone to experience the freedom and creativity that these new vehicles bring,” Tee Ten added.
The exterior: ‘Charismatic Simplicity’
The new MINI family takes driving fun, the user experience, and the responsible attitude of the brand into a new era, a comprehensive transformation that is reflected in the new design language “Charismatic Simplicity”. This combines the traditional MINI values with progressive innovations in a particularly authentic way, reducing the vehicle design to the essentials. The new models of the MINI family share a purist design that takes equal account of the urban character of MINI and the innovative spirit of the MINI community.
Short overhangs, a short bonnet, a long wheelbase, and big wheels – the proportions of the new model generation are typical MINI. The visual three-part division into the vehicle body, the surrounding window area, and the contrasting roof also ensure the new MINI models are instantly recognizable. The surfaces of the all-electric MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman look particularly exciting thanks to the integrative treatment of details. Flush door handles, the absence of fender flares, and side scuttles underline the clear and modern overall impression in the all-electric models. The front end of the New MINI Cooper and the New MINI Countryman is defined by the expressive contour of the new octagonal front grille.
The daytime running light elements of the LED lights support this striking look with fresh radiance due to unique light signatures. All light modes start and end with a specially orchestrated welcome and goodbye animation. This interaction with the vehicle increases the anticipation of the MINI even before you set off.
The new MINI aesthetic also gives the rear section a new, contemporary feel, featuring clear surfaces, and flush rear lights. The vertical light clusters quote the classic MINI lights and can be switched to different modes in the same way as the front headlights. The third brake light and rear fog light are integrated flush into the rear design, emphasizing the high quality of the sculptured modern rear section. A defined shoulder section produces a particularly powerful look.
The interior: digital, immersive & warm
In the interior, the design of the front section harks back to the elegantly minimalist design of the classic Mini. A round instrument cluster in the center and a characteristic toggle bar below in combination with the steering with the structure of the interior with its maximum purist design.
Underneath the dashboard, the design of the New MINI Countryman is particularly tidy in appearance and steeped in history. The design of the newly configured toggle bar quotes the various functions with five individually designed toggle switches. This makes the most important driving functions (parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, experience mode toggle, volume control) directly accessible. At the same time, it eliminates the gear selector in the center console generating space for practical and spacious storage options. Smartphones can be charged in the wireless charging area at the front of the console and are easier to find thanks to the central storage area.
In line with the consistent reduction in the interior, the new contemporary color and material concept is deliberately minimalist, too. The dashboard and door panels with knitted surfaces made of recycled polyester create a pleasant atmosphere while at the same time setting specific accentuations with their two-tone design.
The modern, high-quality Favoured Trim is the most expressive option. The perforated synthetic leather seats made of Vescin complement the extravagant interior in dark and light. The exterior with the front grille in Vibrant Silver can be combined in a particularly apt way with the roof. The storage box in the center console also comes with a knitted surface and a textile strap as standard.
MINI connects: the new MINI Operating System 9
The new “Charismatic Simplicity” design language is also reflected in the aesthetic of the user interface, which brings together functional and emotional elements. The reduced design uses new graphics to create an extremely modern look. Static and dynamic elements blend naturally into the circular form of the OLED display, following a clear structure. Micro-animations enhance the already extremely intuitive interaction between the driver and central instrument and underscore the digital character of the new MINI family.
MINI Operating System 9 is an in-house development by the BMW Group and is based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack. Operation is intuitive and follows the standards familiar with consumer electronics.
At the centre of the screen is the start menu, where personalised content can be selected and launched by swiping to the side. In the lower section of the screen is the fixed status bar containing the menu items “Navigation”, “Media”, “Telephony”, “All Apps” and, depending on the situation, “Home”, which can be selected directly. Swiping up from the lower edge of the screen reveals a tool belt, a process customers will be familiar with from many consumer electronics devices. Favourite functions can be stored here and called up again rapidly, i. e. navigation destinations and radio stations. The tool belt can also be activated via the star button on the multifunction steering wheel. The upper screen area is reserved for driving-relevant content such as the vehicle speed and important information on the vehicle status. The Head-up display shows the most important information for the driver in their field of view.
The temperature for the driver and front passenger is permanently displayed on the left- and right-hand edge of the screen. The climate control settings are integrated into the MINI Interaction Unit and can always be adjusted on the top layer by touch or voice command. Depending on the Experience Mode selected, a single tap on the speed display transforms the entire MINI Interaction Unit into a MINI-typical speedometer.
MINI Interaction Unit: High-Res OLED display revolutionizes the user experience
The central OLED display sets a new benchmark with its high resolution and, for the first time, its round shape. The center icon is the defining feature of the interior, extending the classic round instrument of the predecessor model with the addition of a completely new feel and versatile functions. As an instrument cluster, the MINI Interaction Unit is a center of both experience and comfort. Thanks to the MINI Operating System 9, all vehicle functions can be operated intuitively via touch or voice. In the redesigned cockpit, the display is moved closer to both front seats and is particularly easy to reach. The diameter of the thin touch display with a high-quality glass edge and a diameter of 240 mm is reminiscent of the usual smartphone standards in its operating logic.
The graphic presentation of the content is modern and focuses on the essentials. The upper area contains relevant vehicle-related information such as speed and battery status. When the speed indicator is pressed, a large, striking display with full-screen speedometer appears that puts a clear focus on driving. In the Home menu, the other widgets are displayed in thumbnail view to the left and right of the current menu function. They can be brought up and selected by swiping horizontally to the centre. In the lower area of the OLED display, the menu items Navigation, Media, Phone and Climate can be selected directly at any time. All other functions can be accessed via the menu in the same way as on a smartphone. The display returns to the default setting via the home button.
“Hey MINI!”: the first MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant
Numerous functions can be controlled using the brand’s first-ever fully-fledged voice assistant. The MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant can be activated with the greeting “Hey MINI” or by using the push-to-talk steering wheel button. Voice-controlled interaction takes place on the round OLED display in the form of an animation of graphic elements, typography, and an avatar. To ensure smoother communication, oral utterances are transmitted instantly and visualized on the display. In this way, it is possible to control navigation, telephony, entertainment, and numerous other vehicle functions by simply speaking the relevant command.
A whole new MINI experience: the new MINI Experience Modes
For the first time, the MINI Experience Modes transmit the driving fun that is typical of the brand by digital and visual means, too. Up to seven MINI Experience Modes bring the dashboard to life. Special light projections extend the colors of the round instrument across the dashboard, expanding the overall experience of the user interface in the interior. Each mode has specially designed backgrounds that convey a vibrant and high-quality effect using subtle movements while remaining as distraction-free as possible. When one of the seven modes is selected, the display focuses on a relevant “Mode App”. In Go-Kart Mode there is a highly dynamic focus on MINI’s racing DNA, for example. The display and the interior as a whole feature the colors anthracite and red, while specific analogue displays for driving dynamics complement this MINI Experience Mode inspired by John Cooper Works. Vivid Mode draws on the colors of the album cover for the ambient lighting. Core Mode, Green Mode, Timeless Mode, Balance Mode, and Personal Mode are also available for selection according to mood and personal needs. Trail mode, which focuses on the driver's desire to discover, is unique for the MINI Countryman.
What is more, these immersive driving experiences are enhanced using newly created acoustic worlds consisting of digital MINI Sounds. The repertoire includes an unmistakable MINI brand sound as a mark of identification and jingles for the new MINI Experience Modes, as well as a collection of new sound signals to denote information and warning functions. These so-called earcons serve a similar purpose to visual icons in that they act as clearly established symbols for certain events or information. Some 30 of these sound signals have been newly created – from the acoustic accompaniment of the turn signals and the seat belt warning system.
The New All-Electric MINI Cooper: the reinvention of the original
Going into its fifth model generation, the MINI Cooper 3-door still embodies the core of the brand. Within the new MINI family, “Cooper” refers to all MINI 3-door and 5-door models. It is no longer used as an engine specification.
The classic round headlights and the new striking octagonal front grille with its filigree contour define the front section even more powerfully than its hexagonal predecessor. As with the body design as a whole, the front headlights are not framed with chrome elements anymore. This results in the front section having a focused expression supported by the vehicle’s track width and the dynamic indentation at the wheel arches. A striking black handle strip divides the rear section, its horizontal orientation highlighting the vehicle’s broad stance and the sporty flair that this conveys.
The side view of the New MINI Cooper also conveys greater reduction and clarity. For the first time, the model appears without a circumferential Black Band. Reducing the number of components places the body color more at the center of interest, thereby ensuring a powerful presence. Black sills visually move the New MINI Cooper closer to the road. The vehicle combines a modern take on the hallmark MINI design with outstanding aerodynamic properties. The cd figure of 0.28 is outstanding for the small car segment and makes the MINI extremely efficient.
The minimalist interior
The clear lines and generous space in the front seats give the interior a modern, airy feel. In the dark, the side lighting is based on the ambient light, thereby contributing to a distinctive interior atmosphere. JCW Sports Seats are available for the New All-Electric MINI Cooper, with door panels that are laminated with high-quality textile covering the adjustment buttons. The armrest, mounted on the driver’s seat, provides even more space in the center console. The rear of the vehicle offers maximum reduction and comfort, while the loading accessories can be conveniently stowed in an additional underfloor storage facility in the luggage compartment. By folding down the rear seat in a 60:40 ratio, the luggage compartment can be flexibly expanded from 200 liters to provide a volume of up to 800 liters.
Enhanced go-kart feeling thanks to electrified drivetrain technology
With an output of 160 kW/212 hp, the New All-Electric MINI Cooper sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds with a maximum torque of 330 Nm. In the New All-Electric MINI Cooper SE, the calculated range increases to a maximum of 402 kilometers due to a battery capacity of 54.2 kWh.
The battery of the New All-Electric MINI Cooper can be charged via alternating current with 11 kW. Fast charging with direct current is possible in the New All-Electric MINI Cooper SE up to 95 kW. At a fast charging station, this allows the battery to be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in just under 30 minutes.
Excellent driving dynamics for comfortable and sporty mobility
A slightly increased track width and wheelbase provide the basis for excellent driving dynamics. The vehicle is fitted with a suspension and damping system that is tuned for spirited handling. Combined with the precise steering feel typical of MINI, powerful brakes, and a low center of gravity thanks to the high-voltage battery installed in the floor, the New MINI Cooper enhances day-to-day convenience.
With highly preloaded stabilizer mounts on the axles, the driver experiences a significantly improved body response during dynamic cornering as well as a valuable gain in steering precision and accuracy. The result is excellent body support combined with smooth rolling comfort. The New MINI Cooper is also equipped with a strut brace for an even sportier driving experience.
With its tire diameter increased to 635 mm, the New MINI Cooper has a more powerful visual presence, while at the same time offering improved driving dynamic performance and comfort. The precise set-up of steering and all driving stability control systems, to ensure both comfortable and sporty driving, guarantees an exceptional experience in all driving situations.
Innovative and efficient petrol engine
With an output of 150kW/198 hp, the four-cylinder engine of the new MINI Cooper accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds with a maximum torque of 300Nm.
The New MINI Countryman: all-electric and adventurous
The New MINI Countryman combines locally emission-free electric mobility with the highest possible level of environmental compatibility in production as well. This includes dispensing with all chrome decorative elements in the exterior and interior as well as manufacturing the light alloy cast wheels from up to 70 percent secondary aluminium. In combination with the fact that green electricity is used for production, it has been possible to reduce CO2 emissions compared to conventional manufacturing processes. In addition, no rare earths are needed for the production of efficient and permanently current-excited synchronous motors.
The surfaces, the inside of the doors, and the vehicle floor and floor mats are made of recycled polyester. This high-quality, colorful and comfortable alternative to traditional materials significantly reduces CO2 emissions along the value chain and uses less water in production than cotton.
The exterior design: expressive minimalism with character
Higher, longer, MINI – with an additional six centimeters in height and thirteen centimeters in length, the New MINI Countryman has grown noticeably compared to its predecessor, offering even more space and comfort. Wider wheel arches and a clear, modern design enhance the crossover aesthetic appeal of the rugged MINI adventurer.
In addition, the new design of the MINI Countryman embraces improved aerodynamics to achieve environmentally friendly consumption figures based on this aspect of the vehicle as well. The result is an impressive cd value of 0.26 for the New MINI Countryman – compared to 0.31 in the predecessor model.
Together with the tautly curved bonnet, the slightly wider track and the raised body, the most versatile MINI exudes superior robustness. Viewed from the side, the New MINI Countryman has a minimalist appearance with a powerful presence. The circumferential Black Band is narrower than on the predecessor. The distinctive design of the C-pillar supports the roofline at the rear of the vehicle while at the same time making it appear shorter. This makes the entire vehicle body look more upright, emphasizing the character of the New MINI Countryman.
The interior: individual, multifunctional, and full of high-level comfort
In the interior, the versatile new MINI Countryman is the largest and most spacious MINI model available thanks to its high degree of adaptability. The increased body size provides additional headroom and legroom, expanding the space options in the compact premium Crossover. The Favoured Trim gives the New MINI Countryman a distinctive character.
The dashboard in the New MINI Countryman works entirely without an additional display behind the steering wheel: all relevant content is projected onto the head-up display. This reduction to the essentials opens up the view to the front, shaping the spacious interior with cleverly designed, high-quality components. The entire interior is divided into an upper and lower section along a horizontal line below the new round instrument. Above this, all design elements such as the air vents and door handles are vertically aligned, emphasizing the character of the vehicle, also in the interior.
The driver and front passenger enjoy significantly enhanced comfort in the New MINI Countryman, with almost three centimeters of additional width in the shoulder and elbow area. The shoulder width of the rear seats has also been increased by 2.5 centimeters.
The sport seats are available in the New All-Electric MINI Countryman with electric seat adjustment with memory function standard across the entire New MINI Countryman range. Between the front seats, the wide, adjustable central armrest enhances the seating comfort.
With the rear seat folded down, even bulky items can be easily transported in the 460-litre to 1,450-litre luggage compartment. An additional floor compartment provides convenient space for the charging accessories of the all-electric MINI Countryman.
Electrified go-kart feeling based on progressive drivetrain technology
The New MINI Countryman enables locally emission-free mobility and all-electric driving fun. The completely renewed powertrain and increased electric range provide the option to go on excursions beyond the city limits – with two powerful electric motors.
With 230 kW/304 hp, the electric motors in the all-wheel-drive MINI Countryman SE ALL4 achieve a combined torque of 494 Nm, accelerate the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 km/h. The powerful battery has an energy capacity of 66.5 kWh. The range determined according to the WLTP test cycle is up to 433 kilometers for the New MINI Countryman SE ALL4.
The battery of the new all-electric MINI Countryman can be charged via alternating current with 11 kW. Fast charging with direct current is possible with 130 kW. This means that just under 30 minutes of charging at a fast charging station is enough to charge the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent.
Excellent driving dynamics for comfortable and sporty mobility
A slightly increased track width and enlarged wheelbase provide the basis for excellent driving dynamics. Even the basic chassis of the New MINI Countryman conveys a sense of sporty flair with the typical MINI go-kart feeling. As standard, the model features a high-quality, precisely tuned damping system combined with highly preloaded stabilizers. The latter provides an additional gain in steering precision and accuracy while at the same time ensuring sound roll support.
“Precisely tuned” means that the entire set of components from axles, steering, and dampers through to ride and stability control systems go together to create an exceptional experience in all situations in terms of comfortable and sporty driving. The New MINI Countryman transmits a very direct steering wheel feel with a rack ratio of 55 mm of rack travel per turn of the steering wheel.
The ALL4 all-wheel drive system provides a noticeable increase in traction, safety, driving stability, and agility. Thanks to its fast and precise electronic control, the power is distributed between the front and rear wheels as needed under all road and weather conditions.
The integrated braking system further contributes to the car’s excellent driving dynamics and controllability. A crisp, secure feeling when braking increases the dynamics and precision of the vehicle due to reliable stabilization. In conjunction with the Driving Assistant package, shorter braking distances increase safety.
In addition to the 360-degree Parking View, the New MINI Countryman can identify possible parking spaces more clearly thanks to 12 ultrasonic sensors and four Surround View cameras.
The New MINI Family is available for viewing at the following MINI Showrooms:
MINI BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY.
38th Street corner 11th Avenue, Triangle Drive, Bonifacio Global City Taguig City
About MINI in Asia
MINI is headquartered and manufactured in Oxford, UK, and is a brand of BMW Group. In East Asia, this iconic car is sold in Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, New Caledonia, Guam, Sri Lanka, Tahiti, Philippines, and Indonesia. The full range of MINI is available in these markets – MINI Electric, MINI 3-Door, MINI 5-Door, MINI Convertible, MINI Clubman, MINI Countryman, and MINI John Cooper Works.
For more information: www.mini.com.sg
About MINI Philippines
British United Automobiles, Inc. or MINI Philippines is one of the distributorship brands under the umbrella of the Autohub Group. MINI Philippines is the sole distributor of the iconic British automotive brand, MINI. Currently, MINI Philippines has four dealerships in the country, located in Bonifacio Global City, Alabang, Pampanga, and Cebu. The MINI range available in these locations – MINI 3-Door, MINI-5 Door, MINI Countryman, and MINI John Cooper Works. MINI Convertible and MINI Clubman are available via indent order.
