New MINI Cooper Hatch Shows Contemporary Evolution Of Classic Design
The iconic MINI Hatch has been built up completely anew from the ground up. Although it keeps its emblematic design cues, every component has been back to the drawing board with the aim to enhance its function, performance and style.
The result is that the new MINI includes major improvements in technology, engine efficiency and power delivery, driving dynamics, quality and personalisation. Next to the fact that the new hatch is quieter than the outgoing model, it is also more spacious and safer than before.
The dimensions of the new model are the following: 3,821mm length (MINI Cooper S is 3,850mm), 1,727mm width and 1,414mm height. In general, this makes it 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm taller than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been extended by 28mm, while the track width has been enlarged at the front by 42mm and at the rear by 34mm.
The traditional exterior design of the car has been kept, we can still see a slightly refined the hexagonal contour of the radiator grille, circular headlights, ‘side scuttle' indicator surrounds, upright rear light clusters and black lower body edging. What is new here: the LED headlamps and tail-lights, surrounded by an LED daylight driving ring.
As mentioned, the interior is spacious than before due to the larger dimensions. In addition, the horizontal structure of the cockpit is linked to circular and elliptical details. At its heart is the instrument cluster on the steering column. Speed, revs and fuel level are displayed on vertically arranged circular dials. A 8.8 inch TFT display is also positioned on the dashboard.
Controller or MINI Touch Controller, fitted in the centre console work together with the MINI Visual Boost Radio or the MINI Navigation System. LED lighting around the new central instrument provides visual feedback to the current driving situations.
In terms of engines, MINI has features an entirely new powertrains, each featuring MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology: three-cylinder petrol, four-cylinder petrol and three-cylinder diesel engine. Details are listed in the table below:
| Engine | MINI One Hatch | MINI One D Hatch | MINI Cooper Hatch | MINI Cooper D Hatch | MINI Cooper S Hatch | |
| Type/no. of cylinders/valves | in-line / 3 / 4 | in-line / 3 / 4 | in-line / 3 / 4 | in-line / 3 / 4 | in-line / 4 / 4 | |
| Capacity | cc | 1198 | 1496 | 1499 | 1496 | 1998 |
| Bore/stroke | mm | 78.0 / 83.6 | 78 / 83. | 82.0 / 94.6 | 84.0 / 90.0 | 82.0 / 94.6 |
| Compression | :1 | 11 | 16.5 | 11.0 | 16.5 | 11.0 |
| Output | kW/hp | 75 / 102 | 70 / 95 | 100 / 136 | 85 / 116 | 141 / 192 |
| at engine speed | rpm | 4250 - 6000 | 4000 | 4500 – 6000 | 4000 | 4700 – 6000 |
| Torque (with overboost) | Nm | 180 | 220 | 220) | 270 | 280 |
| at engine speed | rpm | 1400-4000 | 1750 - 2250 | 1250 – 4000 | 1750 | 1250 – 4750 |
As a standard, the units are fitted with the six-speed manual transmission, while six-speed automatic and six-speed sports automatic transmissions come as an option.
MINI Hatch will also sport an optimized suspension, which has been enhanced via a new single-joint spring strut axle at the front and a multi-link axle at the rear. All improvements are made with the aim to intensify MINI's ‘go-kart' handling responses. Also new to the car is the optional Variable Damper Control.
MINI Cooper Hatch and MINI Cooper D Hatch ride on 15-inch forged light alloy wheels, while the MINI Cooper S Hatch is fitted with 16-inch light alloy wheels as standard. Debuting on the hatch are the following technologies: the optional MINI Head-Up-Display, Driving Assistant option with collision and pedestrian warning system, a rear view camera and parking assistant, ABS anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), cornering brake control (CBC) with brake assistant, the driving stability control system (DSC), drive-off assistant, brake dry function, fading brake support and dynamic traction control (DTC).
2014 MINI Cooper Hatches will be available in dealerships from tomorrow.
Source: MINI
