MINI launches all-new F56/S

MANILA, Philippines - There’s big news from the iconic small car that never fails to keep customers beaming—the all-new MINI Cooper F56/S is now in town, and it’s available for test drives to whoever wants to experience firsthand the exciting new changes that this latest-generation rendition brings.

“We opened the MINI showroom in Jan 15, 2010, about 4 ½ years ago, and since we opened, this is the first new model change for the hatch! So this is a very important event for us,” expressed Willy Tee Ten, president of British United Automobiles, Inc., the official importer and distributor of MINI vehicles in the Philippines, during a special interview with The STAR.

This latest model is its 3rd-generation incarnation under the BMW era, and there are many major changes; the most significant of which is perhaps the change in engine size.

“It’s a huge change, but the character of the car is still there,” remarked a very enthusiastic Tee Ten, as he began to describe the many different changes to look out for. “Inside they packed it with a lot of technology features, and the odometer is now on the driver’s side and not in the center. Window switches are no longer in the middle, they are now found on the actual doors. No more key needs to be inserted to start and stop the car. But for me, the biggest change is in the engine and the power.”

As a pleasant surprise, MINI has finally broken away from its trademark 1.6L engines and now reduced its displacement to 1.5L in the F56, and even gone down to using 3-cylinders; but despite the scale-down managed to even increase the car’s power to 136hp (compared to the old engine’s 122hp) between 4,500-6,000rpm. The Cooper S variant, however, has now increased engine size to 2.0L, packing even more power with the already sporty ride and achieving a peak output of 192hp between 4,700 and 6,000 rpm—while maintaining its four cylinders. Furthermore, all variants of the new MINI boast significantly improved fuel consumption figures and reduced emission levels by as much as 27 percent compared to the previous models.

Both new engines highlight MINI’s Twin Power Turbo Technology, which incorporate turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (Double VANOS), as well as the (BMW) group’s Valvetronic—their patented version of fully variable valve control—to achieve that same, easy-to-drive, go-kart feeling—except packed with more power and rewarded with even better fuel efficiency.

Moreover, both the Cooper and Cooper S variants come with the distinct 6-speed automatic transmission that is graced with increased shift dynamics and enhanced shift comfort, and are now equipped with the new-age engine start/stop function that automatically switches the engine off when it senses idling, and instantly switches it back on upon release of the brakes or when cabin temperature begins to get warm, dramatically reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions, especially during heavy traffic.

Further car-engineering efforts in the new model geared towards fuel economy are weight optimization (by using aluminum swivel bearings for the front axle, as well as high-strength steel for axle supports and wishbones, etc.), reduction of aerodynamic drag (through the use of active cooling air flaps, extensive underbody trim and air ducting elements in the upper part of the C pillars), modern brake-energy recovery, and needs-oriented control of the fuel pump, coolant pump and other ancillary units.

New MINI driving modes—standard MID, Sport, and Green—are likewise introduced in the new model. The choice of mode does not only change the corresponding curve of the accelerator, steering and engine acoustics, but also influences the ambient lighting, LED displays and shifting characteristics of the transmission. Exclusive to the Cooper S, its Dynamic Damper Control configuration is also adjusted accordingly. 

The new MINI Cooper is 98mm longer, 44mm wider, 7mm higher and with a wheelbase that is 28mm longer than its predecessor. Meanwhile the new Cooper S differs in that it is 121mm longer than its predecessor. Obviously, these new dimensions speak of larger occupant space and hence, a significant ride comfort benefit. The seat surface has been lengthened by 23mm and there is improved ease for rear passengers to get into the back. Luggage compartment volume has likewise increased to 211L (+51L compared to before).

“There’s a little bit of everything for everyone in the new MINI,” explained Tee Ten. “For people who are tech savvy, there are a lot of new technologies in the latest model, and even more technologies available in the Cooper S.”

For the first time, an array of optional driver assistance systems are now available in the MINI—among them are the: MINI Head-Up-Display, which displays useful information on an extendible monitor, right within the line of sight of the driver; MINI Driving Assistant, which is a combination of a camera-based cruise control and distance control function, and a collision and pedestrian warning system with initial brake function (in the case of an imminent collision); and a Rear-View Camera and Parking Assistant, which is basically a camera installed underneath the tailgate handle that supplies video images to the onboard computer, guiding the driver as he maneuvers his parking.

“I am positive that our new MINIs will keep our customers booming with confidence and beaming with happiness!” exclaimed Tee Ten after running through the many new features of the latest-gen Cooper and Cooper S. “And the best way for you to justify buying it,” he emphasized, “is by test driving it yourself!”.

Tee Ten acknowledged that although a MINI is not so much a very expensive car, it certainly does not come cheap, either. Hence he invites car buyers to see for themselves how it is, in his own words, “great value for money.”

“People may initially think that the car costs a lot,” he furthered. “But after test driving and seeing how much value they get out of it, I bet they’ll ultimately be saying, ‘Ay... Mura Pala!’” (Oh, it turns out to be cheap after all!). The price of the MINI Cooper starts at P2,100,000; and P2,600,000 for the Cooper S.

Check out the all-new F56 and S models by visiting the MINI showroom in BGC, and requesting for a test drive anytime from 9am-7pm. “We have a lot of demo units for test drive!” exclaimed an excited Tee Ten. “All they have to do is come over and experience.”