Facts about the Facelifted MINI family

MINI’s facelifted range has just been released the other day. Now, the market is interested to know the actual facts and specs. What changes have been made with the Mini, Mini Club, Mini Convertible, and the Mini John Cooper Works?

Overall, the changes are very minimal. Mini focused on giving greater customization options to fit each customer’s particular need. There are three customization packages: Rally, Classic and Scene. Each of these packages include body paint, roof color, wheel design, upholstery, trim elements, color line and other visual design features.

To provide more power and improved fuel efficiency, two new diesel engines are introduced. These facelifted models have the 1.6-litre four-cylinder engines produced by the BMW Group. The advantage of this engine is that is uses common-rail direct injection and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. These engines are also remarkable lightweight — just perfect for smaller vehicles like the Mini.

Mini embraces the minimalism technology that focuses on fuel efficiency and less carbon emissions. Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start/Stop function, Shift Point Display, electromechanical power steering (EPS) and the need-based operation of ancillary components have been utilized to made the facelifted models be more efficient.

The newest addition to the facelifted family is the thermal encapsulation of the entire drivetrain. By doing this, the heat storage between one journey and the next is optimized. Friction friction losses are minimized in the drive unit that happens when the engine temperature falls. It also reduces fuel consumption from cold starts through cutting the warm-up period of the vehicle.

Mini also makes minimal changes on the design. We will notice that the bumper of all facelifted models have been redesigned to meet the pedestrian protection standards. LEDs are used for rear lights and brake lights. Dynamic brake light function is also used.The air intake in the from bumper has been revised and brake air ducts have been added to improve style and aesthetics to the MINI Cooper S. Functionality and ergonomics are ensured with the redesigned audio controls and air conditioning.

New exterior paint finishes and wheel designs are being offered. British Racing Green, Spice Orange, Chili Red, Eclipse Grey, and soon Ice Blue colors will all be available for selected models.

If you want to buy equipments for your Mini, there are quite a lot in store for you. Adaptive Headlights for Mini, Mini Clubman and Mini Convertible together with the optional xenon headlights, automatically dimming exterior mirrors, and a new ambient lighting which has a broad spectrum of colors.

A new multimedia system called MINI Connected is featured on the facelifted models. This integrates Apple iPhone into the vehicle’s system architecture and allows majority of its functions to be operated by using joystick, on-board monitor, or the steering wheel buttons. Facebook and Twitter can now be read out via the optional MINI Connected voice output function by downloading an Apple application. Most techical systems inside the car has been updated as well.

Mini’s facelifted range will be launched September 18, 2010.