Mini Hatch (2007-)
Encyclopedia
Mini introduced an all-new, second generation of the Hardtop/Hatch model for the 2007 model year, on a re-engineered platform
incorporating many stylistic and engineering changes. It uses the Prince engine
, the architecture of which is shared with PSA Peugeot Citroën
and is designed to be more cost-effective and fuel-efficient, and is manufactured at the BMW Hams Hall engine plant in Warwickshire, United Kingdom. The engineering was done in the United Kingdom by BMW Group UK Engineering, in Munich, Germany at BMW Group headquarters, and by external third parties.
The so-called "Mk II Mini" (echoing the 'mark number' naming convention associated with the classic Mini) was introduced in November 2006 as a hatchback (US: Hardtop) model (internally known as the R56), in the Cooper and Cooper S trim levels; the range was completed in 2007 with the Mk II Mini One. For the first time, there was a diesel-powered Cooper, available from April 2007, and badged as the Cooper D, which was supplemented in January 2011 with a new 2.0 L diesel badged as the Cooper SD.
Though the Mk II has a familiar look, every panel on the new car was changed from the previous model. New safety requirements resulted in the overall length increasing by 60 millimetres (2.4 in), the front end raised and the indicators being repositioned inside the headlight housings. The headlights themselves are now fixed to the front quarter panels rather than being integrated with the bonnet, so that they are not raised up with it when the bonnet opens. The car features a restyled grille
and larger rear light clusters. The Cooper S retains the bonnet scoop
in order to keep an association with the outgoing model — although the relocation of the intercooler
to the front of the engine means that the scoop is now purely decorative. In addition, the Cooper S no longer has the battery located under the boot
floor, instead being found in the more conventional location under the bonnet. The C-pillars
are no longer encased in glass and have been shaped to improve aerodynamics
and to reduce the tendency for dirt to accumulate on the back of the car. Much criticised for the lack of rear legroom, Mini added more space for rear passengers by creating sculpted cut-outs in the rear of the front seats. An engine start button replaces the conventional ignition key and, with the optional 'Comfort Access', the car may be unlocked with a button on the door handle when the key is brought close to the car.
The Cooper and Cooper S models offer a new rear axle and aluminium
components to reduce the car's weight; and a Sports kit option comprising harder springs, damper
and anti-roll bars is offered with both variants. Another key difference is the introduction of an upgraded electric power steering
system, the sharpness of which can be increased by pressing a "Sport" button in front of the gear lever (both auto and manual); additionally, the "Sport" button adjusts the response of the accelerator, and in conjunction with automatic transmission, also allows the engine to rev almost to the redline
before changing gear.
In the Cooper model the Tritec
four-cylinder engine was replaced with a 120 PS 1.6-litre Prince engine incorporating BMW's Valvetronic
infinitely variable valve timing, developed on and with Peugeot
's core engine. It has been reported in road tests that this takes the car from 0–100 km/h in a claimed 9.1 seconds (0-60 mph: 8.5 seconds) and has a top speed of 125 miles per hour (55.9 m/s). Fuel economy of 48.7 mpgimp on the combined cycle is nearly 8 mpgimp better. The more powerful 175 PS Cooper S replaces the supercharger with a new twin scroll turbocharger
in the interests of efficiency, and features gasoline direct injection
; consequently, this engine version does not feature Valvetronic. This engine also has an "overboost" function which temporarily raises the torque by 20 N.m under hard acceleration. As a result, 0–100 km/h is covered in a claimed 7.1 seconds (0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds), and top speed is 140 miles per hour (62.6 m/s). It achieves similar improvements in fuel economy to the Cooper, returning 40.9 mpgimp combined. Both engines may be mated to either a six-speed manual
or automatic gearbox. The turbocharged engine is the same (although with some French engineering modifications) as the one in the Peugeot 207
GTi/RC.
Since 2008 all non-U.S. Mini models (except the standard Mini One) have been equipped with BMW's Efficient Dynamics fuel-saving technology, called "Minimalism Technologies" in Mini literature. This includes a start-stop feature that shuts off the engine when the car is stationary; when the clutch pedal is depressed, the engine is restarted with electricity generated from Brake Energy Regeneration. The Cooper D model attains 74 mpgimp and emits 104 g of carbon dioxide per 100 kilometres. A Mini One D has been available in Europe since 2009, attaining the same fuel efficiency and emissions of greenhouse gases as the Cooper D, which is itself quite comparable to the Toyota Prius
for fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions (potentially better than the Prius at higher rpm). With the widespread use of its Efficient Dynamics feature, Mini is the first automotive brand to have all models in its range classified as mild hybrid
s (Mini's parent, BMW, is still in the process of implementing Efficient Dynamics across its older models).
All models of the Mk II with optional dynamic stability control (DSC) also include "Hill Assist", a feature which prevents the car from rolling backwards on an incline by holding the brakes for 2 seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal, allowing the driver time to engage the accelerator pedal without the vehicle drifting. Also included with DSC is hydraulic EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) as opposed to the mechanical system on Minis without DSC. DSC is standard on all Minis since September 2008.
The interior of the Mk II echoes the style of the earlier model, but is in fact a complete redesign. The boot of the new car has an additional 10 litres (21.1 US pt) of load space. Other changes in design - both visible and otherwise - have contributed to the Mini's recently awarded 5 stars in the Euro NCAP tests. One example is the higher front bonnet, which now complies with the European pedestrian collision regulations.
Breakdown statistics reported by the German Automobile Club
in May 2010 placed the Mini at the top of the small car class in respect of the low break-down rates achieved for cars aged between 0 and 4 years, narrowly beating the Ford Fusion and Mitsubishi Colt
.
In January 2010 the Mini One Minimalism was announced, which was available in two states of tune depending on the market: (75 PS and 98 PS). The model was marketed as a more environmentally friendly option with low 119 kilograms (262.4 lb) per kilometer carbon dioxide (CO2) helped by low resistance tyres and flush wheel trims, and included the Minimalism technologies previously excluded from the Mini One.
In spring 2011, a new diesel Mini Cooper SD was launched. With a new four-cylinder 2.0 L turbo diesel engine, it had an output of 145 PS and maximum torque of 305 newton metres (225 ft·lbf) between 1,750 and 2,700 rpm.
performance brakes; and BMW's dynamic stability control (DSC) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) as standard equipment. All JCW models are only available with a specific 6-speed Getrag manual transmission, and come with distinctive "John Cooper Works" badging in place of the normal "Cooper S" badging. The JCW vehicles are also factory-built, which further distinguishes them from earlier Mk II Cooper S models with any of the available John Cooper Works accessories (engine and suspension upgrades, aerodynamics kit, etc.) that are dealer-installed. All JCW models achieve the same EPA
fuel economy ratings as their Cooper S counterparts.
The engine is rated at 211 PS and 261 newton metre; under heavy acceleration, the engine automatically boosts torque output to a peak of 279 newton metre. These figures are achieved by reducing compression ratio to 10.0:1, and increasing boost from 0.9 bar (13.1 psi) to 1.3 bar (18.9 psi) when compared to the turbocharged engine used in the Cooper S. According to Mini, the JCW Hardtop will sprint to 60 miles per hour (26.8 m/s) in 6.2 seconds, with the JCW Clubman clocking in at 6.5 seconds; both vehicles top out at 147 miles per hour (65.7 m/s)
The JCW variants were unveiled in 2008 at the Geneva Auto Show, as 2009 model-year vehicles.
The production vehicle was inspired by John Cooper's son, Mike. It includes the John Cooper Works aerodynamics package; John Cooper Works Cross Spoke Challenge light-alloy wheels in Jet Black; specific body paint colours (Connaught Green body with Pepper White roof and bonnet stripes), carbon fibre bonnet scoop, rear diffuser, exterior mirror caps and tailgate handle; and specific interior colour scheme (Carbon Black interior with red knee-rolls, armrests and red stitching on the floor mats, gearshift & handbrake gaiters). The John Cooper signature was provided by "John" Michael Cooper.
The car was unveiled in 2009 Mini United Festival in Silverstone.
, is a tribute to the old Mini Cooper Monte Carlo, itself a limited edition Mini to celebrate Paddy Hopkirk's return to the Monte Carlo Rally 30 years after his original win. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mini brand, two models were released. The Mini 50 Mayfair and the Mini 50 Camden. The most striking feature of the Camden were the extremely limited edition black bi-xenon headlight reflectors and the 'Mission Control' previously seen only in the Countryman and later also seen on the Mini 50 Clubman Hampton. The Camden's sister, the MINI 50th anniversary Mayfair, does not have the 'Mission Control' option that gives the driver notifications, but offers excellent accoutrements and styling within the Mayfair, including Hot-Chocolate metallic paint, toffee-colored leather seats with light-blue sport stitching, special side-mirror caps, and chrome fog-lamps. The MINI Mayfair is touted to be an "ideal" city car, as gas mileage is excellent as well as it being highly maneuverable in tight spots. The MINI can tote a full 4-pc. drumset (with a 22" bass drum in an Enduro case) and hardware snuggly.
Automobile platform
An automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...
incorporating many stylistic and engineering changes. It uses the Prince engine
Prince engine
Prince is the codename for a family of modern automobile straight-4 engines developed jointly by BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën. It is a compact engine family of 1.4–1.6 L in displacement and includes most modern features including gasoline direct injection and variable valve timing.For...
, the architecture of which is shared with PSA Peugeot Citroën
PSA Peugeot Citroën
PSA Peugeot Citroën is a French manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles sold under the Peugeot and Citroën marques. Headquartered in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, PSA is the second largest automaker based in Europe and the number eight in the world.-History:In December 1974 Peugeot S.A....
and is designed to be more cost-effective and fuel-efficient, and is manufactured at the BMW Hams Hall engine plant in Warwickshire, United Kingdom. The engineering was done in the United Kingdom by BMW Group UK Engineering, in Munich, Germany at BMW Group headquarters, and by external third parties.
The so-called "Mk II Mini" (echoing the 'mark number' naming convention associated with the classic Mini) was introduced in November 2006 as a hatchback (US: Hardtop) model (internally known as the R56), in the Cooper and Cooper S trim levels; the range was completed in 2007 with the Mk II Mini One. For the first time, there was a diesel-powered Cooper, available from April 2007, and badged as the Cooper D, which was supplemented in January 2011 with a new 2.0 L diesel badged as the Cooper SD.
Design
Grille
A grille or grill is an opening of several slits side by side in a wall or metal sheet or other barrier, usually to let air or water enter and/or leave but keep larger objects including people and animals in or out.-Spelling:In the United States, "grille" is used to differentiate the automotive...
and larger rear light clusters. The Cooper S retains the bonnet scoop
Hood scoop
A bonnet/hood scoop is an upraised component on the hood of an automobile that either allows a flow of air to directly enter the engine compartment, or appears to do so. It has only one opening and is closed on all other sides...
in order to keep an association with the outgoing model — although the relocation of the intercooler
Intercooler
An intercooler , or charge air cooler, is an air-to-air or air-to-liquid heat exchange device used on turbocharged and supercharged internal combustion engines to improve their volumetric efficiency by increasing intake air charge density through nearly isobaric cooling, which removes...
to the front of the engine means that the scoop is now purely decorative. In addition, the Cooper S no longer has the battery located under the boot
Trunk (automobile)
The trunk or boot of an automobile or car is the vehicle's main storage, luggage, or cargo compartment. Trunk is used in North American English and Jamaican English; boot is used elsewhere in the English speaking world. Trunk is also primarily used in many non-English speaking regions, such as...
floor, instead being found in the more conventional location under the bonnet. The C-pillars
Pillar (car)
Pillars are the vertical supports of the greenhouse of an automobile — known respectively as the A, B, C or D-pillar moving in profile view from the front to rear....
are no longer encased in glass and have been shaped to improve aerodynamics
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics is a branch of dynamics concerned with studying the motion of air, particularly when it interacts with a moving object. Aerodynamics is a subfield of fluid dynamics and gas dynamics, with much theory shared between them. Aerodynamics is often used synonymously with gas dynamics, with...
and to reduce the tendency for dirt to accumulate on the back of the car. Much criticised for the lack of rear legroom, Mini added more space for rear passengers by creating sculpted cut-outs in the rear of the front seats. An engine start button replaces the conventional ignition key and, with the optional 'Comfort Access', the car may be unlocked with a button on the door handle when the key is brought close to the car.
Technical specifications
Aluminium
Aluminium or aluminum is a silvery white member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al, and its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
components to reduce the car's weight; and a Sports kit option comprising harder springs, damper
Shock absorber
A shock absorber is a mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp shock impulse, and dissipate kinetic energy. It is a type of dashpot.-Nomenclature:...
and anti-roll bars is offered with both variants. Another key difference is the introduction of an upgraded electric power steering
Power steering
Power steering helps drivers steer vehicles by augmenting steering effort of the steering wheel.Hydraulic or electric actuators add controlled energy to the steering mechanism, so the driver needs to provide only modest effort regardless of conditions. Power steering helps considerably when a...
system, the sharpness of which can be increased by pressing a "Sport" button in front of the gear lever (both auto and manual); additionally, the "Sport" button adjusts the response of the accelerator, and in conjunction with automatic transmission, also allows the engine to rev almost to the redline
Redline
Redline refers to the maximum engine speed at which an internal combustion engine or traction motor and its components are designed to operate without causing damage to the components themselves or other parts of the engine...
before changing gear.
In the Cooper model the Tritec
Tritec engine
In 1997, Chrysler Corporation and Rover Group formed Tritec, a joint venture to design a new small straight-4 engine for small cars. They built a factory in Campo Largo of Curitiba, Brazil, to manufacture the engine. When BMW sold Rover Group, BMW retained the stake in Tritec.It is also called the...
four-cylinder engine was replaced with a 120 PS 1.6-litre Prince engine incorporating BMW's Valvetronic
Valvetronic
The Valvetronic system is a variable valve timing system to offer continuous and precisely variable intake valve lift, from ~0 to 10 mm, and duration. It typically works in conjunction with the independent Double VANOS system that continuously varies the timing...
infinitely variable valve timing, developed on and with Peugeot
Peugeot
Peugeot is a major French car brand, part of PSA Peugeot Citroën, the second largest carmaker based in Europe.The family business that precedes the current Peugeot company was founded in 1810, and manufactured coffee mills and bicycles. On 20 November 1858, Emile Peugeot applied for the lion...
's core engine. It has been reported in road tests that this takes the car from 0–100 km/h in a claimed 9.1 seconds (0-60 mph: 8.5 seconds) and has a top speed of 125 miles per hour (55.9 m/s). Fuel economy of 48.7 mpgimp on the combined cycle is nearly 8 mpgimp better. The more powerful 175 PS Cooper S replaces the supercharger with a new twin scroll turbocharger
Turbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
in the interests of efficiency, and features gasoline direct injection
Gasoline direct injection
In internal combustion engines, gasoline direct injection , also known as petrol direct injection or direct petrol injection, is a variant of fuel injection employed in modern two-stroke and four-stroke gasoline engines...
; consequently, this engine version does not feature Valvetronic. This engine also has an "overboost" function which temporarily raises the torque by 20 N.m under hard acceleration. As a result, 0–100 km/h is covered in a claimed 7.1 seconds (0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds), and top speed is 140 miles per hour (62.6 m/s). It achieves similar improvements in fuel economy to the Cooper, returning 40.9 mpgimp combined. Both engines may be mated to either a six-speed manual
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
or automatic gearbox. The turbocharged engine is the same (although with some French engineering modifications) as the one in the Peugeot 207
Peugeot 207
The Peugeot 207 is a small family car produced by the French automaker Peugeot and unveiled in January 2006.-Launch:The 207 was launched in France, Spain and Italy during April 2006 and later on in other European, Israeli and Arabic markets....
GTi/RC.
Since 2008 all non-U.S. Mini models (except the standard Mini One) have been equipped with BMW's Efficient Dynamics fuel-saving technology, called "Minimalism Technologies" in Mini literature. This includes a start-stop feature that shuts off the engine when the car is stationary; when the clutch pedal is depressed, the engine is restarted with electricity generated from Brake Energy Regeneration. The Cooper D model attains 74 mpgimp and emits 104 g of carbon dioxide per 100 kilometres. A Mini One D has been available in Europe since 2009, attaining the same fuel efficiency and emissions of greenhouse gases as the Cooper D, which is itself quite comparable to the Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a full hybrid electric mid-size hatchback, formerly a compact sedan developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation...
for fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions (potentially better than the Prius at higher rpm). With the widespread use of its Efficient Dynamics feature, Mini is the first automotive brand to have all models in its range classified as mild hybrid
Mild Hybrid
Mild hybrids are essentially conventional fossil-fuel vehicles equipped with a large electric machine allowing the engine to be turned off whenever the car is coasting, braking, or stopped, yet restart quickly...
s (Mini's parent, BMW, is still in the process of implementing Efficient Dynamics across its older models).
All models of the Mk II with optional dynamic stability control (DSC) also include "Hill Assist", a feature which prevents the car from rolling backwards on an incline by holding the brakes for 2 seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal, allowing the driver time to engage the accelerator pedal without the vehicle drifting. Also included with DSC is hydraulic EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) as opposed to the mechanical system on Minis without DSC. DSC is standard on all Minis since September 2008.
The interior of the Mk II echoes the style of the earlier model, but is in fact a complete redesign. The boot of the new car has an additional 10 litres (21.1 US pt) of load space. Other changes in design - both visible and otherwise - have contributed to the Mini's recently awarded 5 stars in the Euro NCAP tests. One example is the higher front bonnet, which now complies with the European pedestrian collision regulations.
Breakdown statistics reported by the German Automobile Club
ADAC
The ADAC is Germany's and Europe's largest automobile club, with more than 17 million members in June 2010. It was founded on May 24, 1903 as "Deutsche Motorradfahrer-Vereinigung" and was renamed in 1911...
in May 2010 placed the Mini at the top of the small car class in respect of the low break-down rates achieved for cars aged between 0 and 4 years, narrowly beating the Ford Fusion and Mitsubishi Colt
Mitsubishi Colt
The Mitsubishi Colt is a vehicle built by Mitsubishi Motors since 1962. It was first introduced as a series of kei cars and subcompact cars in the 1960s, and then as the export version of the Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback in the 1980s and 1990s...
.
Model range
The Mk II range was launched with the One, Cooper and Cooper S derivatives. In July 2009, a new budget version called Mini First was added. Similar to the One, but lower output 1.6 L engine 75 PS and no automatic option, it pre-empted the launch of the One Minimalism by including the Mini Minimalism technologies. The vehicle launched with a base MSRP of £10,950.In January 2010 the Mini One Minimalism was announced, which was available in two states of tune depending on the market: (75 PS and 98 PS). The model was marketed as a more environmentally friendly option with low 119 kilograms (262.4 lb) per kilometer carbon dioxide (CO2) helped by low resistance tyres and flush wheel trims, and included the Minimalism technologies previously excluded from the Mini One.
In spring 2011, a new diesel Mini Cooper SD was launched. With a new four-cylinder 2.0 L turbo diesel engine, it had an output of 145 PS and maximum torque of 305 newton metres (225 ft·lbf) between 1,750 and 2,700 rpm.
Mini John Cooper Works (2009-)
Loosely based on the John Cooper Works (JCW) Challenge car, these are essentially Cooper S vehicles with a higher-output engine; a low-back-pressure exhaust system; a stiffer sport suspension; 17-inch light alloy rims with low-profile, performance tyres; BremboBrembo
Brembo S.p.A. is a manufacturer of automotive brake systems, especially for high-performance cars and motorcycles. It was established in Bergamo, Italy in 1961. Soon after the company was formed, it specialised in disc brakes, which were exclusively imported from the United Kingdom at the time...
performance brakes; and BMW's dynamic stability control (DSC) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) as standard equipment. All JCW models are only available with a specific 6-speed Getrag manual transmission, and come with distinctive "John Cooper Works" badging in place of the normal "Cooper S" badging. The JCW vehicles are also factory-built, which further distinguishes them from earlier Mk II Cooper S models with any of the available John Cooper Works accessories (engine and suspension upgrades, aerodynamics kit, etc.) that are dealer-installed. All JCW models achieve the same EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
fuel economy ratings as their Cooper S counterparts.
The engine is rated at 211 PS and 261 newton metre; under heavy acceleration, the engine automatically boosts torque output to a peak of 279 newton metre. These figures are achieved by reducing compression ratio to 10.0:1, and increasing boost from 0.9 bar (13.1 psi) to 1.3 bar (18.9 psi) when compared to the turbocharged engine used in the Cooper S. According to Mini, the JCW Hardtop will sprint to 60 miles per hour (26.8 m/s) in 6.2 seconds, with the JCW Clubman clocking in at 6.5 seconds; both vehicles top out at 147 miles per hour (65.7 m/s)
The JCW variants were unveiled in 2008 at the Geneva Auto Show, as 2009 model-year vehicles.
Mini John Cooper Works World Championship 50 (2009)
This is a limited-edition (originally planned to be 250 units, then subsequently increased to 500) of the John Cooper Works Hardtop. It commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Formula One World Championship title won by John Cooper (builder) and Jack Brabham (driver).The production vehicle was inspired by John Cooper's son, Mike. It includes the John Cooper Works aerodynamics package; John Cooper Works Cross Spoke Challenge light-alloy wheels in Jet Black; specific body paint colours (Connaught Green body with Pepper White roof and bonnet stripes), carbon fibre bonnet scoop, rear diffuser, exterior mirror caps and tailgate handle; and specific interior colour scheme (Carbon Black interior with red knee-rolls, armrests and red stitching on the floor mats, gearshift & handbrake gaiters). The John Cooper signature was provided by "John" Michael Cooper.
The car was unveiled in 2009 Mini United Festival in Silverstone.
Special editions
The old tradition of producing special, limited-edition Minis was also continued with the new Mini. For example, the Mini Monte Carlo, recently launched in SingaporeSingapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
, is a tribute to the old Mini Cooper Monte Carlo, itself a limited edition Mini to celebrate Paddy Hopkirk's return to the Monte Carlo Rally 30 years after his original win. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mini brand, two models were released. The Mini 50 Mayfair and the Mini 50 Camden. The most striking feature of the Camden were the extremely limited edition black bi-xenon headlight reflectors and the 'Mission Control' previously seen only in the Countryman and later also seen on the Mini 50 Clubman Hampton. The Camden's sister, the MINI 50th anniversary Mayfair, does not have the 'Mission Control' option that gives the driver notifications, but offers excellent accoutrements and styling within the Mayfair, including Hot-Chocolate metallic paint, toffee-colored leather seats with light-blue sport stitching, special side-mirror caps, and chrome fog-lamps. The MINI Mayfair is touted to be an "ideal" city car, as gas mileage is excellent as well as it being highly maneuverable in tight spots. The MINI can tote a full 4-pc. drumset (with a 22" bass drum in an Enduro case) and hardware snuggly.