Mini is set to introduce a raft of changes to its hatch, Clubman and convertible models.
Most significant is the addition of new cleaner, more efficient diesel engines (the petrol range got a frugality makeover back in March). The headlines here are that the Mini convertible gets a diesel for the first time, and that the One D and Cooper D drop their emissions to just 99g/km.
Now, we know that this is hardly 'Speed Matters'-type stuff, but in the case of the Cooper D this means warm-hatch performance (199lb ft of torque, 0-62mph in 9.7secs and a 123mph top speed) combined with zero VED. And that's got to be appealing.
The whole range also gets a visual update. At the front, this means a new bumper with a lower air intake (improving pedestrian protection, we are told, courtesy of larger deformation zones). There are also new fog lamps though, on the Cooper S, two air intakes replace these to feed the brake discs with cool air.
...blink and you'll have missed the changes
The headlights have new light elements, there's a new side indicator with a distinctive concentric circle design, and redesigned side 'gill' housings. At the rear, the tail and brake lights are now LEDs (the brake lights adjust their intensity according to the braking force applied) and the bumper has been redesigned. There are also five new paint colours and five new alloy wheel designs.
Inside, the centre console, steering wheel, and the air-con and audio controls have all been modified, and there are six new upholstery choices, three new fascia options and two new interior colour lines for door and side panels.
All Minis, with the exception of the entry-level One, also now come with DAB digital radio as standard, while customers with an iPhone who choose the optional Mini Connected can access internet radio, Google or social networking sites via the car's in-dash screen.
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