Mini Hatch (2007-)

Mini Hardtop/Hatch (2007-)

Manufacturer	Mini (BMW AG)
Production	Since 2007
Assembly	Cowley, Oxfordshire, UK
Predecessor	Mini Hatch (2001–2006)
Class	Subcompact
Body style	3-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Engine	1.4L Prince I4 (One) 1.6L Prince I4 (Cooper) 1.6L Peugeot DV6 diesel I4 (Cooper D and One D) 1.6L Prince turbocharged I4 (Cooper S) 2.0L BMW N47 diesel I4 (Cooper SD)
Transmission	6-speed, automatic or manual
Wheelbase	97.1 in (2,466 mm)
Length	Hardtop: 145.6 in (3,698 mm) Hardtop S: 146.2 in (3,713 mm)
Width	66.3 in (1,684 mm)
Height	55.4 in (1,407 mm)

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.^[1] 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

Mini Cooper S (2007+)

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.

Technical specifications

Mini II Cooper D

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 metric horsepower (88 kW) 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)^[2] and has a top speed of 125 miles per hour (201 km/h). Fuel economy of 48.7 miles per imperial gallon (5.80 L/100 km; 40.6 mpg_-US) on the combined cycle is nearly 8 miles per imperial gallon (6.7 mpg_-US) better. The more powerful 175 metric horsepower (129 kW) 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 newton metres (15 ft·lbf) under hard acceleration. As a result, 0–100 km/h is covered in a claimed 7.1 seconds (0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds),^[2] and top speed is 140 miles per hour (230 km/h). It achieves similar improvements in fuel economy to the Cooper, returning 40.9 miles per imperial gallon (6.91 L/100 km; 34.1 mpg_-US) 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 74.0 miles per imperial gallon (3.82 L/100 km; 61.6 mpg_-US) 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 hybrids (Mini's parent, BMW, is still in the process of implementing Efficient Dynamics across its older models).^{[citation needed]}

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 (2.2 imp gal; 2.6 US gal) 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,^[3][4] narrowly beating the Ford Fusion and Mitsubishi Colt.

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 metric horsepower (55 kW) and no automatic option, it pre-empted the launch of the One Minimalism by including the Mini Minimalism technologies.^[5] The vehicle launched with a base MSRP of £10,950.^[6]

In January 2010 the Mini One Minimalism was announced, which was available in two states of tune depending on the market: (75 metric horsepower (55 kW) and 98 metric horsepower (72 kW)). The model was marketed as a more environmentally friendly option with low 119 kilograms (260 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 metric horsepower (107 kW) and maximum torque of 305 newton metres (225 ft·lbf) between 1,750 and 2,700 rpm.^[7]

Mini John Cooper Works (2009-)

Mini John Cooper works model year 2011

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; Brembo 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.^[8]

The engine is rated at 211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp) and 261 N·m (193 lb·ft); under heavy acceleration, the engine automatically boosts torque output to a peak of 279 N·m (206 lb·ft). These figures are achieved by reducing compression ratio to 10.0:1, and increasing boost from 0.9 bar (13 psi) to 1.3 bar (19 psi) when compared to the turbocharged engine used in the Cooper S.^[9] According to Mini, the JCW Hardtop will sprint to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in 6.2 seconds, with the JCW Clubman clocking in at 6.5 seconds; both vehicles top out at 147 miles per hour (237 km/h)

The JCW variants were unveiled in 2008 at the Geneva Auto Show, as 2009 model-year vehicles.^[10]

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.^[11]

Special editions

The old tradition of producing special, limited-edition Minis was also continued with the new Mini. For example, the Mini Monte Carlo,^[12] recently launched in Singapore, 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.

See also

• Automotive industry in the United Kingdom

References

1. ^ Evo Magazine December 2006
2. ^ ^{a b} "Mini Cooper Specs". JB car pages. http://www.jbcarpages.com/mini/cooper/2007/specs/. Retrieved 2008-03-21. 
3. ^ "Die ADAC Pannenstatistik 2009". ADAC Motorwelt: pages 26–27. May 2010. 
4. ^ "Pannenstatistik - Kleinwagen", ADAC Motorwelt, May 2010, http://www1.adac.de/Auto_Motorrad/pannenstatistik_maengelforum/Pannenstatistik_2009/Kleinwagen/Kleinwagen.asp?ComponentID=288964&SourcePageID=288970, retrieved 2010-05-13 ^{[dead link]}
5. ^ Mini UK press release July 2009
6. ^ Harley, Michael (2009-07-17). "Mini launches entry-entry-level First Cooper abroad". Autoblog.com. http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/mini-launches-entry-entry-level-first-cooper-abroad/. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
7. ^ BMW Group press release 2 February 2011
8. ^ Mini fuel economy comparison
9. ^ "First Drive: 2009 Mini John Cooper Works". Motortrend.com. 2007-02-26. http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/112_0810_2009_mini_john_cooper_works_first_look/index.html. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
10. ^ Riches, Erin (2008-03-04). "2009 Mini John Cooper Works: 2008 Geneva Auto Show". Blogs.edmunds.com. http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightline/2008/03/2009-mini-john-cooper-works-2008-geneva-auto-show.html. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
11. ^ Paukert, Chris (2009-10-06). "Officially Official: Mini Cooper JCW World Championship 50 details and photos released". Autoblog.com. http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/officially-official-mini-cooper-jcw-world-championship-50-detai/. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
12. ^ Comment by Женя (2008-11-06). "Limited Edition Mini Monte Carlo". Icars.sg. http://www.icars.sg/2008/3/limited-edition-mini-monte-carlo/. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 

External links

• Mini