Bigger and better: BMW reveals all-new Mini

The 2014 Mini has been revealed and is the most high-tech incarnation yet

The all-new Mini has been unveiled on what would have been the 107th birthday of Sir Alec Issigonis, creator of the original Mini. The latest Mini is based on an all-new platform, adopts a range of new technology and, like the current car, will be built at Mini’s Oxford factory. It will go on sale in spring 2014.

At 385cm long, the new Mini is 10cm longer than the current car, and 77cm longer than the original Mini. It’s also 4cm wider and 7mm taller than the existing Mini.

The Mini has an all-new body, but retains many of the design cues of the current car, including large round headlights, contrasting roof colour, hexagonal front grille and upright rear lights. The sides are more sculpted, however, and there’s a wider tailgate and more tapered side window line.

Five new exterior colours are available and roof rails will be offered as an option for the first time on BMW’s Mini.

Mini claims that the car’s increased dimensions make it much more practical. As well as its increased overall size, the wheelbase is 28mm longer than the current car’s, while the front seat bases are also 23mm longer for improved comfort. Boot space has increased by more than 30 per cent to 211 litres.

The all-new interior includes the latest interpretation of Mini’s familiar large central speedo and information display. There are also circular dials behind the steering wheel, while higher-spec cars gain new “controller” devices on the centre console to operate the satnav and entertainment systems.

At launch three models will be available. The Cooper is powered by a new 134bhp three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that replaces the current model’s four-cylinder unit. The Cooper S has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that develops 189bhp, while the Cooper D has a three-cylinder turbodiesel engine that develops 114bhp.

All versions have a six-speed manual gearbox as standard; a six-speed automatic gearbox is an option for all three. Fuel economy has improved and CO2 emissions have been reduced; EU fuel economy for the Cooper rises from 52.3mpg to 62.8mpg, while CO2 emissions drop from 127g/km to 105g/km.


CO2 emissions for the Cooper S have dropped from 136g/km to 133g/km, while EU Combined fuel consumption for the Cooper D has risen from 74.3mpg to 80.7mpg and CO2 emissions have dropped from 99g/km to 92g/km.
Mini says the car’s new suspension system is aimed at “intensifying the Mini’s handling responses”; Variable Damper Control is a new option that allows the driver to choose between suspension settings biased towards either comfort or sportiness.

New features available for the car include a head-up display, a Driving Assistant option that uses car-mounted cameras to control the distance to the car in front and warn of an imminent collision, a rear-view parking camera and a self-parking function.
Prices start at £15,300 for the Mini Cooper, a 2.61 (£400) per cent increase over the current model. Cheaper models are expected to be introduced later in 2014. A Cooper S Works high-performance model is also likely to join the range.
Mini is also expected to expand the new Mini family. Spy shots suggest that a five-door version of the hatchback is due, along with a longer estate version that will replace the Clubman.