Turbocharging is provided by an elaborately designed twin-scroll turbocharger fed with a separate flow of exhaust gas from two cylinders each. Benefiting from this configuration, the turbocharger cuts in right from the start at low engine speeds, almost completely eliminating the so-called "turbo gap" when accelerating.

Maximum torque of 240 Nm or 177 lb-ft comes at just 1,600 rpm, maximum output of this turbocharged four-cylinder is 128 kW/175 hp at 5,500 rpm.

Apart from extremely high output per litre of approximately 110 hp, the combination of a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection also ensures superior fuel economy, a high standard of motoring culture, and very efficient emission control.



Evolution in exterior design, revolution in the cockpit

The revised body design of the new MINI not only considers the even stricter safety standards to be observed in future, but also - with the car's dimensions increasing only slightly, for example with exterior length up by approximately 60 millimetres or 2.76'' - accentuates the proportions and design features so typical of the MINI. As a result, the new MINI not only retains the proportions so typical of the car, but naturally also boasts characteristic features such as the hexagon grille, large headlights, the diagonal joint between the engine compartment lid and side direction indicators as a clear reminiscence to the welding seam on the classic Mini stretching out over exactly the same connection line in the past, and the upright rear light clusters.

From the side, the car is naturally still dominated by glazing all round the passenger cell, the extremely short body overhangs both front and rear, and the extra-large wheels, all of these features once again accentuating the masculine "stance-on-the-wheels" character so typical of the MINI.

"Evolution on the exterior of the car is supplemented by revolution in the interior", states MINI's Chief Designer Gert Hildebrand. So reflecting the formula of offering "maximum car on minimum space", the interior of the new MINI looks even lighter than before, but is even more generous in its features. Moved far to the outside, the air vents accentuate the horizontal orientation of the dashboard and create a harmonious transition from the cockpit to the door lining. Through its separate elements and dividing lines, the dashboard allows superior customisation with inserts more sporting, technical or elegant, depending on the colour and material chosen. And last but not least, the decal elements may be supplemented by up to 16 chrome-plated trim surrounds on the instruments and air vents themselves.

Now even larger than before, the Center Speedo, a genuine MINI icon in the cockpit, comprises all entertainment and, as an option, navigation functions over and above the analogue-face speedometer. Through its high, central position, the Center Speedo allows optimum ergonomic control by both the driver and front passenger, while the slender centre console ensures even more space and roominess within the footwells.

Metallic toggle switches again typical of MINI are featured not only in the centre console, but also as function switches to be found for the first time in the roof lining. The conventional ignition key, in turn, has been replaced by an electronic signal transmitter enabling the driver to start the engine simply by pressing the Start/Stop button after having inserted the round chip sensor in the opening next to the steering wheel. Again, features of this calibre enhance the character of the interior cockpit to an even higher standard.

The new MINI is the consistent evolution of its highly successful predecessor. Both in design and in its driving characteristics, the new model takes up all the strengths and elements already boasted on the former MINI, using well-conceived modifications and demanding technology to give these features an even higher level of quality. And it virtually goes without saying that the new MINI fulfils all the high quality, technology and safety standards of the BMW Group as a whole, thus ranking supreme in its segment in every respect.

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