KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 — The third-generation Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S were introduced by Mini Malaysia today. Although it still carries the very strong Mini DNA, the new Mini is a brand new model that carries new engines too.

“The new Mini is built completely new from the ground up and is derived directly from the BMW Group’s outstanding development expertise. The car will now, more than ever before, set new benchmarks within its segment as Mini now features new engines and new Minimalism technologies for better efficiency in terms of fuel consumption and emissions as well as new Mini Connected technologies for better connectivity, raising its profile in the evolution of automotive history.” said Dr. Gerhard Pils, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Malaysia as he introduced the new Mini.

Two variants, the Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S are offered, both of which are fitted with turbo charged direct injection gasoline engines and 6-speed automatic transmissions. The MINI Cooper now comes with a 1.5 litre, 3-cylinder engine while the Mini Cooper S is equipped with a 4-cylinder, 2.0 engine. The 3-cylinder Mini Cooper delivers 136 horsepower and maximum torque of 220 Nm and sprints from 0 — 100 kph in 7.8 seconds, with a claimed top speed of 210 kph. Rated fuel consumption is 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Both engines are equipped with variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves.

The sleek and sporty interior of the new Mini Cooper S. — Picture by YS Khong

Meanwhile, the 2.0 litre Mini Cooper S delivers 192 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque, does the 0-100 kph sprint in 6.7 seconds, with a claimed top speed of 233 kph. Paddle shifters are standard issue for the Cooper S. Drivers can opt for three driving modes: Mid, Sport, or Green.

The body of the new Mini is 3,821mm long — with the new Mini Cooper S at 3,850mm in length — 1,727mm wide and 1,414mm high. This makes it 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm higher than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been extended by 28mm to 2,495mm, while the track width has been enlarged at the front by 42mm and at the rear by 34mm, bringing it to a total 1,501mm while the new Mini Cooper S sits on a total of 1,485mm. Luggage space has been increased by 51 litres to 211 litres.

Wheel size is 16 inch for the Mini Cooper, while the Mini Cooper comes with 17 inch. Both variants will be available at all MINI dealerships throughout the country immediately and will be available in ten exterior paint shades, with the addition of the new Mini colours: Volcanic Orange, Moonwalk Grey, Blazing Red, Deep Blue and Thunder Grey (exclusively for the Mini Cooper S variants only). The roof, exterior mirror caps and bonnet stripes is also available in two colour options of white or black.

Estimated retail prices (on the road for personal registration, without insurance) of the new Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S are:

Mini Cooper — RM 178,888 Mini Cooper Chilli — RM 198,888 Mini Cooper S — RM 228,888 Mini Cooper S Wired — RM 248,888

*All prices are estimated and subject to Government-approved selling price.