A brief introduction to the 2014 Mini
This is a Mini and if you’re wondering why it looks slightly different it’s because it’s the new 2014 Mini. So what’s it like?
What you’re looking at is the all new 3rd generation model and it’s certainly grown up a lot since BMW introduced the first Mini back in 2001. So what’s different? For starters it’s 10cm longer, 4cm wider and 1cm taller than the outgoing model. Yet it still has that distinct Mini look with minimal overhangs and chintzy design cues which you can personalise with a wide variety of styling options.
One of the most important new features on this 3rd generation Mini is its completely fresh set of engines. They are all turbo charged so in the Cooper D you’ve got a 1.5 turbo diesel which will provide a whopping 80 mpg. It’s not sluggish either getting you from 0 to 60 in under 9 seconds which is a little quicker than before. In the Cooper you’ve no longer got a naturally aspirated engine instead it’s a 1.5L 3 cylinder turbo petrol giving you 0 – 60 in just under 8 seconds and will still return over 60 mpg. The Cooper S no longer has a 1.6L turbo instead it’s got a 2.0L turbo for the first time. It pushes out 189 bhp with 0 – 60 in just under 7 seconds with 50 mpg.
Mini has increased the range of standard kit over the outgoing model where all new cars get new LED day time running lights as standard. One of the biggest differences is the increase in interior quality so there are more soft touch plastics about the cabin and generally feels posher inside. They’ve rearranged some of the buttons so the window switches are no longer in the central console but instead where they should be on the doors. The biggest difference inside is that the central upper console is no longer used for the speedometer with the key driving information in a more conventional position in front of the steering wheel. The central console now houses a display screen with a smart and clever LED warning display.
The new Mini now gets lots of new kit that you would only expect on large BMW models. For example, you can get a similar iDrive system with touch sensitive pad for entering information such as destination addresses for the sat nav. Also, the Mini is available with adaptive suspension for the first time so when you put the car in “sport” mode by using the new rotary switch by the gear gator the ride stiffens up. There’s also an eco mode for the first time too. Despite all these upgrades the interior still feels distinctly like a Mini and it will still feel like a Mini for rear passengers too. Even though you get a few extra centimetres leg room it’s still no VW Polo.
The boot is much more of an improvement being 30% bigger than before and at 221L it’s about the same size as a Nissan Juke’s. if you want you can also get an optional adjustable floor.
So, the new Mini has grown up in more ways than one however that also applies to the price because the Cooper starts from £15,300 which is £400 more than before. However, you are getting more car for your money.
If £15,300 is a little over your budget then why not take a look at some second hand Mini cars we have for sale by clicking here.
