Global Vehicles
From Mini to MINI in 42 years
 BMW's MINI Cooper is powered by a four-cylinder, 1.6-L Pentagon gasoline engine developed jointly by BMW and DaimlerChrysler. |
The problem with design icons is replacing them, but when BMW's concept of a near-production-ready version of the British Mini was first shown last year, there was little doubt that its creators had captured the styling essence of one of the world's most individualistic cars, but brought it into the 21st century. Now the MINI (BMW prefers all uppercase for its name to differentiate it from the original) has been officially launched and is in production at BMW's Oxford plant in the UK. During the late 1990s, when the Mini (which sold 5.3 million units) was still in production by Rover Group (then owned by BMW), there were various efforts at replacement concepts—but there is little doubt that the choice for production was the best of those. Not only does it carry the styling cues of the original, it has managed to retain the Mini's cheeky persona in a bigger, vastly more comfortable, practical package that wraps around modern safety and environmental systems. Initially available in three-door hatchback form (with side doors that open to an angle of 80°), other MINI variants are likely, including a pickup, station wagon, and convertible, with other possibilities such as a roadster. The three-door MINI has a very rigid bodyshell; BMW quotes a torsional rigidity of 24,500 N•m/° (18,100 lb•ft/°).
 The MINI Cooper's cockpit has a large, central speedometer. |
Opening the MINI lineup are the MINI One and MINI Cooper, both powered by the four-cylinder, 1.6-L Pentagon gasoline engine that was developed jointly by BMW and DaimlerChrysler and is built in South America. For the MINI One, it develops 66 kW (89 hp), and for the Cooper, 85 kW (114 hp). A supercharged version for the MINI Cooper S will be available for MY2002 producing 122 kW (164 hp). The transversely mounted 16-valve engine driving the front wheels meets EU4 emissions legislation but does so without the necessity of secondary air injection or exhaust recirculation. The engine block is cast iron, but the cylinder head is aluminum. The MINI is an international car designed to be sold into many markets, and its engine's anti-knock capability will allow it to run on lead-free gasoline with a RON span of 91 to 98. The engine features an electronic throttle, and a Siemens EMS 2000 electronic powertrain controller manages the engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT), the latter an optional alternative to the car's standard five-speed manual gearbox. The CVT ratio spread equates to a six-speed gearbox, and the use of manual Steptronic control limits it electronically to six predetermined ratios. Like other models in the BMW range, the MINI has a service level indicator; maintenance intervals will vary depending on how the car is driven and the environment in which it is used. Typically, the first service will be between 16,000 and 20,000 km (10,000 and 12,500 mi), with the next at between 24,000 and 32,000 km (15,000 and 20,000 mi).
 The Pentagon motor develops 66 kW (89 hp) in the MINI One and 85 kW (114 hp) in the MINI Cooper. |
The original Mini was renowned for its go-kart-like handling, but ride was a bouncy business over all but the smoothest roads. For the new car, chassis specialists have focused on providing a fine ride while maintaining excellent handling. To do so, they chose MacPherson struts at the front and a multilink system at the rear. The front suspension also includes a driveshaft bearing that is fixed to the engine block to facilitate equal-length front axle shafts. Both versions of the MINI have an antiroll bar on the front axle; the Cooper also has one at the rear. The use of multiple links at the rear is rare in the MINI's market segment. Its design is a close relation of BMW's Z-axle, but, of course, is not driven. Not only does it provide a good ride/handling balance, but, by avoiding component intrusion, it also helps to make the most of what is a small trunk. The Cooper gets sports suspension (Sports Plus is an even firmer option) that is 8 mm (0.32 in) lower than that of the MINI One. BMW has elected to give the MINI rack-and-pinion, electrohydraulic, power-assisted steering with 2.5 turns of the wheel from lock to lock. Brakes are discs at all wheels, ventilated at the front.
 The MINI's CVT is electronically limited to six predetermined step ratios. |
The MINI's electronics infrastructure includes extensive use of multiplex solutions, with a CAN bus looking after engine management, brakes, transmission, and instruments and a K-bus for air conditioning, doors, windows, and interior lighting. There are still some conventional connections in the car, but these are described as being "of a higher quality." The car's headlamps use an innovative reflector design said to provide a 25% gain in main-beam emitted light. Xenon headlights are an option. Xenon is used for the main interior light, and radio-controlled central locking is standard. The MINI's basic in-car entertainment system includes six speakers, but a Harmon Kardon hi-fi system is to be offered as an option. It will have eight speakers and a digital amplifier. A satellite navigation system is also an option, having a 6.3- x 3.5-in screen.
 The MINI has MacPherson struts at the front and a multilink system at the rear. |
Safety systems include four-sensor ABS and electronic brake-force distribution plus cornering brake control (CBC)—all standard. According to BMW, CBC tempers the natural tendency for a car to become unstable at the rear if the brakes are applied heavily while cornering. The system recognizes that the car is cornering and feeds more braking force to the outside front wheel and counteracts potential oversteer. This also means that more braking force can be fed to the rear brakes and the car is slowed down as fast as possible with maximum stability. Automatic stability control plus traction (ASC+T) is an option. Dynamic stability control will also be an option. The MINI has a tire-pressure-warning sensor, a first in its sector. Instead of a spare wheel, the car is equipped with sealant and a compressor for a get-you-home repair. A space saver wheel is an option. Run-flat tires are standard on optional 16- or 17-in wheels. If pressure is lost, it is possible to drive on the tires at speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph). Front (smart) and side airbags are fitted, and a head airbag for side impact protection is an option.
 Front (smart) and side airbags are fitted into the MINI, and a head airbad for side impact protection is an option. |
While the mechanical aspects of the MINI are very interesting, it is the styling and detail design that give it a distinctive presence. It is instantly identifiable for what it is; the MINI is not a car that will be confused with any other, just as the original Mini wasn't when it appeared in August 1959. BMW said that, when it was conceived, there was no question of compromising the design to fit an existing platform. A "wheel at each corner" configuration a la the original was deemed essential. The car also has no discernible tumblehome and a station-wagon-like rear end. The Cooper, riding a little lower than the standard car, is also distinguished by a roof painted white or black, contrasting with the main bodyshell color. Wheels are white or polished alloys. Both versions of the MINI have a hood that incorporates the front fenders and headlamps. The doors have frameless electric windows. The car's A-pillars are concealed behind a black, high-gloss plastic panel, and the B- and C-pillars are "hidden" behind glass, giving the impression of a continuous window extending around the car.
 The MINI's multilink rear suspension is similar to BMW's Z-axle and avoids component intrusion to make the most of a small trunk. |
The original Mini had its speedometer placed centrally, and so has the new MINI. A rev counter is positioned above the steering column. The speedometer contains fuel-level, coolant-temperature, and tire-pressure-warning indicators. An optional trip computer can be incorporated within the speedometer. If a satellite navigation system is specified, the speedometer is positioned next to the rev counter. In fact, the interior of the new MINI is very different from that of the minimalist—even stark—1959 Mini. Dashboard trim includes a wood option, and the steering wheel can incorporate a multifunction facility with stereo and cruise control functions. The Steptronic CVT can also be controlled from the steering wheel. The original Mini had toggle switches—so has the new MINI, but they are caged for safety. Unlike the original, the switches are sprung to return to a central position after operation. Sports seats, lumbar control, and two-level seat heating are other options that would have been unthinkable 42 years ago. Rear seats are bucket-shaped, and the car's high, level roofline aids headroom. The rear seats are divided 50:50; with them lowered, luggage space expands from a very modest 150 to 670 L (5.3 to 23.7 ft3).
- Stuart Birch
