Mini’s new hatch due in Q3 from $42K + ORC
BY PETER BARNWELL | 29th Mar 2024
THE new Mini Cooper three-door hatch line-up arrives in Q3 this year with combustion and electric powertrains priced from $41,990 excluding on-road costs for the entry-level Cooper C variant.
Mini’s classically styled range will join the Countryman and Aceman and includes two petrol variants: Cooper C and Cooper S along with two electric models: Cooper E and Cooper SE.
The Mini brand is 65 years old and in this iteration reinvents itself with a fresh design, elevated technology suite including a 240mm round OLED centre console screen and an expansion of its fully electric offerings, all while retaining its “beloved” charm says the BMW subsidiary in promotional material.
Of note is the improved driving range of the BEV models now rated at a claimed 305km for the E and 402km for the SE.
The entry Cooper C petrol-powered model utilises a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine developing 115kW and 230Nm driving through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission while the Cooper S petrol model runs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder mill with 150kW and 400Nm capable of a 0 – 100 km/h sprint in a quickish 6.6-seconds.
Battery electric variants begin with the Cooper E which uses a 41kWh battery and delivers 135kW of power and 290Nm of torque. The upgraded battery pack and motor enable it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and provide up to 305km of range.
Moving to the SE, a bigger 54kWh battery and beefier motor producing 160kW/330Nm enable a claimed 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.
Both the electric models are equipped with DC fast charging capabilities facilitating 0-80 per cent recharge in a claimed 28 minutes and 30 minutes respectively. When using a standard 11kW AC charger, the Cooper E achieves that same rate of charge in 4.5 hours and the Cooper SE in 5 hours and 15 minutes.
The new model’s “elevated” specification includes goodies like a head-up display, keyless entry and Mini Experience Modes as standard equipment on all trim levels, available through the central display. Experience Mode offers a bespoke set of sounds, visuals and colours designed to provide an immersive driving experience.
Seven selectable modes are available: Core, Green, Go-Kart, Personal, Timeless, Vivid and Balance.
With these two new BEVs, BMW Group Australia’s fully electric line-up will grow to 20 variants by Q3 2024 “further cementing the company’s position in offering the largest selection of electric vehicles in the country”.
“The Mini Cooper boasts a remarkable pedigree and remains the core of our brand after more than six decades,” said Mini Australia and New Zealand general manager Matt Schmidt,
“With its minimalistic yet sustainable design, enhanced digitalisation capability and signature Mini handling, the new Mini Cooper will continue to stand out from the crowd.
“Everyone who has encountered a Mini has a story to tell. And we have no doubt that the new Mini Cooper will bring more of those special moments for the next generation,” Mr Schmidt added.
