Mini releases limited 5-door Carbon Edition

MINI has unleashed its most-powerful and expensive 5-door to date, raising engine output of its Cooper S to 155kW/300Nm and pricing to $56,900 driveaway for a limited-run Carbon Edition.

While a significant $18,850 more expensive than the $38,050 (before on-roads) 5-door Cooper S, the Carbon Edition is limited to only 40 units and features enhanced styling and a tricked out exhaust system on top of the engine tune.

Powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder as the Cooper S, Mini has squeezed an additional 14kW/20Nm from engine which, while falling short of the current JCW’s 170kW/320Nm output, maintains the same 5.5 litres per 100km fuel economy figure of the donor car.

Paired exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, Mini has also installed a new exhaust, which is connected to the car’s Bluetooth system and can be switched to either Sport or Track mode, while a dynamic damper control system adjusts suspension settings between comfort and sport.

Taking styling cues from the John Cooper Works hot-hatch, the Carbon Edition will wear an Aerodynamic pack, adding an aggressive bodykit to the front, sides and rear.

Featuring a Midnight Black metallic paint scheme, with black headlight and tail-light surrounds, the Carbon Edition also comes equipped with 17-inch lightweight Track Spoke alloy wheels finished in, you guessed it, black.

Adhering to its namesake, the Carbon Edition also features a carbon fibre bonnet scoop and side mirrors, along with Carbon decals along the side and a special grey stripe running along the bonnet, roof and tail-gate.

To further differentiate the Carbon Edition from its Cooper S donor-car, Mini has installed LED headlights and fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, sports antenna and JCW roof-mounted rear spoiler.

Moving inside, the Carbon Edition features sports seats finished in a combination of Dinamica synthetic leather and real leather, dash-mounted instruments for oil pressure, boost pressure and a lap timer, a perforated leather steering wheel, red contrast stitching on the gearshift lever, JCW-branded door sills, stainless steel pedals and an 8.8-inch colour screen with satellite navigation.

Mini Australia general manager Tony Sesto said the combination of performance enhancements, styling tweaks and exclusivity in a more practical five-door body would be a hit for the BMW-owned British car-maker.

“Being based on the successful 5 door body style, the Mini Carbon Edition delivers strong performance and practicality to go with its exclusivity,” he said.

“It’s the ideal stepping stone for the customer who revels in extra performance, but also seeks a flexible and comfortable daily driver.” Until the 5-door is confirmed to get the full JCW treatment, the Carbon Edition will represent the closest the Mini 5-door model will get to the variant in terms of performance and styling.