The third-generation Mini hatchback lineup has undergone its most dramatic overhaul since being launched in 2013, ushering in new exterior styling, equipment upgrades and added personalisation options for all four variations of the brand’s core model.
The 3dr, Mini 5-door hatch, Mini Electric and Convertible each get a new front-end design, with a larger grille that’s framed by a new black hexagonal surround. In line with the Mini brand’s ambition to make the “central design features more apparent by means of reduction”, the low-mounted foglights have been replaced by vertical air intakes, the chrome headlight housings are now finished in black and the bumper’s centre section is colour-coded, rather than black.
Elsewhere, the wheel arches have been reshaped for a refreshed side profile and the side indicators now use LEDs as standard. Similarly subtle revisions at the rear include the large centre foglight being swapped for a less obvious LED item and a new section of black bumper trim being introduced.
Mini design boss Oliver Heilmer said that the updated models look “more modern”, adding that the objective of the overhaul was to “purify Mini” with “less complexity” and “more individuality”.
Changes inside follow a similar mandate: the audio control buttons underneath the 8.8in infotainment touchscreen have been given a cleaner look and the chrome air vent surrounds have been swapped for black panels. The previously optional Piano Black gloss finish is now standard, as is a new leather multifunction steering wheel and a 5.0in digital display in place of instrument dials.
The powertrain options remain unchanged. The entry-level One model – available in 3dr and 5dr forms – is powered by a 101bhp turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, while the same unit is boosted to 134bhp for the mid-range Cooper. The warmed-up Cooper S comes with a 2.0-litre turbo engine producing 176bhp (down 13bhp, courtesy of its new emissions-reducing petrol particulate filter) and the Mini John Cooper Works hot hatch tops the line-up with 228bhp. The Electric keeps its 181bhp front-mounted electric motor and 28.9kWh lithium ion battery pack for an official WLTP range of 145 miles.
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The 'new' Mini is a classic example of how the outside looks of a car get worse with each new model. And this is a classic example of how a facelift can make a car look worse.
Horrific. Totally ruined the styling with those pointless mods. Who signs this stuff off?
But I doubt they were even thinking about whether or not this facelift (or face battering) looked any good because they were just looking for any excuse to introduce another huge price hike like all car manufacturers have been doing.
How do BMW do it? Every new or facelifted MINI is worse than the previous one. At this rate the upcoming Traveller will probably look like a Ssang Yong Rhodious!