Category: Mini

At the start of the year we ran a news piece on the MINI 60 Years Edition, but reported that it would possibly be sold only in the UK, with none coming to Australia. Thankfully that didn’t happen and they are definitely on their way Downunder. The complete range isn’t coming here, but the selections we do get are very much what Australian drivers are looking for. That is, 2.0-litre petrol powered MINI Cooper and Cooper S hatches in both three- and five-door body styles. The MINI 60 Years Edition… Read more

Perhaps I’m easily pleased – but it intrigues me that the MINI can be bought with two, three, four, five or six doors. Six doors? I hear you ask… Yes the MINI Clubman has a split rear door of the type usually only seen on large, serious 4WDs. For the 2020 season MINI Clubman has had a solid makeover outside and in. The body has a newly designed radiator grille, LED headlights with Matrix function for the high beam. LED foglamps with driving light ring. At the rear LED lights… Read more

In August 1959 Morris and Austin launched brand new cars called Mini-Minor and Austin Seven respectively (same car, different names, and this isn’t the place to talk about Riley and Wolseley models). They were a brilliant design, with a surprising large interior due to having an engine mounted sideways across the front, with the gearbox in the sump and driving the front wheels. All four wheels were pushed out to the corners. Though aimed at low-cost motoring for the masses the Mini was a huge success with celebrities world-wide, so… Read more

MINI Australia has announced a MINI Millbrook Edition based on the John Cooper Works three-door hatch. Only 20 are coming to Australia and are priced $57,275 plus on-road costs. What MINI calls, “A vintage motorsport-inspired exterior finish” paint called Ice Blue is exclusive to the Millbrook Edition. Black 17-inch alloys work beautifully with the Ice Blue paint. The black theme continues on the roof and mirror caps. Black Line exterior trims and JCW bonnet stripes continue the theme. Additional driving lights and covers are a nod to the original Mini’s… Read more

A limited edition Mini Kensington Edition is now on the Australian market. Just 60 are on offer in this country. Available on Mini Cooper and Cooper S three- and five-door hatches all are finished in a Pure Burgundy metallic hue. There are K’ badges on the side pillars. Both Kensington models have black roof and mirror caps and a black JCW roof spoiler Cooper has 16-inch black alloy wheels in ‘Victory spoke’ pattern, while 17-inch black alloy wheels in ‘Cosmos spoke’ are on the Cooper S. A large panorama sunroof… Read more

MINI’s midlife makeover (or Life Cycle Impulse in BMW speak) has taken an interesting route in that styling changes are minimal, but technology and infotainment have received major upgrades. Following on from big-brother BMW models, the updated MINI Hatch and Convertible ranges see the introduction of MINI Connected. This is based on the 4G network and has a touchscreen interface. Included are Real-Time Traffic Information as well as Remote Services, Connected Services, Tele Services and even a Concierge function. The MINI Connected App provides send-to-car that lets you share your… Read more

Mini has updated its Hatchback (three- and five-door) and Convertible models. They have received a facelift, a new touchscreen infotainment system and Mini Connected 4G. Very much a ‘please-customise-me’ car, the Mini can be ordered in many new colour and trim options. Five exterior colour options have been added for both Hatch and Convertible: Solaris Orange, Emerald Grey, Starlight Blue, Melting Silver and Chili Red. Then you can choose from a range of contrasting colour roof, as well as striping options. There’s a new design of the Mini logo, used… Read more