New Mini
We get it Mini, YOU’RE BRITISH. There’s really no need for the novelty tail-lights
The new Mini family drinks less fuel, has a new dual-clutch gearbox, and is precisely thirty-seven per cent more British, because the Oxford-built supermini has inherited Union Jack motif taillights.
There are also new alloy wheels, LED headlights with matrix tech and a lightly refreshed Mini badge logo. But really, the only thing you’ll notice without the aid of a forensic pathologist are the tail-lights.
We expect in the coming weeks, Mini will reveal even more awfully British features, including a satnav read by Joanna Lumley, tweed foormats, a red double-decker version only sold in London, and a clock that bongs like Big Ben on the hour.
Underneath, many of the technical and mechanical swapsies are inherited from the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer, which shares a platform with the Mini. So, there’s now a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox on ofer besides the standard-ft six-speed manual, which is a peach, and the eight-speed auto, which is excellent.
The basic Mini First and Mini One models now use Mini’s 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, and have a small bump in torque as a result. Mini has also binned its plastic engine covers and replaced them with carbon fbre, in the name of saving as much weight as possible, (without removing the square footage of chrome hanging of the nose).
Inside, there’s a rethought steering wheel with new buttons, a standard-ft 6.5-inch infotainment screen and optional wireless smartphone charging. Mini’s also gone crazy with personalisation options – you can now 3D-print exterior and cabin trim with your own name or favourite phrases.