TALKING GEARS
For the first time ever, Mini has announced a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for its cars. However, the new gearbox isn’t coming into all models in one go and will rather appear in periodical stages.
The first benefactors of the dualclutch unit are selected engine variances in the facelifted Hatch and Convertible models, due to go on sale in March. Some Minis will still be offered with the eight-speed torque-converter auto.
Mini claims that the dual-clutcher offers quicker and more satisfying shifts than in the regular torque-converter type. This sounds credible and should genuinely suit the sporty character of Minis.
Although not announced yet, this new gearbox should make the John Cooper Works model more fun to drive. In fact, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen have long used dual-clutch transmissions in their range of small cars and SUVs.
BMW has also revealed that this kind of gearbox is coming to its small-car family starting with the 2-series Active/ Gran Tourer, which share the same mechanical bits with Minis. However, the two 2-series MPVs have already been axed from the Thai-model lineup due to a tepid reception from potential clients.
After the X1 and X2, expect the next-gen 1-series to also adopt the dual-clutch tech when it switches from today’s rear-drive and longitudinally laid-out engines to front-drive and transverse matrix in 2019.