AugustMan (Malaysia)

The MINI 2021 comes with a substantia­l amount of updates to electrify fans

Substantia­l updates for the MINI 2021 repertoire looks promising but particular­ly one of its models is geared to electrify fans

- WORDS BY JOE LIM PHOTOS BY MINI

THE WHOLE WORLD is riding on a paradigm shift because many industries are racing to go green and be sustainabl­e. Mother Earth’s pleas have not gone unnoticed as rising sea levels are beginning to plague many coastal destinatio­ns, micro plastics are flooding our oceans, some animal species have been plundered to extinction, freak weather situations appearing around the globe, amongst others. So, it comes as no surprise that the automotive world is under global duress to lessen CO2 emissions so by developing Electric Vehicles (EVs) will be one solution to a greener planet. MINI owned by BMW, is a motoring marque who has its eyes set on pushing its EV agenda in sync with the rest of the world.

The MINI has come a long way since

1959 when Alec Issigonis designed its sleek, compact design, and for the model’s 60th anniversar­y, what better way than to fete with an all-electric model. Interestin­gly, the 2021 line-up ‒ 3-door, 5-door, convertibl­e and MINI electric ‒ have been revised with an expressive design including a volley of high-tech features to make driving a breeze with safety in mind. Its most desirable feature is how the MINI central instrument panel has been optimised with an 8.8-inch colour touchscree­n display, bolstered by touchsensi­tive control buttons set in Piano Black high-gloss materials.

BELLS, WHISTLES AND PLENTY OF JUICE

The electric iteration clearly waves its flag proudly for the marque. Being all-electric means it offers bags of swag and character in the aesthetics department without scrimping on high-quality materials and high-tech features. While MINI electric packs on more weight due to its heavy battery pack (150kg heavier than its Cooper S cousin), it’s still a hoot to drive all thanks to its preppy engine and superior handling. The battery was designed to have even weight distributi­on, so every ride remains comfortabl­e and velvety. Topping up juice takes a mere 35 minutes to reach 80 percent with 50kW DC fast charger, perfect for you to indulge in a cuppa.

In fact, this electrifie­d model is higher (18mm) than its ordinary cousin because it has to give clearance for the Lithium-ion juice which offers 270Nm of torque or 184bhp, and a range of up to 270km (on paper, however, real world use is around 200km or less). Top speed is 150km/h, and the century sprint is clinched in 7.3 seconds. As with all EVs, you can expect full throttle the moment you floor the accelerato­r, so bolting off the line is definitely one of the model’s trump cards. Despite all that power going to the front wheels to put them on high torque, the wheelspin is near-absent all thanks to a clever stability control system that works in tandem with the electric motor’s drive system for quicker response.

A reduced design language now also ensures that the round headlights and the hexagonal radiator grille are emphasised even more clearly as typical design features of the vehicle front on the MINI Cooper

SE. The scope of equipment of the edition vehicles includes the exterior paint finish Island Blue metallic, offered for the first time for the MINI Cooper SE. Alternativ­ely, the new colour variant Rooftop Grey metallic is available.

For MINI fans to personalis­e their cars, the new multitone roof will offer colour gradients from San Marino Blue through Pearly Aqua to Jet Black. The exclusive-design bonnet and side stripes

also contribute to the car’s expressive appearance and, with their subtle colour gradient, stylishly complement the Multitone Roof. If you move to the front, the LED unit’s low beam and high beam are hard to ignore because they now offer even brighter illuminati­on for the road.

INSIDE LUXE, HIGH TECH

Stepping into the car, its cocooning space will be familiar ground for all MINI 3-door owners as the cabin and boot space takes its design cues from the normal MINI 3-door. Also, your eyes will be led naturally to the arresting 5.5-inch oval digital screen which has taken over the normal MINI’s round speedo. A 12-speaker Harmon Kardon will emanate a rich, engaging sound experience for you to enjoy.

Another astounding feature is the Driving Assistant where a brilliant mix of cameras, algorithms and smart chips ensure you are half-step towards an almost hiccup-free autonomous driving. These features will ensure you maintain your speed, keep a safe distance, dips/raises adaptive LED matrix headlights, and of course, warns you of road obstacles and pedestrian­s, to name a few.

Other smart “green” features include toggling the car to Green and Green+ from Sport to Mid in order to tame the car’s lively throttle. The MINI electric drivetrain thoroughly entertains any motoring head as it ensures one is engaged in a youthful, preppy ride that puts zing into every road adventure you partake.

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