The MINI Cooper is going under the knife
once again, as spy photographers have snapped a handful of facelifted
prototypes. While the car was updated in 2018, MINI wants to keep the Cooper
fresh as the next-generation model has been delayed due to ongoing Brexit
concerns. BMW admitted as much as in February, and the coronavirus could have
complicated matters even further.
Regardless, spy photographers got a pretty
good look at the facelifted John Cooper Works variant. It features a new front fascia
with vertical air intakes and a prominent splitter. We can also expect a revised grille, but it’s
hidden beneath heavy camouflage.
The sides largely carryover, but there’s
new front fender badges with integrated turn signals. While those lights are
new, the head- and taillights will apparently carryover. Out back, there’s a
new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. It looks a bit more mature than
the current bumper and it accommodates a center-mounted dual exhaust system.
Little else is known about the facelifted
model, but interior updates should be relatively minor as the 2021 Cooper
gained a digital instrument. However, there could be an updated infotainment
system and some other small changes. Given this is an end of lifecycle update,
we wouldn’t be surprised if engine options largely carryover. If that’s the
case, we can expect choices to include a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder
with 134 hp and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with
189 hp.
