It’s been a few months since the latest-generation Mini Cooper was presented in all-electric guise and now, the internal combustion-powered variants have been announced. The car will be sold in standard Cooper and Cooper S forms. In the U.S., both versions will come standard with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. The Cooper S will be good for 201 hp and 300 hp of torque, enough to send the car to 96 km/h in 6.3 seconds, but specifications for the entry-level Cooper have not yet been announced.
What we do know is that in other markets
like Europe and Australia, the entry-level Cooper has a three-cylinder engine
with 156 hp and 230 Nm of torque and can hit 100
km/h in 7.7 seconds. Given the base car in the U.S. has a 2.0-liter engine, it
may have slightly more grunt. Mini will announce details for this model closer
to its U.S. launch. Mini has provided few other details about other important
mechanical components of the updated model, other than stating the new Cooper
“is equipped with a suspension and damping system designed for agile handling.”
Both models also come equipped with “powerful brakes,” although specs about
these brakes have not been announced. The transmission used hasn’t been
specified but we know there won’t be a manual option.
Visually, there is very little to
distinguish the standard Cooper and Cooper S from the new Cooper EV. The most
obvious change is the fitment of two slightly larger front grilles. The same
headlights are featured, complete with circular LED daytime running lights
while found at the rear are the familiar triangular matrix taillights. The
British company has equipped the new model with plenty of safety features that
include a radar sensor up front and 12 ultrasonic sensors. The cute hatchback
includes plenty of driver assistance systems, a Safe Exit function to warn road
users before a door is opened, and active lane-keeping assist with automatic
speed and distance control.
Owners will also be pleased by the
presence of onboard navigation with 3D visualization and an advanced augmented
view. Support is also offered for a digital key through the Mini smartphone
application. Found in the cabin is the same round OLED display as the Cooper
EV, a panoramic glass roof, wireless smartphone charging, and a two-tone
textile dashboard.
U.S. models will be offered in Classic and
Favoured trims and all available body colors can be combined with one of three
available roof colors. Both 17- and 18-inch wheels are available. U.S. prices
for the Cooper S start at US$ 32,000 plus a US$ 995 destination and handling fee
while the base model starts at US$ 28,950 plus destination. Production of the S
will start in March while production of the base model will kick off in July.
