New Mini launched

BMW Group Korea CEO Kim Hyo-joon next to the new Mini Cooper along with models during a launch event in Paju Book City in Gyeonggi Province, Thursday. / Courtesy of BMW Group Korea

By Kim Tae-jong

BMW Group Korea launched the new Mini Cooper, Thursday, aiming to maintain the iconic car’s popularity here and strengthen its unique appeal in the luxury small car segment.

“When we decided to launch the Mini brand here in 2005, many people were very skeptical,” BMW Group Korea CEO Kim Hyo-joon said during a launch event in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. “But it has become an iconic luxury small car, loved by a lot of drivers. With the launch of the new model, we will write another success story.”

The new Mini Cooper is the third generation since the car was reinvented in 2001.

At first glance, the new vehicle looks only slightly different from the outgoing Mini hatchback.

But the company stressed it is an entirely new car with a new platform, new engine and new technology, although it sustains the same old appeal and the unique character.

The new model has grown 9.8 centimeters in length, 4.4 cm in width and 7mm in height, and it provides about 30 percent improvement in luggage space. But it maintains representative features of the Mini, such as round headlamps and a hexagon front grille.

But more radical changes have been made inside the car.

The iconic central speedometer has moved to a pod behind the steering wheel, while a BMW-style infotainment screen is now located in the big circular hole.

The window switches are now located on the door panel, which used to be on the console. A very unique starter button is located in the center console.

But what’s most amazing about the new model is hidden under the bonnet.

The new Mini Cooper has three versions ― the Mini Cooper, the Mini Cooper S and the Mini Cooper D (diesel) with the latter scheduled to be launched in the second half of the year.

The Mini Cooper is equipped with a new 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine. This downsized engine can produce 136 horsepower, up from 122 for the previous model, and a maximum torque of 22.4 kilogram-meters.

The Mini Cooper S comes with a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, which can produce 192 horsepower with the maximum torque of 28.6 kg-m. It only takes 6.7 seconds to reach 100 kilometers per hour.

The two gasoline versions’ fuel efficiency stands at 14.6 kilometers per liter and 13.7 km/l. The upcoming diesel model’s fuel economy is even more impressive with 19.4 km/l.

This reporter was given a chance to test-drive the Mini Cooper after the launch event. It was a bit short to fully experience all the changes but it was enough to get a glimpse of what this little monster can offer.

The new Mini has upgraded its ability to entertain. The steering is quick, responsive and promises unfailing accuracy. The suspension is a bit softer than before, which lets drivers enjoy more comfortable driving.

In sport mode, you can experience an even more dynamic driving experience.

The prices are 29.9 million won for the Mini Cooper, 37.2 million won for the Mini Cooper with more premium features and 42.4 million won for the Mini Cooper S.