4th generation Mini Cooper and Cooper S unveiled

The 4th generation models of the Mini Cooper and Cooper S have been unveiled, ahead of the Los Angeles Motor Show.

The cars grow in size while appearing similar to the previous generation model in terms of design. Apart from the increased size out on the outside, the 2014 Mini Cooper and Cooper S get a range of new features, engines and transmissions. In a nutshell, the 4th generation versions of the Mini Cooper and Cooper S are major advancements when compared with the previous generation models of these sporty hatchbacks.

The 2014 Mini Cooper is longer, wider and taller than the outgoing model. The hatchback is also more spacious on the inside, what with a longer wheelbase. These larger dimensions also liberate additional boot space, adding to the practicality quotient of the car. The same applies to the sportier Cooper S model as well. Dimensions wise, the Mini is 3,821 mm long (MINI Cooper S: 3 850 millimetres), 1,727 mm wide and 1,414 mm tall. This makes the car 98 mm longer, 44 mm wider and 7 mm taller than the 3rd generation model.

The wheelbase goes up by 28 mm, to 2,495 mm, while the track width at front goes up by 42 mm and that at the rear by 34 mm, to 1,501 mm each (MINI Cooper S: 1 485 millimetres). The boot space has increased by 51 liters, to 211 liters. The car’s slew of new features include a brand new instrumentation cluster, optional heads up display (HUD), revamped interiors and seats, new infotainment system, Adaptive LED headlamps (optional) and DRLs, adaptive cruise control, rear view camera and parking assistant.

The 2014 Mini Cooper features a new 1.5 liter triple cylinder turbo petrol engine that outputs 136 Bhp-220 Nm. The Cooper S gets a more powerful 2 liter turbo petrol engine that delivers 192 Bhp-280 Nm, while the diesel engine on offer on the Cooper is a 1.5 liter-triple cylinder turbocharged unit that outputs 116 Bhp-270 Nm. All engines are offered with an optional 6 speed automatic gearbox while a 6 speed manual unit is standard. Both gearboxes are all-new items that drive the front wheels of the Cooper and Cooper S.

Apart from the new gearbox, the 2014 versions of the Cooper and Cooper S get Sport and Green modes as standard. As their names suggest, the Sport mode is tuned for performance while the Green mode boosts fuel efficiency. The 2014 Cooper range can also be specified with the Dynamic Damping Control option. The car gets revised steering and suspension systems that take the additional power outputs into consideration. The suspension has also been lightened.

As the Mini Cooper range barring the Countryman is imported into India through the completely built unit (CBU) route, expect the first crop of the 2014 Mini Cooper range to be launched in India next year. Notably, brand Mini set shop in India during 2012. Buoyed by the success of the CKD assembled Mini Countryman D, Mini India is considering CKD assembly of other Mini models. The 2014 range of Mini Coopers would be a good starting point for that.