As we’ve already seen, MINI has given the outside of the 2017 MINI Cooper a sleeker, more cutting-edge appearance in preparation for the upcoming generation of EV and gasoline-powered cars. However, the British manufacturer has now unveiled a completely redesigned cabin with more sophisticated infotainment and some ingenious personalization elements.
Specs of the new MINI Cooper
The new MINI hatch adopts the iconic MINI Cooper name for all models in this generation, and like every other MINI in history, there is a sizable round lozenge in the middle of the interior. What was once a straightforward speedometer is now a 9.4-inch-diameter, ultra-slim OLED display.
This will be the focal point of the dash in all MINI Cooper models, and it will display the speed, media, and all the customization options, of which there are many. The MINI Cooper Electric vehicles will also display EV statistics, such as the amount of charge and available range, alongside this information.
The MINI Interaction Unit, a new OS9 operating system, allows owners to choose numerous themes from the menus to alter the appearance and feel of the screen and interior illumination. These three MINI Experience Modes are Core, Balance, and Timeless, the latter of which displays a digital image of a vintage Mini speedometer on the main screen. The system will then determine the primary colour from the image and extend this across the screen to better incorporate the image. There is also a Personal option where users can submit a background photo of their choice.
While the edges of the Apple CarPlay projection are sampled to extend the view throughout the entire area of the round screen for iOS users, the sat-nav map can alternatively be shown in the centre of the display. The Android Auto feature is also there, however owing to technical limitations, it only appears on the circular screen as a rectangle box. The infotainment system will also have a few “Easter eggs,” according to MINI, who claims that these pleasant surprises are essential to the way every MINI feels.
Together with LED projections that beam from the roof down onto the top of the dash, LED ambient lighting will be installed under the fabric dash panel inserts and all around the central concealed air vent. Depending on the mode, these LEDs shine different colours and patterns across the panels, with the Go-Kart mode displaying a sportier pattern.
In addition to the new multi-function steering wheel, which resembles some BMWs in terms of design and button layout, there is a 3D head-up display installed in front of the driver. Although it just has two spokes, it has a third spoke made of tensioned fabric to offer some extra design flair. The new voice control system for MINIs is activated by one of the buttons positioned on the steering wheel, while it can also be triggered by voice command and is used to handle many of the new functions of the vehicle.
Accessing the back is difficult now that the MINI Cooper is only available in three-door models, although headroom and legroom are also adequate. At least it helps keep the footprint compact because the MINI EV was created with urban use in mind.
External changes to the MINI Cooper
The hot petrol Cooper S model is currently in the spotlight after many appearances by the new electric MINI Cooper. The exterior will resemble the electric Cooper SE variant, with a few minor variations that indicate this model has a petrol engine. The typical bonnet vent is conspicuously absent from the front end, which has more cooling ducts and an open grille.
The insignia on the front wing, which is generally used to identify the sporty Cooper S, is obscured to one side by some camouflage. The new car should follow the Cooper S’s typical practise of using a contrasting roof colour, twin bands on the bonnet and black mirror caps to go with a more aggressive widebody.
Although we’ve grown accustomed to seeing dual central exhaust systems, this car has a novel central, single-exit exhaust system instead. To underline the Cooper S’s sportiness even more, there is a rear spoiler.
