MINI 1.6 Cooper S Coupe

Once again, BMW Group Malaysia shows that when the manufacturer is directly involved in marketing and distribution activities, new models appear in showrooms very quickly after their global launch. Today, the company launched the all-new MINI Coupe in Malaysia, this occurring in the same month the new variant goes on sale in the UK.

The Coupe expands the MINI family members in Malaysia to five. As the first ever two-seater in the MINI family, the Coupe provides a retro-modern interpretation of the super-compact sports car. It is the fifth model of the new MINI generation to wear the British brand’s famous .

Introducing the new MINI Coupe, Geoffrey Briscoe, MD of BMW Group Malaysia said, “Whilst the new MINI Coupe certainly represents new territory for this exciting marque, being the first ever two-seater MINI, it also comes replete with all the things that are synonymous with the brand; excitement, cheekiness and performance coupled with an intensified go-kart driving experience for two!”

Mr. Briscoe further added that MINI continues to be a successful and growing brand for BMW Group Malaysia, saying: “In 2010, BMW Group Malaysia sold a total of 222 MINIs the entire year but as of September 2011, we’ve already surpassed that figure with 225 units sold. The MINI Coupe will certainly contribute to what will truly be a record year for MINI and BMW in Malaysia.”

Available in the Malaysian market from October 22nd onwards, the new MINI Coupe will be available in 1.6-litre Cooper S form. Already a well established powerplant for the MINI range, the 1.6-litre unit comes with fully-variable valve management as part of a technology package which also features a twin-scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection developing  135kW/184 bhp at 5500 rpm. Not only does it make this 4-cylinder unit the world’s most efficient engine in its displacement class BMW’s claim) but it allows the Cooper S Coupe to do 0 to 100 km/h mark in just 7.1 seconds, whilst giving it a top speed of 224 km/h. Like its brothers, the Coupe has offers a go-kart driving experience – in a more extreme form. The drive system technology is coupled with a 6-speed automatic.

The unique suspension setup of the Coupe is also meticulously geared to its sporty personality and specific weight balance. It has a MacPherson strut front suspension with a multi-link rear suspension to maintain optimal roadgrip at all times and carefully-tuned Electric Power Steering.

Externally, the new Coupé exudes a combination of taut, athletic surfaces, harmonious curves and parallel lines, confirming the allegiance of its design language to the cornerstones of MINI design. It is however the brand’s first model to adopt a3-box body structure with a stepped rear end setting it apart from the rest of the MINI family.

Its distinctive and exceptionally sporty characteristics are also reflected in a low-slung silhouette and expressively styled “helmet” roof. Resting atop the new car’s glasshouse, the roof is painted in a contrasting colour ( a new take on Sport Stripes is among the additions available as an option).

An active rear spoiler, fitted for the first time on a MINI, is also integrated in the bootlid. This aerodynamic device pops up automatically when the car reaches a speed of 80 km/h, with the 4-part control mechanism returning the spoiler to its rest position at speeds less than 60 km/h. This visually striking mechanism serves to reduce lift at the rear axle, optimizing both aerodynamic balance and grip levels.

 

The pure-bred character of a compact sports car continues in the interior. In typical MINI style, the new Coupé has a large central speedometer while the tachometer is positioned directly behind the steering wheel, with standard-fitted height-adjustable sports seats offering outstanding lateral support through quickly-taken corners. Oval recesses in the roof liner also create extra headroom for taller drivers, lending further emphasis to the two-seat layout and hunkered-down, sports-orientated .

The absence of a rear seat bench creates new scope for offering spontaneous driving enjoyment for two people while at the same time catering for the requirements of an active and varied lifestyle. The adaptable 290-litre boot is extremely flexible with a large, high-opening tailgate and a high through-loading system that can also be opened from the driver’s or passenger’s seat.

The car’s practicality is further enhanced by larger door bins, three cupholders and a cross-rack behind the seats. The variable luggage compartment cover eases stowage of particularly bulky items or sports equipment.

Customers can also order their Coupe with the optional MINI Connected package. This is a suite of technology features that opens the door to a globally unique form of in-car entertainment, utilising technology specifically developed to integrate the telecommunications, entertainment and online functions of an iPhone into the MINI, using a cable supplied for the USB socket or via a snap-in adapter.

The new Mini Cooper S Coupe is priced at RM249,888 without insurance but with the valuable MINI Tender Loving Car package. To include the Connected package will cost another RM14,988.

To know more about the new Coupe as well as other MINI family members, visit www.mini.my