The MINI Cooper C & S is confirmed to arrive in New Zealand in Q3 2024 alongside its electric counterparts. Local pricing and specification to be announced soon.

In 2023, MINI New Zealand set a record for total registrations with 1,048 (+23%), underscoring the brand’s continued popularity among New Zealanders, says MINI.

Within the new model family, MINI designates the performance levels of its petrol engines for the MINI Cooper using the letter C and for the performance-enhanced model using the letter S. The powertrain portfolio of the new three-door MINI is thus complemented by two petrol engines with a choice of three or four cylinders.

“At MINI, ‘Power of Choice´ means that in addition to all-electric MINI models, we also offer models such as the new MINI Cooper with a petrol engine. The car is ideal for all those people who want to drive a classic MINI 3 door and appreciate the traditional performance and characteristic sound of a combustion engine,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI.

The interior focuses on typical MINI, minimalist design and new materials. Technical innovations such as the MINI Operating System 9, the new MINI Experience Modes and a wide range of digital functions create an immersive user experience, claims MINI.

2024 MINI Cooper S & MINI Cooper C: Two drivetrains

With an output of 150 kW/300Nm, the four-cylinder engine of the MINI Cooper S accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. The 115 kW three-cylinder engine of the MINI Cooper C delivers torque of 230 Nm and accelerates the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds.

2024 MINI Cooper S & MINI Cooper C: The exterior

MINI says that with a puristic design and compact silhouette, the MINI Cooper is the embodiment of the brand’s basic idea: maximum driving pleasure with a minimal ecological footprint. The contemporary minimalism of the new design highlights the clear surfaces of the body. Short overhangs and a short bonnet contrast with the long wheelbase, giving the car typical MINI proportions.

At the front, the new octagonal grille with its filigree contours defines the MINI Cooper’s characteristic face even more. The BMW Group’s smallest radar sensor to date is positioned on the horizontal strut between the air intakes. A total of 12 ultrasonic sensors in the MINI Cooper support the driver assistance systems and increase driving safety. Horizontal LED daytime running lights underline the new appearance in the standard setting. The appearance is further enhanced by three selectable light signatures for the daytime running lights of the MINI LED headlights and the redesigned matrix rear lights. All three selectable light signatures begin and end with a specially orchestrated welcome or goodbye animation.

2024 MINI Cooper S & MINI Cooper C: The interior

The MINI Cooper’s minimalist interior design is inspired by the classic Mini. The new steering wheel, the round OLED Display and the typical MINI toggle bar and the two-tone textile dashboard create a sense of spaciousness in the cockpit.

The most important driving functions (parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, experience mode toggle, volume control) are directly accessible via the distinctive toggle bar. The gear selector in the centre console makes way for the new Wireless Charging Shelf 2.0. Smartphones can be stored here and charged wirelessly.

The MINI Interaction Unit has been moved closer to the driver in the MINI Cooper cockpit. The diameter of the high resolution, thin OLED display with high-quality glass edge is 240 mm. Its operating logic is similar to that of a smartphone and can be operated intuitively by touch, claims MINI.

2024 MINI Cooper S & MINI Cooper C: Digital innovations

As part of the optional MINI Experience Modes, two projector units beam various illuminated graphics onto the dashboard. The interplay of visual design, ambient lighting and sound design changes the appearance of the cockpit and opens up new possibilities for personalising the MINI Cooper.

Each mode has its own dynamic background and can be selected according to the driver’s personal preferences. In personal mode, a personal photo can be set as the display background via the MINI app. The dominant colours of the photo then extend across the textile surfaces of the dashboard and the door panels as illuminated graphics.

2024 MINI Cooper S & MINI Cooper C: Driver Assistance systems

The new MINI Cooper offers numerous driver assistance systems for safe and comfortable driving pleasure. As standard, the Safe Exit function monitors the area around the parked vehicle and warns approaching road users before the door is opened. The function not only delays the unlocking of the doors, but also uses light signals outside the vehicle to warn of a possible collision.

On the road, the MINI Navigation package optionally provides support with 3D visualisation and Augmented View, displays the current traffic situation, provides information about parking options including digital payment options, and much more besides. Camera and radar-based assistance functions increase safety by supporting steering and lane keeping as part of the comprehensive Driving Assistant Plus package.

2024 MINI Cooper S & MINI Cooper C: Four trims

The new Essential, Classic, Favoured and JCW trim variants offer a wide range of customisation options. Depending on the trim, the new MINI Cooper C and MINI Cooper S are available with different body paint finishes and interior trims.

The exterior colours can be combined with one of four roof colours and create a variety of contrasts. An exclusive option in conjunction with the Favoured Trim package is the Spray-Tech design of the distinctive Multitone Roof. This features a three-colour gradient.

New, aerodynamically optimised designs are available for the 16-inch to 18-inch aluminium rims.

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Fred Alvrez
How on earth to start this? I've been car/bike/truck crazy since I was a teen. Like John, I had the obligatory Countach poster on the wall. I guess I'm more officially into classic and muscle cars than anything else - I currently have a '65 Sunbeam Tiger that left the factory the same day as I left the hospital as a newborn with my mother. How could I not buy that car? In 2016 my wife and I drove across the USA in a brand-new Dodge Challenger, and then shipped it home. You can read more on www.usa2nz.co.nz. We did this again in 2019 in a 1990 Chev Corvette - you can read about that trip on DriveLife. I'm a driving instructor and an Observer for the Institute of Advanced Motorists - trying to do my bit to make our roads safer.

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