Mini has hit the refresh button for its 3-door hatch, 5-door hatch, convertible and Mini Electric. See what’s changed below!

If you consider that the next-generation Mini Cooper hatchback is only expected in 2023, the model still has a way to go before being replaced and Mini, therefore, has to keep the model fresh with updates to keep buyers interested.

The Mini range received a major update back in 2018 but another round of updates is now being rolled out.

Better looks

Mini has reworked the front end for a more purposeful look.

On the outside, the grille is now larger than before and gains a black hexagonal surround and the central bumper is now in body colour for a more modern look. You may also notice the new vertical air inlets as well as the contoured wheel arches. LED indicators are also fitted along with the hallmark round Mini headlights. At the rear, the updated Mini can be recognised with its fog light which is now integrated into the rear apron as a narrow LED unit.

A range of new body colours has also been added, including Rooftop Grey and Island Blue. The Mini Convertible will also be available in striking Zesty Yellow. A total of 5 new alloy wheel designs will also be offered in 17- and 18-inch wheel sizes.

The big news, however, is that Mini will offer a Multitone roof for the 3-door hatch, 5-door hatch and electric variants. The Multitone Roof features a colour gradient from San Merino Blue, through Pearly Acqua to Jet Black and is applied using a wet-on-wet process to achieve a paint finish known as Spray Tech. No Multitone Roof is the same and every Mini with this roof is therefore entirely unique.

“The new Multitone Roof for the MINI is not only the most expressive form of contrast paint to date, it also takes the brand’s hallmark ex-works customisation options to a new level,” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design. “And because every roof looks a little bit different and is so unique, it pays to look more closely than ever.”

Familiar but more refined. Note the new steering wheel. Much better, Mini!

Moving inside, the interior has benefitted from a few notable changes. The Mini range gains piano high gloss finishes and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Switchgear for the audio controls, hazard warning light and driver assistance buttons have been better integrated into the familiar circular control unit. Mini has also removed much of the chrome elements in the interior and the air vents have been redesigned and now sit flush with the interior surfaces.

A new leather steering wheel and digital instrument cluster, from the JCW GP and Mini Electric, is now standard across the Mini hatch and convertible range.

Any technical upgrades?

Yes, a new version of Adaptive Suspension is now available for the first time and balances comfort and sportiness with continuous frequency-selective damping. Damper force is adjusted within 50 to 100 milliseconds depending on the road and driving conditions and damping forces can be reduced by up to 50%, according to Mini.

As part of the optional Driver Assistance Pack, Mini offers a new lane departure warnings as well as new Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function when paired with an automatic transmission.

As for engines, the current lineup of engines carry over with the 75 kW / 190 Nm and 100 kW / 220 Nm 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine and 141 kW / 280 Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol doing service under the bonnet in conjunction with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Mini JCW ups the ante to 170 kW and 320 Nm from its 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine and uses an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Mini SA has confirmed that the updated Mini hatch and convertible will reach South Africa in Q2 of 2021! Stay tuned for local pricing and specification details closer to launch.

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