With new technology including cutting-edge connectivity, standard-fit front and rear LED lights and an advanced dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the 2018 MINI is certainly vastly improved. These changes for the MINI 3-Door Hatch, MINI 5-Door Hatch and MINI Convertible are focused on driver appeal and core new technologies which also include MINI Connected Concierge services, wireless smartphone charging and first-in-class options such as new anti-dazzle adaptive headlights with Matrix high beam. The exterior of the new MINI range has been refreshed with the introduction of a new front and rear LED light design, enhancing the on-road presence of the new MINI 3-Door Hatch, MINI 5-Door Hatch and MINI Convertible. The 2018 MINI range will also see the debut of an all-new MINI logo on the vehicle. The new badge has a flat two-dimensional design, reflecting MINI’s new brand identity. The new logo appears on the bonnet, tailgate, steering wheel, instrument display and central locking remote control on all models. A broad selection of seat surfaces, interior surfaces and colour lines add a touch of individual style to the interior of the new MINI range. These include Chester leather trim in Malt Brown and a colour line now also available in Malt Brown. As standard, all vehicles will have a 6.5-inch full colour display and standard rotary controller. Customers can choose to upgrade this screen to include optional MINI Navigation with a touchscreen display and Apple CarPlay functionality. MINI has simplified the range of additional infotainment packs for customers in 2018, with one new infotainment package now offered. The new Navigation Plus package contains a raft of innovative optional equipment, including MINI’s new 8.8-inch touchscreen display, wireless charging, new MINI Connected Services including Real Time Traffic Information, new Natural Language Understanding functionality, MINI Concierge Service, online services and Apple CarPlay.
The MINI Yours Customised program raises brand individualisation to a whole new level. It includes new products whose design can be created by customers themselves, which are then produced precisely according to their individual specifications. The MINI Yours Customised range includes side scuttles, decorative strips for the interior on the passenger side, LED door sill finishers and LED door projectors. Revisions to engines and powertrain have been made to further enhance driving fun. Development has been applied across the board, including the basic engine, MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology, engine electronics, oil supply, intake air ducting, the cooling system and the exhaust system. All new MINIs come with a precise six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but now 3-Door Hatch, 5-Door Hatch and Convertible models are now also available with a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch as an option.
MINI offers class-leading premium digital services, many of which are unique in the small car segment. New features in the leading MINI Connected package include Real Time Traffic Information and automatic navigation map update via mobile phone connection, a personal Concierge Service and a vehicle internet portal MINI Online, with news, weather and fuel price updates. Another option is Apple CarPlay compatibility. MINI Connected enables MINI drivers to integrate their vehicle and travel plans seamlessly into their day-to-day digital routine. Meanwhile, the MINI Connected App provides connectivity with digital touchpoints such as a smartphone or smart watch. For example, MINI Connected can draw on calendar entries and contact data entered in a smartphone to plan routes and determine the ideal time to set off based on real time traffic data. The Send to Car function enables planned routes to be sent to the MINI navigation system, while Remote Services allow the driver not just to display vehicle location, fuel level and other vehicle status details on their smartphone, but also activate the headlight flasher, horn, ventilation and door lock/unlock function. Intelligent networking is standard across the MINI range, via a 4G SIM card integrated into the vehicle. This enables the use of MINI Teleservices and the Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic detection of vehicle location and accident severity. Another new 2018 option for Hatch and Convertible models is MINI Find Mate. This option consist of tags with a Bluetooth tracking function that can be attached to frequently used objects and travel items such as bags, cases, key rings and rucksacks. Their position can not only be displayed on the car’s on-board computer but also in your MINI Connected App on a smartphone, preventing personal items getting lost or left behind.
