News
New tech and trim for Mini Hatch and Convertible
Digital instruments, improved onboard tech, new trim and a funky new multi-coloured roof option bring the Mini Hatch, 5-Door and Convertible up to date
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 26 January 2021 | 0 min read
The Mini has always traded on its fashionable status but new rivals like the Honda E, Mazda MX-30 and newly electrified Fiat 500e are treading on its toes and a quick nip and tuck for the entire Mini Hatch, 5-Door Hatch and Mini Convertible line-up brings new trim, fresh tech and tidied up looks for all models, not just the Electric.
The current Mini Hatch – the third generation since the ‘modern’ Mini first launched 20 years ago – has been around since 2013 and was updated in 2018 with new engines and the distinctive Union Flag tail-lights. This update is more about new tech inside and a toning down of the more controversial aspects of the looks, which have been criticised for looking a little fussy compared with the earlier cars. Your spotter’s guide to the new car includes a bigger grille with a black surround, black internals to the new headlights, vents on the bumper sides rather than sidelights, LED side indicators and an integrated foglight at the back. More obvious are the new paint schemes, fresh wheel options and a funky ‘Multitone Roof’ option, which graduates from blue to black front to back and, due to the process at the factory, is different every time it’s done. Individualisation has always been a big part of the Mini offering so the fact they can say each car with this finish is literally unique is a big selling point. For buyers of the Electric seeking an extra special car a limited run of 300 ‘Collection’ models wrap up the highest of the three personalisation packages with the Multitone Roof, unique graphics and special wheels.
The current Mini Hatch – the third generation since the ‘modern’ Mini first launched 20 years ago – has been around since 2013 and was updated in 2018 with new engines and the distinctive Union Flag tail-lights. This update is more about new tech inside and a toning down of the more controversial aspects of the looks, which have been criticised for looking a little fussy compared with the earlier cars. Your spotter’s guide to the new car includes a bigger grille with a black surround, black internals to the new headlights, vents on the bumper sides rather than sidelights, LED side indicators and an integrated foglight at the back. More obvious are the new paint schemes, fresh wheel options and a funky ‘Multitone Roof’ option, which graduates from blue to black front to back and, due to the process at the factory, is different every time it’s done. Individualisation has always been a big part of the Mini offering so the fact they can say each car with this finish is literally unique is a big selling point. For buyers of the Electric seeking an extra special car a limited run of 300 ‘Collection’ models wrap up the highest of the three personalisation packages with the Multitone Roof, unique graphics and special wheels.
Of more practical interest is the adoption of the digital instrument cluster already used by the Electric and fancier versions of the Mini Hatch for all models, this displaying all the info you need in a nifty little screen behind the steering wheel. The central display has also been upgraded to an 8.8-inch touch-screen and the operating system powering it is thoroughly updated with increased functionality. A new steering wheel with revised controls completes the package.
An optional Driver Assistance Pack increases the scope of the assistance functions with upgraded lane departure warnings and full ‘Stop & Go’ ability for the active cruise control if you’ve got the automatic gearbox. Elsewhere the traditional ‘Go-kart feeling’ (official Mini lingo) has been expanded with a new version of the optional self-adjusting adaptive suspension. As previously the internal combustion engine range comprises 102 horsepower and 136 horsepower versions of the 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, with more powerful options for the sportier models with the 2.0-litre motor. The Electric retains its 184 horsepower motor and official 145-mile range, as tested by our very own Rory Reid. Pricing starts at £16,045 for the petrol 3-door hatch, the Electric Collection limited edition costing a hefty £36,420.
An optional Driver Assistance Pack increases the scope of the assistance functions with upgraded lane departure warnings and full ‘Stop & Go’ ability for the active cruise control if you’ve got the automatic gearbox. Elsewhere the traditional ‘Go-kart feeling’ (official Mini lingo) has been expanded with a new version of the optional self-adjusting adaptive suspension. As previously the internal combustion engine range comprises 102 horsepower and 136 horsepower versions of the 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, with more powerful options for the sportier models with the 2.0-litre motor. The Electric retains its 184 horsepower motor and official 145-mile range, as tested by our very own Rory Reid. Pricing starts at £16,045 for the petrol 3-door hatch, the Electric Collection limited edition costing a hefty £36,420.
