Rear View Mirror: BIGGER MINI

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Aug 27, 2006 | by Brain Twomey

WHILE it might look very similar to the current car this is in actual fact the all-new Mini.

Even BMW concede that the Mini is a subtle update stylistically, despite the fact that it is a completely new car and not a facelift.

Although the original Mini was considered a gamble due to its relatively large size compared to its predecessor, and the fact it was the first front-wheel-drive BMW product, the gamble paid off and BMW built more than 800,000 Minis at its plant in Oxford.

Despite the similarity, the new car is 60mm longer. The Cooper S is a millimetre longer again, and is slightly more aerodynamic.

The headlights are different with the indicators integrated into the actual lights themselves as opposed to being mounted on the bumper as on the current car.

This makes the car easier to repair and build, as BMW have abandoned the cute but vulnerable 'clamshell' bonnet.

The tail-lights are bigger and the waistline has been raised substantially to give the car more presence. Unlike the current, Mini the waistline rises along the car towards the back to give a more sporting profile.

The engines are all new affairs. The 1.6 petrol four produces 120bhp in Cooper trim and thanks to BMW's sophisticated Valvetronic valve control system fuel consumption has improved by up to 20 per cent with no loss in performance.

The Cooper S also gets this new engine and a supercharger, but the use of direct-injection has seen power rise slightly to 175bhp, an increase of 5bhp.

While the car retains a similar suspension layout it now uses Electric Power-Assisted steering and the Cooper S gets factory fitted run flat tyres as standard.

The car is due for its debut at this year's Paris Motorshow and then final specification and the on-sale date will be announced.