We are in Cape Town for the launch of the updated @MINISouthAfrica Cooper 3 and five door. Your entry into the range is through the Mini One that is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that makes 75kW and 190Nm. #ExploreMoreCorners #minicooper #minicoopers #carlaunch #explore #shotleft #wedotourism #adventure #ocean #capetown #southafrica

A post shared by The Car People (@khulekani_on_wheels) on Jul 6, 2018 at 6:20am PDT

The updated Mini Cooper has landed in South Africa and if there was any confusion about the brand’s British heritage, the designers have thrown in some Union Jack detailing on the optional back LED lights and dashboard to reaffirm the heritage of Mini. That’s not all to look forward to in the range, there’s much more. In fact, the brand is moving forward and this can be seen in the new Mini logo which appears on the bonnet, tailgate, steering wheel, central instrument display and remote control in all models.

Today we are at the launch of the updated @MINISouthAfrica Cooper range. The range comes in both 3 and 5 door models. The models can be fitted with different engines and gearboxes resulting in effective 18 models, of which four are convertible. #ExploreMoreCorners pic.twitter.com/gGTvBb8IMl

— Khulekani on Wheels (@khuleonwheels) July 6, 2018

Exterior

Outside, Mini has redesigned the circular headlights of the new Mini 3 door, 5 door and Convertible which makes the cars stand out even more. The latest generation of the optional LED lights offers increased brightness. The LED daytime driving light and the turn indicator light are generated by a ring which surrounds the entire outline of the headlight. The LED lights dim almost entirely when the indicator light is on, making it clear that you are indicating to turn.

The range of body finishes available for the new Mini 3 door, the new Mini 5 door and the new Mini Convertible includes three versions. The colours Emerald Grey metallic, Starlight Blue metallic and Solaris Orange metallic are now also included in the range. There are more customisation options in the range. In the Piano Black exterior, the surrounds of the headlights, rear lights and radiator grille can be finished in high-gloss black instead of chrome.

Interior

Inside, new features for the Mini 3 door and the Mini 5 door include the Chester leather trim in Malt Brown. In addition, the optional Mini “Yours Interior Style” Piano Black is now available with illumination. Standing out with this feature is a rear-lit decorative strip for the instrument panel on the passenger side that is finished in Piano Black as well as bearing a stylised Union Jack motif. Keeping things fresh in the cabin is a newly designed three-spoke steering wheel which features multifunction buttons.

An exciting feature with the new Mini 3 door, the new Mini 5 door and the new Mini Convertible is the Mini Yours Customised programme. This allows you to personalise side scuttles, decorative strips for the cockpit fascia, LED door sill finishers and LED door projectors. Imagine your Mini bearing your name, “Thuli” in all these features.

Today we are at the launch of the updated @MINISouthAfrica Cooper range. The range comes in both 3 and 5 door models. The models can be fitted with different engines and gearboxes resulting in effective 18 models, of which four are convertible. #ExploreMoreCorners #minicooper #mini #minicooperinsouthafrica #car #carphotography #travel #capetown #car #views #mountain

A post shared by The Car People (@khulekani_on_wheels) on Jul 6, 2018 at 5:30am PDT

Tech and engines

On the technological front, Mini continues to push the envelope with Mini Connected functions. New features include Real Time Traffic Information, the personal Concierge Service and the vehicle internet portal Mini Online with news, weather and fuel price overview. There is also an optional preparation for Apple CarPlay. As an optional extra, you can get wireless charging in the storage compartment integrated in the centre armrest which enables wireless charging of mobile phones which offer this capability. This option also includes a second USB socket in the front section of the centre console.

Coming into the range fir the first time is a new three-cylinder 75 kW petrol engine of the Mini One which draws its power from a capacity of 1.5 litres. This increases maximum torque by 10 Nm, taking it to 190 Nm. Up next, is an engine which produces 100kW and 230Nm. The Cooper S produces 141kW and 300Nm. The JCW models that were launched last year make 170kW and 320Nm. As an alternative to the standard 6-speed manual transmission, 7-speed Steptronic transmission with a double clutch is optionally available for the models Mini One, Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S.

Prices

Mini One Hatch 3-door: R302,200
Mini One Hatch 3-door AT: R323,200
Mini Cooper Hatch 3-door: R370,300
Mini Cooper Hatch 3-door AT: R391,300
Mini Cooper Hatch S 3-door: R430,577
Mini Cooper Hatch S 3-door AT: R450,186
Mini John Cooper Works Hatch 3-door: R491,095
Mini John Cooper Works Hatch 3-door AT: R512,865

Mini One Hatch 5-door: R312,300
Mini One Hatch 5-door AT: R333,300
Mini Cooper Hatch 5-door: R380,400
Mini Cooper Hatch 5-door AT: R401,400
Mini Cooper S Hatch 5-door: R441,057
Mini Cooper S Hatch 5-door AT: R459,780

Mini Cooper Convertible: R423,200
Mini Cooper Convertible AT: R444,200
Mini Cooper S Convertible: R496,836
Mini Cooper S Convertible AT: R515,559