MINI Cooper 2014: driving test and video
Posted on 31-03-2014 at 16:00 by Wouter – 33 Comments”
The new look, everyone would be outlined, it is mainly an evolution of what we already know from the new MINI. Under the skin there is more news, but unfortunately not only good things.
[ First look, then read? Watch the video HERE! ]
A breakthrough for BMW/MINI is the use of a completely new platform called UKL1. Where the previous generation new MINI’s even on a structure were to be built, the UKL1 platform will also be used for cars with the famous BMW propeller in front. That means, indeed, that of the smaller BMW’s will for – or (optional) four-wheel drive will be delivered.
The third generation new MINI grew on all sides. The length increased by 98 mm, width by 44 mm and also the wheelbase was 28 mm larger. It still doesn’t mean the new-new-new MINI a space miracle. In the front you’re regal, but behind you do not want to sit. And the kofferbakruimte is still not over. For people with needs in that area has MINI will be a new Clubman and the Countryman.
Welcome to the carnival
The interior does MINI still just a little different than the rest. If you bothers you to non-functional lights, the lights and glitter, save you the trip to the local MINI dealer. Very striking is the circle of lights around the screen of the navigation screen. If everything is in order then, there seems to be a ring of green light, try using a pole flat to ride then alerts the ring with orange and red lights. That is nice and clear, but also at other times light the ring in other colors and then it is completely unclear why. Other highlights in the interior: the “metal” buttons including a start button with red illumination, plus various round chrome edges that are scattered back to find.
The new-new-new MINI got the out of various BMW’s famous iDrive system with touchpad. Unfortunately, it in such an awkward place that the operation is a lot to be desired. The center console is too low, so that the armrest should fold or your arm in four places to consider (hint: it can’t) to be there. Another ergonomic mistake concerns the optional headsupdisplay. By the angle of the windshield could not be projected, so it flips there is an adjustable transparent piece of plastic from the dashboard up. If you are not exactly the norm of one meter eighty, there’s not much you can see. Both tall people as specimens that, on average, with their heads less distant from the equator stay will little to the headsupdisplay.
New three-cylinder
The other big news under the skin of the whole new driecilinders. The one and a half liter big blocks are related to the two liter four cylinder and the three-litre six-cylinder engine. BMW (and MINI) suggest that the optimal content of a cylinder and half a litre is, which act. Incidentally, get the MINI One is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder that is this story cancelled.
The driecilinders there are both diesel and petrol. The gasoline drinking block that we under took in the Cooper is eager, quiet, delivers great performance and is relatively economical. Up delivers the driepittertje 136 hp and 220 Nm (230 Nm with fuel cut). The performance is also improved compared to the previous generation MINI Cooper. The sprint to the 100 would be 1.2 seconds faster should be able to, and now takes only 7,9 seconds. The top speed is 210 km/h and that all CO2 emissions from 109 grams per kilometer. This breaks the MINI Cooper is not determined benchmarks.
Also the diesel in the Cooper D is a three-cylinder and delivers 116 hp and 270 Nm of torque. Unfortunately, the engineers at MINI, here also, no new standard for fuel economy dropped. The emissions of CO2 amounts to at least 92 grams/km and that runs on if there are other tires to be mounted. VAG do that with the Golf, Octavia, Leon and A3 (all of which are larger) are a lot better, since all the 85 grams of sit. Quite annoying for MINI, the comparison with the 190 horsepower and larger Volvo V40 D4 which is also 85 grams is tapped. There is work to be done for BMW/MINI that a number of years ago with Efficient Dynamics front walked, but now is clearly not more.
Longer, longer, LONGER!
This is the bad news about the powertrain are still not on. The MINI is more economical to get, got the newcomer enormously long gear. In order to give you a sense: in the second gear, tap the MINI Cooper is almost 120 km/h, and the third gear you need on the Dutch highway, never to leave. Therein takes the MINI Cooper, but less than 170 km/h. These are fine bakverhoudingen for cars like a Aventador, 911 Turbo and other 500+ hp monsters.
Hairpins (which we in the Netherlands not so many have) you take in the Cooper preferably in first gear, but also in the city is the second gear is often just too long. Sure if you’re being held up by a pastor starts the MINI goats and turn off even if the speed is too low lowered. It is a pity, because the car had such fun and the three-cylinder to avoid low engine speeds, absolutely not. The large gaps between the different gears help also not to have a sense of speed.
How to head next?
The comfort is much bigger, because that is a frequent wish of customers. The cornering has not suffered, still is a MINI a car that you like curves on looking for. The balance sheet is clean, the MINI communicates what is going on and cornering are high.
Prices and competition
The Audi A1 and Fiat 500 are competitors that are most in the area, but really need a MINI and not yet of fear. The Fiat is a smaller size, the Audi A1 has much less of the fun factor that a MINI is so fun. The prices start at 18.495 euros for the 102 bhp MINI One, the MINI Cooper is from 21.495 euro and dieselen can from 19.495 euros. The step up to the Cooper S with 192 hp is great, that is only from 30.295 euro. With what options will run the price also fast, the one who testauto had ordered crossed for 10 mille to extras.
However, it has the MINI charm is not lost. That is good news for VDL Nedcar in Born, where a part of the MINI’s from the summer of 2014 the band go for a walk. The small Dutch touch is also likely to be some extra buyers to convince. Movie!
Gallery: MINI Cooper
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