Meet the new mini

Mini Cooper ‘New Original’ launched in Cebu

Text by Fiona Patricia S. Escandor

DISTINCTIVE and iconic. Since it was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1959, the Mini is undoubtedly one of the easily recognizable vehicles out on the road today. A head-turner, a superstar in rallies and in pop culture — The Italian Job, anyone? — it was even hailed as the second most influential car of the 20th century.

Originally manufactured as a fuel-saving alternative for motorists during an oil crisis in the late 1950s, the Mini has since evolved into a tenacious vehicle with advanced engine technology, aerodynamic properties and premium features — attributed to the brand becoming part of the BMW Group in 1994 — while retaining its familiar bulldog stance and compact design.

Mini in Cebu

Carrying the brand in Cebu is AutoGlobal Inc., led by president Lyndon Go. Mini Cebu was launched in September last year, and then unveiled its first showroom and service center on A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City last June 24. Just like the brand it carries, it is an equally distinctive domain, with a spacious modern bar-inspired receiving and display area.

On the same date, Mini Cebu unveiled its latest model, which is dubbed the New Original or in Mini-speak, the F56. A tad bigger than its predecessor the R56, it is also described by Lyndon as a model that was “completely developed from the ground up,” with optimized specs for better driving dynamics and riding comfort.

Here comes the Mini

The New Original comes in two variants: the Cooper and Cooper S. The Cooper S is powered by 2.0 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with a peak output of 192 hp, resulting in acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in roughly 6.7 seconds; while the Cooper has a 1.5 liter three-cylinder petrol engine that allows it to sprint to 100 km/h in an estimated 7.8 seconds.

Mini attests that the Cooper S has an average fuel consumption of 5.5 liters per 100 km, while the Cooper averages 4.9 liters per 100 km.

Despite the current Cooper S having a smaller engine than its predecessor, both new variants feature twin power turbo technology enabling it to be faster at the same time fuel-efficient.

Paying homage to the brand’s racing heritage, the New Original has refined its suspension technology to give it lesser weight and drivers a “go-kart” feel and experience. It is nimble and has quick response, yet its improved steering precision prevents self-steering tendencies caused by varying degrees of torque.

Other notable features include dual driving modes (green and sports), information display on an extendable monitor, and a camera-based driving assistant for cruise and distance control.

Styling options

“There are a million ways to style it,” said Lyndon on the Cooper and Cooper S’s interior and exterior design. He went as far as saying that no two Minis are alike, as clients can customize their unit not just the colour of its iconic hood stripes, but also in the kinds of material used and equipment carried. Prospective buyers can visualize their desired units by designing their own Minis at mini.co.uk/design-your-mini. All Minis are manufactured and shipped directly from the UK.

Sleek design meets first-class features, the Mini may be small in size but it is hardly short in character. Beneath the double hood stripes — there is more to it than meets the eye.