Mini Hatch

The Mini Hatch (Mini Hardtop in the US) is a three-door hatchback, originally developed by BMW and its subsidiary Rover, under the Mini marque. It was first introduced in 2001, and has since seen a second generation which appeared in 2006. A convertible version was introduced in 2004, with the second generation following in 2008.

First generation (2001–2006)

First generation

Manufacturer	BMW
Production	2001–2006 (Hatch) 2004–2008 (Convertible)
Class	Compact/Supermini
Body style	3-door hatchback
Engine	1.4L Tritec I4 (One) 1.4L Toyota 1ND-TV diesel (D) 1.6L Tritec I4 (One, Cooper) 1.6L Tritec supercharged I4 (S)
Transmission	CVT 5-speed manual 6-speed automatic and manual
Wheelbase	97.1 in (2,470 mm)
Length	2002–03 Base: 142.8 in (3,630 mm) 2004–06 Base: 143.1 in (3,630 mm) S Hardtop: 143.9 in (3,660 mm)
Width	66.5 in (1,690 mm)
Height	2002–03 Base: 55.9 in (1,420 mm) 2002–03 S: 56.2 in (1,430 mm) 2004–06 Base: 55.4 in (1,410 mm) 2004–06 S: 55.8 in (1,420 mm) Convertible: 55.5 in (1,410 mm)
Kerb weight	2,496 lb (1,132 kg)

The first new generation Mini Hatch was introduced in 2001, being the first model launched under the Mini marque after the original Mini was discontinued in 2000. In many European markets, the Mini One was powered by a 1.4 litre I4^[1] version of the Tritec engine but all other petrol powered Minis used the 1.6 litre I4 version.^[2][3] Since 2005, a soft-top convertible option has been available across the entire range.

There are numerous styling and badging differences between the models, perhaps the most obvious being that the Cooper S has a distinctive scoop cut into the bonnet. The Cooper S also has twin exhausts which exit under the centre of the rear valance. The non-S Cooper has more chrome parts than the Mini One and has a single exhaust. The Mini One D has no visible exhaust pipes at all.

In some markets, such as Australia and the US, only the Mini Cooper and Cooper S are offered because the Mini One's engine was considered inadequate to deliver sufficient power to run an air conditioner — a necessary feature in those markets.^{[citation needed]} Almost fifty percent of all Minis sold in Australia and about seventy percent of those sold in the U.S. are the more-powerful Cooper S model. Other models of note, sold in varying markets around the world, are the Mini Seven, Mini Park Lane, Mini Check Mate, and Mini Monte Carlo.

Development

The Mini Hatch (US: Hardtop) was designed by Frank Stephenson,^[4] and drew inspiration from the original two-door Mini. The name of the new car's brand, MINI, was all-capitalised to distinguish it from its predecessor.^[5] Development of the car was conducted between 1995 and 2001 by Rover Group in Gaydon, United Kingdom and BMW AG in Munich, Germany. During this development phase, there was continual contention between the two design groups, especially concerning the positioning of the car; Rover wanted a straight economy car, whilst BMW supported a small, sporting car. Ultimately, BMW prevailed, and in 1999, they assumed control over the entire project following the departure of BMW's CEO, Bernd Pischetsrieder.^[6] When BMW divested itself of Rover in 2000, BMW elected to retain the Mini project, and to move the planned production site of the car from Rover's Longbridge plant,^[6] to BMW's Oxford plant in Cowley, Oxford, United Kingdom. The team of designers working on the 2001 Mini had finished the full-sized clay mock-up of the Mini in plenty of time for a presentation to the board of directors. However, the chief designer, Frank Stephenson, realised that the model did not have an exhaust pipe.^[4] His short-term solution was to pick up an empty beer can, punch a hole in it, strip off the paint and push it into the clay at the back of the car, which took just a few minutes.^[4] The overall design for the mock-up was so good that the board members told him not to change a thing, resulting in the distinctive exhaust tip seen in production cars.^[4][7]

Models

The vehicles produced during the 2001 to 2006 model years included four hatchback models (UK and some international markets: Hatch, US: Hardtop, other markets just plain Mini): the standard "Mini One", the diesel-engined "Mini One/D", the sportier "Mini Cooper" and the supercharged "Mini Cooper S"; in 2005, a convertible roof option was added to the Mk I line-up. In November 2006, BMW released a facelift version of the Mini Hardtop as a 2007 model-year vehicle.^[8]

The names Cooper and Cooper S echo the names used for the sportier version of the classic Mini, which in turn come from the involvement of John Cooper and the Cooper Car Company. The Cooper heritage is further emphasised with the John Cooper Works (JCW) range of tuning options that are available with the Mini. John Cooper also created a one-off racing model of the Mini Cooper S named the Mini Cooper S Works. This car features many extras which help to improve performance, such as a racing exhaust and air filter as well as uprated suspension. The car also has one-of-a-kind 17-inch (430 mm) racing wheels.^[9]

Convertible

First generation Convertible

The first generation was launched in summer 2004 following its unveiling at the 2004 Salon International de l'Auto.

In 2005, the UK Driving Standards Agency banned the model from driving tests due to poor visibility.^[10]

Mini John Cooper Works GP (2006)

The last Mk I variant to be produced using the supercharged Tritec engine was the Mini Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit a light-weight, quasi-race-prepped John Cooper Works model. Hand-finished by Bertone in Italy, it was offered as a limited-production run of 2000 cars during the 2006 model year, with 444 of those originally intended for the UK market (although ultimately, 459 were sold). The GP features more bolstered front seats but had no rear seats, which along with reduced sound-deadening, removal of the rear wash-wipe system, optional air-conditioning, and other weight-reduction steps, resulted in a weight saving of around 40 kg (88 lb) compared to a Cooper S.

Additionally, the car had enhanced braking, suspension, a smooth under-body and 218 hp (163 kW) from the John Cooper Works engine modification package. In place of the rear seats there is additional body stiffening and below-floor storage areas. The car also offered many unique styling points, such as the red door mirrors, a carbon fibre rear spoiler, unique body kit, bespoke (2 kg lighter) four-spoke alloy wheels, and specialised badging. Available in just one colour scheme (Thunder Blue with a Pure Silver roof), each car was individually numbered and featured a decal on the roof along with a plaque on the dashboard.

Specifications

A 2006 Mini Cooper S Checkmate.

The Mk I Mini One, Cooper and Cooper S used some version of the reliable, Brazilian-built Tritec engine, co-developed by Chrysler & BMW; the Mini One D used a Toyota-built diesel engine. In August 2006, BMW announced that future engines would be built in the UK, making the car essentially British-built again; final assembly took place at Oxford, and the body pressings were made in nearby Swindon at BMW's Swindon Pressings Ltd subsidiary.

All models used a transversely-mounted four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels. All four wheels are pushed to the corners of the body to improve handling. The styling of the car, like that of the Volkswagen New Beetle, is a retro design that is deliberately reminiscent of the original Mini. The retro styling is further enhanced by retaining other classic Mini touches such as contrasting roof colours, optional bonnet stripes, optional rally lights, and black trim around the wheel arches and rocker panels that mimic the wide wheel flares found on many classic Minis.^[4]

The Mini One and Mini Cooper were available with a ZF VT1F continuously variable transmission or with a conventional Midlands five-speed manual transmission (model years 2001–2004); the latter was replaced with a Getrag five-speed unit for the remainder of the Mk I production (2005–2006). The Cooper S came with a six-speed Getrag manual or (starting with the 2005 model year) a fully automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

As standard, the Mini had a drive by wire electronic throttle, anti-lock brake electronic brakeforce distribution, and BMW Cornering Brake Control. Stability options were BMW's ASC traction control system and DSC electronic stability control, to improve control and handling in adverse conditions.^[9][11]

The addition of a supercharger to the Mk I Cooper S required that the battery be relocated into the rear of the car — leaving no room for a spare tyre; hence this model comes with run-flat tyres as standard.

Second generation (2006–present)

Second generation

Manufacturer	BMW
Production	2006–present (Hatch) 2009–present (Convertible)
Assembly	Cowley, Oxfordshire, UK
Class	Subcompact/Supermini
Body style	3-door hatchback 2-door convertible
Layout	FF layout
Engine	1.4 L Prince I4 (One) 1.6 L Prince/BMW N16 I4 (Cooper) 1.6 L Prince turbo I4 (Cooper S) 1.6 L Peugeot DV6 diesel I4 (Cooper D and One D) 2.0 L BMW N47 diesel I4 (Cooper SD)
Transmission	6-speed, automatic or manual
Wheelbase	97.1 in (2,466 mm)
Length	2007–2010: 145.6 in (3,698 mm) 2007–2010 S: 146.2 in (3,713 mm) 2011–present: 146.8 in (3,729 mm)
Width	66.3 in (1,684 mm)
Height	55.4 in (1,407 mm)
Related	Mini Coupé

BMW introduced an all-new, second generation of the Hardtop/Hatch Mini model in November 2006, on a re-engineered platform incorporating many stylistic and engineering changes. It uses the Prince engine, the architecture of which is shared with PSA Peugeot Citroën and is designed to be more cost-effective and fuel-efficient, and is manufactured at the BMW Hams Hall engine plant in Warwickshire, United Kingdom.^[12] The engineering was done in the United Kingdom by BMW Group UK Engineering, in Munich, Germany at BMW Group headquarters, and by external third parties.

Initially launched in the Cooper and Cooper S trim levels; the range was completed in 2007 with the Mk II Mini One. An economical version called the First was added in 2009.^[13] For the first time, there was a diesel-powered Hatch, available from April 2007, and badged as the Cooper D, which was supplemented in 2010 by the lower powered One D^[14] and in January 2011 with a new 2.0 L diesel badged as the Cooper SD.

The second generation Convertible was unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show^[15] and the 2009 Geneva International Motor Show^[16] as a 2009 model-year vehicle (first available for sale on 28 March 2009^[17]). The model features a device, marketed as the "Openometer", which records the number of minutes the vehicle has operated with its roof retracted.

Design

Mini Cooper S (2007+)

Though the Mk II has a familiar look, every panel on the new car was changed from the previous model. New safety requirements resulted in the overall length increasing by 60 millimetres (2.4 in), the front end raised and the indicators being repositioned inside the headlight housings. The headlights themselves are now fixed to the front quarter panels rather than being integrated with the bonnet, so that they are not raised up with it when the bonnet opens. The car features a restyled grille and larger rear light clusters. The Cooper S retains the bonnet scoop in order to keep an association with the outgoing model — although the relocation of the intercooler to the front of the engine means that the scoop is now purely decorative. In addition, the Cooper S no longer has the battery located under the boot floor, instead being found in the more conventional location under the bonnet. The C-pillars are no longer encased in glass and have been shaped to improve aerodynamics and to reduce the tendency for dirt to accumulate on the back of the car. Much criticised for the lack of rear legroom, Mini added more space for rear passengers by creating sculpted cut-outs in the rear of the front seats. An engine start button replaces the conventional ignition key and, with the optional 'Comfort Access', the car may be unlocked with a button on the door handle when the key is brought close to the car.

Technical specifications

Mini II Cooper D

The Cooper and Cooper S models offer a new rear axle and aluminium components to reduce the car's weight; and a Sports kit option comprising harder springs, damper and anti-roll bars is offered with both variants. Another key difference is the introduction of an upgraded electric power steering system, the sharpness of which can be increased by pressing a "Sport" button in front of the gear lever (both auto and manual); additionally, the "Sport" button adjusts the response of the accelerator, and in conjunction with automatic transmission, also allows the engine to rev almost to the redline before changing gear.

In the Cooper model the Tritec four-cylinder engine was replaced with a 120 metric horsepower (88 kW) 1.6-litre Prince engine incorporating BMW's Valvetronic infinitely variable valve timing, developed on and with Peugeot's core engine. It has been reported in road tests that this takes the car from 0–100 km/h in a claimed 9.1 seconds (0-60 mph: 8.5 seconds)^[18] and has a top speed of 125 miles per hour (201 km/h). Fuel economy of 48.7 miles per imperial gallon (5.80 L/100 km; 40.6 mpg_-US) on the combined cycle is nearly 8 miles per imperial gallon (6.7 mpg_-US) better. The more powerful 175 metric horsepower (129 kW) Cooper S replaces the supercharger with a new twin scroll turbocharger in the interests of efficiency, and features gasoline direct injection; consequently, this engine version does not feature Valvetronic. This engine also has an "overboost" function which temporarily raises the torque by 20 newton metres (15 lbf·ft) under hard acceleration. As a result, 0–100 km/h is covered in a claimed 7.1 seconds (0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds),^[18] and top speed is 140 miles per hour (230 km/h). It achieves similar improvements in fuel economy to the Cooper, returning 40.9 miles per imperial gallon (6.91 L/100 km; 34.1 mpg_-US) combined. Both engines may be mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The turbocharged engine is the same (although with some French engineering modifications) as the one in the Peugeot 207 GTi/RC.

Since 2008 all non-U.S. Mini models (except the standard Mini One) have been equipped with BMW's Efficient Dynamics fuel-saving technology, called "Minimalism Technologies" in Mini literature. This includes a start-stop feature that shuts off the engine when the car is stationary; when the clutch pedal is depressed, the engine is restarted with electricity generated from Brake Energy Regeneration. The Cooper D model attains 74.0 miles per imperial gallon (3.82 L/100 km; 61.6 mpg_-US) and emits 104 g of carbon dioxide per 100 kilometres. A Mini One D has been available in Europe since 2009, attaining the same fuel efficiency and emissions of greenhouse gases as the Cooper D, which is itself quite comparable to the Toyota Prius for fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions (potentially better than the Prius at higher rpm). With the widespread use of its Efficient Dynamics feature, Mini is the first automotive brand to have all models in its range classified as mild hybrids (Mini's parent, BMW, is still in the process of implementing Efficient Dynamics across its older models).^{[citation needed]}

All models of the Mk II with optional dynamic stability control (DSC) also include "Hill Assist", a feature which prevents the car from rolling backwards on an incline by holding the brakes for 2 seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal, allowing the driver time to engage the accelerator pedal without the vehicle drifting. Also included with DSC is hydraulic EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) as opposed to the mechanical system on Minis without DSC. DSC is standard on all Minis since September 2008.

The interior of the Mk II echoes the style of the earlier model, but is in fact a complete redesign. The boot of the new car has an additional 10 litres (2.2 imp gal; 2.6 US gal) of load space. Other changes in design - both visible and otherwise - have contributed to the Mini's recently awarded 5 stars in the Euro NCAP tests. One example is the higher front bonnet, which now complies with the European pedestrian collision regulations.

Breakdown statistics reported by the German Automobile Club in May 2010 placed the Mini at the top of the small car class in respect of the low break-down rates achieved for cars aged between 0 and 4 years,^[19][20] narrowly beating the Ford Fusion and Mitsubishi Colt.

Model range

The Mk II range was launched with the One, Cooper and Cooper S derivatives. In July 2009, a new budget version called Mini First was added. Similar to the One, but lower output 1.6 L engine 75 metric horsepower (55 kW) and no automatic option, it pre-empted the launch of the One Minimalism by including the Mini Minimalism technologies.^[21] The vehicle launched with a base MSRP of £10,950.^[22]

2011–present Mini Cooper (US)

In January 2010 the Mini One Minimalism was announced, which was available in two states of tune depending on the market: (75 metric horsepower (55 kW) and 98 metric horsepower (72 kW)). The model was marketed as a more environmentally friendly option with low 119 kilograms (260 lb) per kilometer carbon dioxide (CO₂) helped by low resistance tyres and flush wheel trims, and included the Minimalism technologies previously excluded from the Mini One.

In spring 2011, a new diesel Mini Cooper SD was launched. With a new four-cylinder 2.0 L turbo diesel engine, it had an output of 145 metric horsepower (107 kW) and maximum torque of 305 newton metres (225 lbf·ft) between 1,750 and 2,700 rpm.^[23]

Mini John Cooper Works Challenge (2008 to present)

The Mini John Cooper Works Challenge is a purpose-built race car, based on the R56 Hardtop, and manufactured in the BMW Motorsport factory located in Munich. The Challenge was unveiled in 2007 at the Frankfurt IAA Motor Show.^[24]

The BMW Motorsport factory has been responsible for the construction of Formula One and European touring cars for many years. The R56 Challenge features a six-speed manual transmission; 17-inch Borbet wheels with Dunlop control slick racing tyres; John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit including front splitter, rear diffuser, and high-downforce, adjustable rear wing; race-specific AP Racing ABS braking system; KW suspension rebound; height- and camber-adjustable coilover suspension; full roll cage; Recaro bucket seat with six-point safety belt; HANS device; Sparco racing steering wheel; air jack system; and a fully electronic fire extinguishing system.

The car features a 1.6-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged engine that produces 155 kW (211 PS; 208 hp) at 6,000 rpm, along with 261 N·m (193 lb·ft) of torque. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h (60 mph) is claimed at 6.1 seconds, and braking time from 100–0 km/h is just 3.1 seconds.

Mini John Cooper Works (2009-present)

Mini John Cooper works model year 2011

Loosely based on the John Cooper Works (JCW) Challenge car, these are essentially Cooper S vehicles with a higher-output engine; a low-back-pressure exhaust system; a stiffer sport suspension; 17-inch light alloy rims with low-profile, performance tyres; Brembo performance brakes; and BMW's dynamic stability control (DSC) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) as standard equipment. All JCW models are only available with a specific 6-speed Getrag manual transmission, and come with distinctive "John Cooper Works" badging in place of the normal "Cooper S" badging. The JCW vehicles are also factory-built, which further distinguishes them from earlier Mk II Cooper S models with any of the available John Cooper Works accessories (engine and suspension upgrades, aerodynamics kit, etc.) that are dealer-installed. All JCW models achieve the same EPA fuel economy ratings as their Cooper S counterparts.^[25]

The engine is rated at 211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp) and 261 N·m (193 lb·ft); under heavy acceleration, the engine automatically boosts torque output to a peak of 279 N·m (206 lb·ft). These figures are achieved by reducing compression ratio to 10.0:1, and increasing boost from 0.9 bar (13 psi) to 1.3 bar (19 psi) when compared to the turbocharged engine used in the Cooper S.^[26] According to Mini, the JCW Hardtop will sprint to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in 6.2 seconds, with the JCW Clubman clocking in at 6.5 seconds; both vehicles top out at 147 miles per hour (237 km/h)

The JCW variants were unveiled in 2008 at the Geneva Auto Show, as 2009 model-year vehicles.^[27]

Mini John Cooper Works World Championship 50 (2009)

This is a limited-edition (originally planned to be 250 units, then subsequently increased to 500) of the John Cooper Works Hardtop. It commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Formula One World Championship title won by John Cooper (builder) and Jack Brabham (driver).

The production vehicle was inspired by John Cooper's son, Mike. It includes the John Cooper Works aerodynamics package; John Cooper Works Cross Spoke Challenge light-alloy wheels in Jet Black; specific body paint colours (Connaught Green body with Pepper White roof and bonnet stripes), carbon fibre bonnet scoop, rear diffuser, exterior mirror caps and tailgate handle; and specific interior colour scheme (Carbon Black interior with red knee-rolls, armrests and red stitching on the floor mats, gearshift & handbrake gaiters). The John Cooper signature was provided by "John" Michael Cooper.

The car was unveiled in 2009 Mini United Festival in Silverstone.^[28]

Special editions

An April Fool's joke of the Mini Cooper, called the Yachstman

The old tradition of producing special, limited-edition Minis was also continued with the new Mini. For example, the Mini Monte Carlo,^[29] recently launched in Singapore, is a tribute to the old Mini Cooper Monte Carlo, itself a limited edition Mini to celebrate Paddy Hopkirk's return to the Monte Carlo Rally 30 years after his original win. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mini brand, two models were released. The Mini 50 Mayfair and the Mini 50 Camden. The most striking feature of the Camden were the extremely limited edition black bi-xenon headlight reflectors and the 'Mission Control' previously seen only in the Countryman and later also seen on the Mini 50 Clubman Hampton. The Camden's sister, the MINI 50th anniversary Mayfair, does not have the 'Mission Control' option that gives the driver notifications, but offers excellent accoutrements and styling within the Mayfair, including Hot-Chocolate metallic paint, toffee-colored leather seats with light-blue sport stitching, special side-mirror caps, and chrome fog-lamps. The MINI Mayfair is touted to be an "ideal" city car, as gas mileage is excellent as well as it being highly maneuverable in tight spots. The MINI can tote a full 4-pc. drumset (with a 22" bass drum in an Enduro case) and hardware snugly.

Awards

The Mini Cooper/Cooper S (2001–2006) won the North American Car of the Year award in 2003.^[30]

See also

• Mini (marque)
• Automotive industry in the United Kingdom

References