The 2018 MINI LCI :

New technology, cutting-edge connectivity, standard-fit front and rear LED lights across the range and an advanced dual-clutch automatic gearbox are just some of the features in the new 2018 MINI 3-Door Hatch, MINI 5-Door Hatch and MINI Convertible, which will launch at MINI retailers in Ireland this March.

New technology, cutting-edge connectivity, standard-fit front and rear LED lights across the range and an advanced dual-clutch automatic gearbox are just some of the features in the new 2018 MINI 3-Door Hatch, MINI 5-Door Hatch and MINI Convertible, which will launch at MINI retailers across Ireland this March.

The changes are focused on driver appeal and core new technologies, including MINI Connected Concierge services, wireless smartphone charging and first-in-class options such as new anti-dazzle adaptive headlights with Matrix high beam.

First-in-class new ‘Matrix’ adaptive LED headlamps will be offered as an option on the new MINI Hatch and Convertible range, which automatically adjusts brightness using a matrix of different light elements to cater for specific road conditions.

The adaptive LEDs also feature an automatic selective dip function when on high beam, which automatically extinguishes the parts of the lamp which may dazzle other drivers, while at the same time offering optimal illumination.

New MINI logo: reduced to the essentials.

The 2018 MINI range will also see the debut of an all-new MINI logo on the vehicle. The new badge has a flat two-dimensional design, reflecting MINI’s new brand identity with its focus on the essentials – namely key values such as driving fun, distinctive design, premium quality and emotional appeal. The new logo appears on the bonnet, tailgate, steering wheel, instrument display and central locking remote control on all models.

Three new colours, including premiere for Piano Black Exterior.

The range of body finishes available for the new MINI range includes three brand new colours, namely Emerald Grey metallic, Starlight Blue metallic and Solaris Orange metallic.

Exterior options now include an additional means of customising the exterior design. With the Piano Black Exterior pack, the surrounds of the headlights, rear lights and radiator grille are finished in high-gloss black instead of chrome.

The choice of alloy wheels has been expanded, too. 17-inch ‘Roulette’ and ‘Propeller’ designs are now available for all body variants of the new MINI Hatch and Convertible, along with a new ‘Rail’ two-tone wheel.

New leather trims, interior surfaces and colour lines.

A broad selection of seat surfaces, interior surfaces and colour lines add a touch of individual style to the interior of the new MINI range. These include Chester leather trim in Malt Brown and a colour line now also available in Malt Brown.

Maximum individualisation: MINI Yours Customised.

The MINI Yours Customised program includes new products whose design can be created by customers themselves, which are then produced precisely according to their individual specifications. It includes side scuttles, decorative strips for the interior on the passenger side, LED door sill finishers and LED door projectors.

MINI Yours Customised products can be selected, designed and ordered through a specially created online shop launching later in 2018. Here customers can choose between various colours, patterns, surface structures and icons, as well as contributing their own texts and adding a touch of personal style to the design. This creative interaction between manufacturer and customer enables MINI drivers to turn their vehicle into a unique expression of their own personality. The individualised products are manufactured using innovative production techniques, including 3D printing and laser engraving.

Drive: increased driving fun and reduced weight.

Revisions to engines and powertrain have been made to further enhance driving fun. Development has been applied across the board, including the basic engine, MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology, engine electronics, oil supply, intake air ducting, the cooling system and the exhaust system.

One very clever feature of the new MINI engines is the use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) on the engine covers, which not only  contributes to further weight reduction, but also takes advantage of using recycled material generated during the production of BMW’s ‘i’ range of electric vehicles.

The 3-cylinder petrol engine in the MINI One has seen an increase in capacity to 1.5 litres, increasing maximum torque by 10 Nm, taking it to 190 Nm.

New: 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch with electronic selector lever.

All new MINIs come with a precise six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but now 3-Door Hatch, 5-Door Hatch and Convertible models are now also available with a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch as an option.

The transmission is offered on MINI One, MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper D engine variants, and is characterised by very fast gearshifts, enabling sporty acceleration and an impressive spread of torque.

The transmission comes with an all-new electronic selector lever, while on the MINI Cooper S the automatic option includes shift paddles at the steering wheel for a level of manual intervention.

All Steptronic transmissions allow the car to coast in MID and GREEN mode and incorporate the latest generation of auto start/stop functions.

Using the satellite navigation data and the car’s inbuilt camera systems, the stop/start can be intelligently controlled to identify situations in which it is better not to switch off the engine: for example when stopping briefly before making a turn or entering a roundabout, or if the traffic ahead has started moving again.

New steering wheel with multifunction buttons and radio with 6.5-inch colour screen as standard.

The newly designed three-spoke steering wheel in the MINI range now features multifunction buttons. On the left-hand control panel it is possible to activate the Speed Limit Device to set a maximum speed, while the audio and communication controls are on the right-hand side. A sports leather steering wheel, a MINI Yours sports leather steering wheel and a John Cooper Works leather steering wheel are all available as options. The standard trim also includes an audio system with 6.5-inch colour screen in the central instrument panel and mobile phone integration via Bluetooth.

New options: Refreshed Pepper and Chili packs now include rear PDC and MINI Logo projection as standard.
For 2018, MINI has introduced new options and enhanced the equipment offered in the popular Pepper and Chili packs.

Pepper Pack adds extra content including 15-inch light alloy wheels, MINI Excitement Pack, leather steering wheel, rain sensor with automatic headlight activation and automatic air conditioning. A new addition to the Pepper Pack in 2018 is rear park distance control (PDC) ensuring that the MINI vehicles are easier than ever to park in and around town.

Chili Pack builds on the contents of the Pepper Pack, adding extras features including 17-inch light alloy wheels, cloth and leather upholstery, a sport steering wheel and a sport button to further enhance the driving experience.

The MINI Excitement Package, which is included in the Pepper and Chili packs for customers, now includes MINI logo projection on the driver’s side. When the vehicle door is opened and closed, the new MINI logo is projected onto the ground in front of the door from a light source in the exterior mirror and can be seen there for 20 seconds, or permanently if the door is left open.

Infotainment and Navigation: 6.5-inch full colour display as standard and debut of new Navigation Plus Pack with wireless charging.

As standard, all vehicles will have a 6.5-inch full colour display and standard rotary controller. Customers can choose to upgrade this screen to include optional MINI Navigation with a touchscreen display and Apple CarPlay functionality.

MINI has simplified the range of additional infotainment packs for customers in 2018, with one new infotainment package now offered. The new Navigation Plus package contains a raft of innovative optional equipment, including MINI’s new 8.8-inch touchscreen display, wireless charging, new MINI Connected Services.