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Feann Torr3 Apr 2014
NEWS

More MINI for less money

Third-generation MINI will be bigger, more efficient and up to $5000 cheaper

MINI Australia has announced pricing for its all-new Cooper hatch just two weeks before its local launch in mid-April, confirming our report that the third-generation model will be significantly cheaper than before.

Buyers will save thousands of dollars on all models, the entry-level MINI Cooper hatch now priced at $26,650 plus on-road costs, representing a $5000 reduction over the outgoing equivalent model ($31,650 plus ORCs).

However, MINI is yet to reveal a direct replacement for the outgoing MINI Ray -- a pared-back model that opens the superseded range at $25,600 plus ORCs -- meaning that MkIII MINI prices could eventually go even lower, to less than $25,000.

As we reported from the car's international launch, the new entry-level MINI Cooper hatch is a significant improvement over its predecessor thanks to more interior room, improved cabin ergonomics and the introduction of a thrilling new 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.

Replacing the old 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine, the new triple bangs out 100kW/220Nm and is the most refined three-cylinder engine we've tested. It's also very efficient, with claimed fuel usage of just 4.7L/100km.

The mid-range MINI Cooper D is likewise driven by a new 1.5-litre turbo triple – this time a diesel offering 85kW/270Nm. It drinks fuel at a hybrid-like rate of just 3.5L/100km with a manual gearbox (3.7L/100km with the auto) and is pegged at $31,800 plus ORCs -- a saving of $3000.

The range-topping MINI Cooper S hot hatch is also a more involving and feistier car to drive thanks to a bigger 2.0-litre turbo-petrol that produces 141lW/280Nm, rising to 300Nm with overboost.

That's enough mumbo to see the British bulldog accelerate to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds, and if driven lethargically can achieve fuel consumption of 5.2L/100km says MINI. The Cooper S is priced at $36,950 plus ORCs, representing a price drop of $3750.

MINI Australia's general manager, Kai Bruesewitz, says the new model is even more attainable, despite the improvements in engine, chassis and car entertainment technology.

"The new MINI receives the latest technology and features for a much higher level of refinement. At the same time, we’ve retained the engaging ‘go-kart’ driving style this iconic vehicle is known for," he said.

"But the best news for Australian MINI fans is that we have been able to reduce the pricing of the all-new MINI, making it more accessible than ever before," Bruesewitz stated.

Longer and wider than before, the new model also gets 51 litres more boot space -- now 211 litres. A new infotainment system has also been added and the large central speedometer has been scrapped for a traditional gauge in the instrument cluster.

The console-mounted electric window switches have also been moved to the doors, although the new MINI still have a number of toggle switches, including the new engine starter switch.

MINI Australia says it is still finalising the standard features on all models, but has confirmed they will be offered with several MINI firsts, including a head-up display, camera-based active cruise control, collision and pedestrian warning and LED headlights.

Last year MINI sold 1647 Cooper hatches in Australia – just 10 more than its arch-rival, the Audi A1, which is priced from $26,500.

MINI will be hoping the more affordable new model will lift sales this year, as the first three months of 2014 have seen the A1 streak ahead in the sales race, with 466 sales compared to the MINI hatch's 306.

The full pricing for 2014 MINI Cooper range listed below is for six-speed manual models. A conventional six-speed auto will be a $2350 option.

2014 MINI Cooper pricing:
MINI Cooper -- $26,650
MINI Cooper D -- $31,800
MINI Cooper S -- $36,950

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