Wazzup Pilipinas!
MINI Philippines has introduced an entirely new body variant – the MINI 5 Door – for the first time in its history. Available locally in two variants; MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S, the MINI 5 Door will be retailed at the MINI Global City, MINI Greenhills and MIN Cebu.
“As with every other MINI, the MINI 5 Door has preserved MINI’s signature driving fun, its distinctive character and refinement of the third model generation, by incorporating enhanced practicality through extra space,” said Willy Tee Ten, President of British United Automobiles Inc. “With more foot space, legroom and luggage space added, as well as the introduction of two rear doors and three separate back seats, the MINI 5 Door has achieved greater comfort and practicality without compromising on typical MINI go-kart handling and characteristic.”
New 5 Door Design means more room, more space, greater comfort.
The body of the MINI 5 Door is 3,982 millimetres long (MINI Cooper S 5 Door is 4,005 millimetres), 1,727 millimetres wide and 1,425 millimetres tall. This makes the MINI Cooper 5 Door +161 millimetres longer and +11 millimetres higher than the 3-door version. The width remains the same.
Meanwhile, the MINI Cooper S 5 Door is +155mm longer than the 3-door version. The wheelbase has been extended by +72 millimetres to 2,567 millimetres, while the track is identical to that of the 3-door version.
Interior comfort has also been enhanced. Thanks to the extended wheelbase, rear passengers now have +37 millimetres more legroom available to them, while the increased space also provides for a third seat in the back row. Access to the rear is also more comfortable.
Meanwhile, the luggage compartment has a volume of 278 litres, an increase of +67 litres or around 30 percent when compared to the 3-door model. The car’s high level of versatility is also supported by the 60:40 folding split in the rear backrest. It enables the luggage compartment volume to be increased to 941 litres.
MINI Twin Power Turbo Technology: More power, more efficiency.
The MINI 5 Door comes with both 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines, all featuring MINI Twin Power Turbo Technology. The petrol engines include turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS). In the engines of the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper models there is also fully variable valve control in the form of VALVETRONIC, as patented by the BMW Group.
For highly spirited power delivery, the MINI Cooper S 5 Door is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with a peak output of 192 hp which goes on stream between 4,700 and 6,000 rpm, delivering its maximum torque of 280 Nm from 1,250 to 4,750 rpm. Torque can even briefly be increased to 300 Nm by means of an overboost function. As a result, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 6.8 seconds, while the top speed is 233 km/h. The average fuel consumption of the MINI Cooper S 5 Door is 5.5 litres per 100 km, while its level of CO2 emissions 127 g/100km (per average EU test cycle).
With output of 136 hp at 4,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 220 Nm (230 Nm at 1,300 rpm with overboost), now available from 1,250 to 4,000rpm, the 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine in the MINI Cooper 5 Door also enables much sportier driving performance than the predecessor power unit. The MINI Cooper 5 Door sprints in 8.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, with a top speed of 210 km/h. Its average fuel consumption has been reduced to 5.0litres per 100km and a CO2 emissions level of 115 g/100km (per average EU test cycle).
Six-speed automatic transmission: Intelligently optimized shift dynamics and efficiency.
The six-speed automatic transmission, which comes standard for both the Cooper and Cooper S offer improved efficiency, enhanced shift comfort and increased shift dynamics. These advancements have been achieved by means of such elements as a more efficient transmission control system, a more direct connection and optimised hydraulics. The MINI 5 Door also combines automatic transmission with the automatic engine start/stop function, preventing unnecessary fuel consumption caused by idling at junctions or in congested traffic.
In conjunction with the MINI navigation system, the automatic transmission is also able to take account of the route profile in controlling gear shifts. Based on navigation data, the appropriate drive position is selected to match the imminent situation on the road, e.g. directly prior to junctions or on corners. This prevents unnecessary upshifts between two bends in quick succession, for example.
The MINIMALISM technology which comes as standard includes not only the automatic engine start/stop function but also extensive measures to optimise weight and aerodynamic drag in the MINI 5 Door. Other measures include brake energy recuperation and needs-oriented control of the fuel pump, coolant pump and other ancillary units.
Optimised suspension technology: Lesser weight, more go-kart feeling.
The suspension technology of the new MINI 5 Door retains the well-established principle of the single-joint spring strut axle at the front and the multilink rear axle. It is a set-up which is unique within the competitive environment. Every component has been optimised in terms of material selection and geometry, and everything possible has been done to create MINI’s much-loved handling properties – commonly referred to as the brand’s signature ‘go-kart’ feeling – in the new MINI 5 Door.
The mechanical set-up also takes account of the high level of engine power, front-wheel drive transmission, transversely mounted engine at the front, low centre of gravity, short overhangs, wide track and a rigid, weight-optimized body structure.
In order to achieve a lightweight and a high level of component rigidity, the front axle is fitted with aluminum swivel bearings as well as axle supports and wishbones made of high-strength steel. The front axle kinematics supports the agile turn-in response and precise steering sensation of the new MINI 5 Door. High-strength steel types are also used for the rear axle. Tube-shaped stabilizers at the front and rear axle contribute to weight reduction. The innovative axle bearing benefits both ride comfort and agility.
MINI Driving Modes: Sporty flair and efficiency at your fingertips.
The MINI 5 Door Driving Modes provide an excellent basis for fuel efficient or sporty motoring. A rotary switch at the base of the gear or selector lever is used to activate the standard MID mode, the SPORT or the GREEN mode. In addition to the characteristic curve of the accelerator and steering and engine acoustics, the MINI Driving Modes also influence the ambient lighting, the displays in the LED centre instrument, the shift characteristics of the automatic transmission and the Dynamic Damper Control configuration (MINI Cooper S only). The choice is between a setup of very sporty, comfortable and well-balanced, or geared towards fuel efficiency.
In GREEN mode - supporting a relaxed and more fuel-efficient driving style - the energy used by electrically powered comfort functions such as air conditioning is reduced. In cars fitted with automatic transmission it is also possible to use the coasting function. The drivetrain is decoupled at speeds of between 50km/h and 160km/h as soon as the driver removes their foot from the accelerator pedal. The MINI 5 Door then rolls at idling engine speed at a minimum rate of fuel consumption.
Dynamic Damper Control: Optional on Cooper S variant.
The MINI 5 Door is also fitted with Dynamic Damper Control. Two characteristic lines are available for damper set-up, allowing activation of either a more comfort-oriented response or a direct, sporty response to road bumps, depending on the given situation. The compression and rebound stage are adjusted by means of electrical control of the EDC valves.
Enhanced Driving Dynamism: MINI driving experience intensified.
Engineered into the electromechanical power steering is compensation for so-called ‘torque steer’. This prevents self-steering tendencies caused by differing degrees of torque at the drive wheels. Steering precision is also ensured when it comes to sudden avoidance swerves and when taking bends at higher loads.
Additionally, the MINI 5 Door comes with anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and the brake assistant. It also comes with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which includes a drive-off assistant, a brake dry function, Fading Brake Support and DTC mode (Dynamic Traction Control). DTC, in particular, permits controlled slip at the drive wheels so as to facilitate driving off on loose sand.
When the driving stability system is deactivated (DSC Off mode), there is an electronic locking function for the front axle differential which selectively and appropriately brakes a spinning drive wheel on tight corners, redirecting the drive torque to the other wheel. This system, known as Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC), promotes the car's forward momentum without negatively influencing self-steering response.
The MINI Cooper S 5 Door also features the Performance Control system, which counteracts any tendency to understeer prior to reaching the threshold level. This supports an agile yet neutral driving response on bends.
The 15-inch forged light alloy wheels in the new MINI Cooper 5 door is particularly lightweight and has favourable aerodynamic properties. The new MINI Cooper S 5 Door is fitted as standard with 17-inch light alloy wheels. Other light alloy wheels up to a size of 18 inches are available as part of the program of options and accessories. Run Flat Tyres are available as standard to fit all rim sizes.
Intelligent Lightweight Construction: Higher level of safety and agility.
Intelligent lightweight construction means that weight reduction in the MINI is combined with an increase in rigidity. The result is improved agility and occupant protection. In spite of the wide range of fittings, virtually all variants of the new MINI 5 Door are lighter than their competitors in the segment. Highly resilient load-bearing structures, advanced deformation zones and an extremely stable passenger cell provide an excellent basis for keeping impact energy away from passengers and ensuring maximum occupant protection. The safety concept behind the new MINI 5 Door is geared towards achieving maximum scores on all the relevant crash tests worldwide.
Comprehensive safety technology including pedestrian protection
The standard safety fittings of the new MINI 5 Door comprise front and side airbags, as well as curtain airbags for the front and rear seats. All seats are fitted with 3-point seat belts and there are belt tensioners and belt force limiters at the front. ISOFIX child seat mountings are provided at the rear and are optional on the front passenger seat.
There are also safety features which are designed to minimise the risk of injury to pedestrians. These include impact absorbers, precisely defined deformation elements and a partially active engine compartment lid. In the event of a collision with a pedestrian, which is registered by special sensors, a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism raises the engine compartment lid. This creates additional deformation space and significantly reduces the risk of injury when impacting against very hard parts of the engine.
Innovative driver assistance systems: Increased convenience and safety.
The new MINI 5 Door comes with optional driver assistance systems including the optional MINI Head-Up-Display, which shows information relevant to the driver on an extendible monitor in the upper section of the dashboard between the windscreen and steering wheel. The MINI Head-Up Display promotes concentration on the road by displaying information directly in the driver's line of sight. It can then be read quickly and conveniently without averting one's eyes from the road. The information that can be shown in the MINI Head-Up Display includes speed in figures, navigation directions in the form of arrow graphics and junction sketches, visual signals for collision warning, display symbols generated by Speed Limit Info and No Passing Info, Check Control messages and entertainment program details such as radio channels and track titles. The graphics on the high-resolution screen are clearly visible in all light conditions.
Other innovations in the area of driver assistance systems for the MINI 5 Door include the Driving Assistant option. This comprises a camera-based cruise control and distance control function which automatically maintains a distance from the vehicle ahead, and the collision and pedestrian warning system with initial brake function. In critical situations, the driver is first provided with a visual signal in the form of a graphic symbol that appears in the instrument cluster; this is supplemented at the second warning level by an acoustic signal prompting the driver to react.
In addition to this, an automatic brake manoeuvre is triggered in the case of an imminent collision with a pedestrian or if there is a risk of a rear-end collision in urban traffic. Here the MINI 5 Door is decelerated at medium brake force. Depending on the situation, this can either prevent an impact occurring altogether or else significantly reduce the severity of the accident. As the automatic deceleration is activated, the driver is also given an unmistakable prompt to intervene.
A rear view camera and parking assistant are also optionally available for the MINI 5 Door. The video images supplied by the rear view camera underneath the tailgate handle are shown on the on-board computer in the central instrument as an aid when manoeuvring and reverse parking.
The MINI 5 Door is available for viewing at MINI Global City, MINI Roadshow Greenhills and MINI Cebu.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
