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When the revamped MINI was launched in 2001, only one body style was available on the market: the MINI Hatch. 23 years later the Cooper Hatch has evolved to a new icon; in this article we’ll dive deep into the MINI Cooper, what’s changed and what remains the same?
MINI is all-grown-up and its classic MINI shape has been shorn of adornments and smoothed out to create a more MINImalist and sophisticated look. The interior boasts a ‘knitted’ dashboard which is a unique (and pretty cool) way of lifting an interior, it also feels incredibly well-made and premium.
In the midst of the knitted dashboard, a juxtaposition comes in the form of the smooth and circular OLED display with prodigious processing power and crisp resolution. It’s an impressive piece of kit to say the least, and isn’t distracting when driving.
In true MINI style, there is a line-up of physical switches below the advanced tech of the OLED display which includes a toggle to change between the various ‘Experience Modes’:
GO KART
Deliver more smiles per mile, Go-Kart Mode is all about amplifying the thrill and excitement of driving. It focuses on agility and enhancing the driving experience.
BALANCE
Balance Mode helps you find a sense of tranquillity. Enjoy a calming atmosphere with soothing driving sounds and gentle interior lighting. If your MINI is equipped with massage seats, Balance Mode will activate an in-seat massage to enhance your relaxation.
VIVID
Vivid Mode is designed to make your music the star of your journey. Whether you're looking to enhance the fun, escape to another world, or make the miles fly by, Vivid Mode puts your music at the forefront. It not only highlights your tunes but also transforms your cabin’s lighting to reflect the mood and style of whatever you're listening to.
CORE
Core Mode is the default setting for the circular OLED display. It activates all standard comfort driving features, uses default driving sounds, and creates a serene, neutral lighting ambiance in your cabin.
GREEN
Green Mode focuses on efficiency. An onboard tracker provides real-time visual feedback on your driving habits and suggests ways to enhance your efficiency. You'll also enjoy nature-inspired sounds and calming green lighting to complement the experience.
PERSONAL
Personal Mode is all about customisation. You can choose the background for your circular OLED display by uploading up to 3 of your own photos. Once selected, the lighting will adjust to match the colours of your images.
TIMELESS
Timeless Mode captures the iconic spirit of the original Mini and updates it with modern design. Activating this mode transports you back in time with graphics inspired by the round analogue displays of the first Mini car, accompanied by a soundscape rich in classic tones.
In terms of its handling, the Cooper S embodies the very essence of a modern MINI. The steering is reminiscent of a Go-Kart, direct and powerful – yet in the cabin you feel secure due to its immense body control and lateral grip.
On the road the engine delivers impressive low-end punch, making the car feel agile and responsive in traffic. There's a distinct duality to its character: when driven aggressively, it emits an artificially enhanced roar and occasional pops from the exhaust. Conversely, when cruising around town, the automatic gearbox shifts seamlessly, and the engine is so quiet that you can hardly tell it's running at all.
The New MINI Family Cooper has the same charm and idiosyncrasies as its predecessors but you may have noticed a few changes to the historic design. This is not an attempt to change MINI at its core but to update a symbol and stamp a new interpretation of what it is to be MINI.
