Mini gets a facelift

The Mini is undergoing a facelift in a bid to keep up with emerging competitors in the retro-chic sector.

Announcing revamps on their hatchback, convertibles and Clubman ranges, the upgraded supermini's will go on sale to car buyers in August/September next year.

With bijou offerings from the Audi A1 and Fiat 500, BMW-owned Mini need to refresh to stay current with their target audience of young professionals and girl-about-town types. According to Car Magazine, Mini cosmetic enhancements include a new front bumper and foglights, as well as sporty air intakes for the Cooper S models. Inside, cheap looking plastic has been replaced by a silver effect dashboard.

Looking under the bonnet, Mini are to utilise diesel power, offering buyers an all new 1.6 litre diesel model. Cooper fans will be pleased, as Mini is to produce a Cooper D hatch with 110 bhp and 270 Nm of torque, propelling the car from 0-62 mph in 9.7 seconds. Although these stats won't rival the rumoured S1, the Mini is still high on the leader board in terms of kitsch styling and Brit-cool appeal.

Embedding technology into its design, the new Mini will come equipped with a 'Mini Connected' multimedia system, allowing tech fans to use Twitter and other web-based media from the car's centre console.

Prices of the 2011 Mini are likely to rival the A1 at upwards of £13,000 for a base model.

 

 

Lorraine Louw, London, VW Polo

Joleen Costello, Leicester, Ford Ka