MINI fans around the world can look forward to some changes to the iconic brand’s 2011 model range, with the Cooper, Clubman, Convertible and high-performance John Cooper Works model receiving fresh styling, engine upgrades and new features.
Setting apart the new lineup visually is a new bumper that was redesigned to meet increasingly stringent pedestrian protection requirements, as well as new LED tail-lamps. An array of new exterior paint finishes and wheel designs is also available for the 2011 MINI range.
Inside, there are newly designed controls for the audio and air conditioning systems and new trim and color options. Other changes include new audio and navigation systems, as well as extra integration for portable devices. All the radio systems come with an MP3-compatible CD player and an AUX IN connection, while the MINI Visual Boost radio and MINI navigation system features a new color display in the speedo and a Bluetooth hands-free system complete with USB audio interface.
We’ll have to wait until closer to the car’s local launch later in the year for all the U.S. specs but overseas the MINI range receives several new diesel engine variants, offering improved response, efficiency and smoothness. The new MINI One D rated at 90 horsepower and new MINI Cooper D with 112 horsepower on tap set a new benchmark in efficiency, with average fuel consumption of 62 mpg for the European combined cycle. Also new to the range are the MINI One D Clubman and MINI Cooper D Convertible--the latter being the first ever open-top MINI with an oil-burner.
The 2011 MINI range will make its world debut at the 2010 Paris Auto Show in September and is expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms towards the end of the year.
[MINI]
