Mini Cooper gets subtle ‘modern’ update
The Mini Cooper fourth generation has taken on some design changes that are best described as subtle
The fourth-generation Mini Cooper three-door Hatch, five-door Hatch, Electric, and Convertible models have all been subject to some small changes in design. The idea, says Oliver Heilmer, head of Mini Design, is to make them “more modern… fresher, clearer.”
Comparison of the Mini Cooper Generation 4 Mk II (left) with the new Mini Cooper Generation 4 Mk III (right)
At a first glance the changes are difficult to spot. The grille is slightly larger, with a new hexagonal surround. Vertical air vents have replaced the position lights, and the central bumper strip is finished in the same colour as the body, rather than black. The inner housing of the headlamps are finished in a glossy black, instead of the previous chrome finish. There are new wheel arch contours, and the indicator lights have been redesigned and fitted with LEDs. At the rear, the fog lights are integrated into the apron as a narrow LED unit.
One of the more notable changes comes in the form of paint jobs, with three new options to choose – ‘Rooftop Grey’, ’Island Blue’ and ‘Zesty Yellow’, the latter of which is exclusive to the Convertible. There have also been some modifications made to the ’Piano Black Exterior’ option, with a high-gloss finish to the door handles, side scuttles, fuel cap, exhaust system and logo. The Mini can also come with a new multitone roof finish, with colour gradients ranging from ’San Marino Blue’ to ’Pearly Acqua’ and ’Jet Black’.
Furthermore, five-wheel options are now available, including the ‘Tentacle Spoke’, ’Scissor Spoke’, ’Pedal Spoke’, ‘Pulse Spoke’ and ‘John Cooper Works in Circuit Spoke’ black design.
That might seem like a lot of change to the exterior, but the shapes and lines are all very Cooper-esque, so the feeling of design progression is minimal. It all looks very familiar inside, too. The same large round shapes are used everywhere. However, most of the chrome has been ditched, and fixtures like the air vents now sit flush into the dash. So, it is a little less busy, but only a little.
The steering wheel has been redesigned with new buttons to boot. The digital display behind the wheel was previously only available on the John Cooper Works GP and Electric variants, but is now offered as standard on all models. There are also two new ambient lighting options, called ‘Lounge’ and ‘Sport’. The first includes a blue and turquoise colour scheme, while the second uses reds and greys.
Several accessories are offered, such as roof rails and Dinamica leather upholstery, depending on the trim level. Another noteworthy option comes on the Electric Collection trim, with additional door entry strips and steering wheel badging, an exclusive ’Aluminium Interior’ trim, and a zero-cost option to add a panoramic glass sunroof.
