It was actually working on other models in the mid-1950s when the Suez crisis and fuel rationing made it imperative that a small car was born.
Thus, the BMC Mini was created and it changed the world of motorsport, inspiring a host of great little cars.
It became as much a symbol of the 1960s as did the Beatles and Twiggy. Today’s Mini is a different car, but just as revolutionary in its own way.
It is no longer cheap and cheerful, more chic and elegant. After all, it is a premium model, bigger, better to drive, more spacious and better equipped. The name is capitalized and German-owned but still built in the UK at Oxford.
MINI is part of the BMW empire and began 20 years ago as a three-door hatch, but has expanded with convertibles, five-door models, SUVs and two-seater coupes. Tested here is the last one, an electric model.
It has all the hallmarks of the BMW MINI: the go-kart handling, the plate-sized dial in the center of the dash, and the cute unisex styling that makes it equally appealing to men and women of all ages.
The electric model is interesting. It is, in typical MINI style, simple and straightforward to use with a charging point where the fuel cap would normally be.
It has a relatively short range (145 miles), but MINI thinks it suits most people. Only on a longer trip would it become a problem because then you would need to account for cargo stops.
The MINI range now features a refreshed exterior across the three-door hatch, five-door hatch and convertible model range. More emphasis is placed on the main design features of the car. This is, if you want, a MINI distillate. The front view is dominated by a larger radiator grille and its black hexagonal trim, and the distinctive round MINI headlights.
The wheel arch has new contours, the side indicators have been redesigned to incorporate LED technology and, at the rear of the car, the fog light is now integrated into the rear apron as a narrow LED unit.
Features so small you could easily miss them, but the overall effect is of a fresher and clearer style.
There are piano black features (every car company seems to be obsessed with piano black these days) that give it a luxurious feel. As part of the Piano Black Exterior option, the door handles, side fenders, fuel cap, MINI logo on the hood and trunk lid, and the model lettering and tailpipes of the exhaust system They are now finished in high-gloss black, in addition to the headlight trim, radiator grille and taillights.
An electric parking brake comes standard on the MINI Electric and is now available on the other variants as well, along with an automatic transmission, the optional Driving Assistant and 17-inch light-alloy wheels.
A handful of individual options have been added to the MINI Electric line, allowing customers to further customize their choice of Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3. For customers who select Level 2, they can now add track rails. roof, Active Cruise Controller and sun protection glass, as well as the new Piano Black Exterior. Those who opt for Tier 3 also have the option of adding satellite gray leather upholstery.
The new MINI app offers an advanced user experience that is fully geared towards a digital lifestyle, allowing drivers to contact their MINI at any time for information on the car’s condition. Fuel levels or state of charge can be quickly viewed and you can send navigation destinations directly from your smartphone to the car.
The Mini from the 1950s has truly been transformed into a model of the 21st century.
Price: £ 33,920 on the road. This model adds active cruise control (£ 300), heated steering wheel (£ 250), sun protection glass (£ 250) and piano black exterior (£ 300), making £ 25,825 on the road. MINI Electric has a starting price of £ 27,920. MINI from £ 17,445
Motor: an electric motor with a single speed gearbox
Performance: 93 mph top speed and 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds
Warranty: three years, unlimited miles
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Source: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-06-06 23:10:12