The facelifted MINI gets new adaptive dampers and infotainment system with “Live Widgets”



Since its launch in 2016, the F-series range of MINI has not seen a major update. The lights were upgraded in 2018 and MINI has now facelifted the hatchback range (3-door, 5-door and convertible) with substantial styling changes.

The highlight of the facelifted MINI is the availability of the Multitone Roof, a world innovation. The new Multitone Roof features a colour gradient from San Marino Blue through Pearly Aqua to Jet Black, created with a new painting technique and by extending from the windscreen frame to the rear.

Even though a fully automated process, MINI says a slight deviation in the colour pattern will occur due to changing environmental conditions, making every Multitone Roof unique.  

At the front end, the facelifted MINI feature the integration of air curtains on the front bumper and removal of the fog lights to further enhance the clarity of the front and provide improved aerodynamics. The standard-fitted round LED headlamps can be equipped with a new “bad weather light” to aid visibility where the fog lamps are usually used. They now also receive a black treatment for the inner housing.

The facelifted MINI now also looks flatter up front thanks to the fitment of the single hexagonal grille with the central pane being body-coloured. Moving to the side profile, the fender-mounted side scuttles are redesigned and now incorporate LED turn signal lights. Rim designs are updated too and the seven-spoke 18-inch example in the MINI Cooper S 3 door is named Pulse Spoke two-tone.

A reprofiled new rear bumper completes the scope of styling changes on the facelifted MINI. The hexagonal graphic is also repeated at the bumper while the centrally-mounted rear fog lamp is now replaced with an LED unit that’s nearly-invisible courtesy of its slim profile.

No changes are made to the Union Jack LED taillights that first appeared in 2018. For those seeking more dark highlights, the Piano Black exterior package applies high-gloss black finishing to the door handles, fuel lid, exhaust tips and the emblems.  

New exterior colours have been added to the colour palette: Rooftop Grey, Island Blue and Zesty Yellow.

Inside, the dashboard is now fitted with a central 8.8-inch touchscreen display, as well a driver’s display instrument cluster that measures 5 inches. Both displays are surrounded by high gloss piano-black with the large central display having touch-sensitive buttons.

The user interface and graphics in the central display have been significantly updated. MINI has further developed the selection and control functions. The desired menu items are displayed as “Live Widgets” and can be called up by swiping the touchscreen.

The driver is also greeted with a new steering wheel, with the switches now appear like a touch panel rather than individual buttons. A personalization trim can also be specified on the central spoke.

An ambient lighting system with a selection of 12 colours and additional lighting on the doors complete the updates in the facelifted MINI.

There are no changes to the powertrain options which consists of the 1.5-litre (136 hp) and 2.0-litre (178 hp) Euro 6d-rated petrol engines plus the Cooper SE with a fully-electric drivetrain (184 hp). Revisions, however, has been made to the suspension.

For the first time in a MINI model, adaptive suspension with continuous frequency-selective damping is being offered.  Depending on the driving situation and road conditions, the damping forces can be reduced by up to 50 per cent within 50 to 100 milliseconds.

This significantly increases ride comfort and the signature go-kart handling of the facelifted MINI when compensating for slight bumps in the road, while maintaining the sporty characteristics of the damping when turning in to a corner, for example.

Being a MINI, plenty of customizations are available. Exterior and interior colours and features can be packaged differently to allow for the most personalized MINI. The facelifted MINI will begin global sales in March 2021.

MINI Malaysia recently introduced a new pricing structure for their vehicles and more information can be found here.


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