13 Reasons Why... the new MINI is better.

By Chad Lückhoff

The MINI has gone under the knife and received more than thirteen changes to appearances, technology, connectivity, drivetrain and available options making it even more unique than before.

The MINI has lead the way in small car living since its introduction in 1959 and for the 2019 model year, the MINI has been revamped and packed full of even more small car goodness. Hmmm... good to the very last drop.

The new MINI is unmistakable, but we're going to give you all the changes that you can expect to see on the road very shortly. Here's a list of the thirteen biggest changes to the new MINI.

1. New LED headlights with Matrix function and new Daytime Running lights.

The new MINI can be fitted with LED headlights and a Matrix function for the high beams that will prevent dazzling oncoming traffic, all while providing the best illumination possible. The Daytime Running Lights (DRL), which used to only form a semi-circular pattern now form full circles around the headlights. Neat!

2. LED rear lights in Union Jack design.

Nothing screams British heritage better than the Union Jack. The taillights of the new MINI now incorporate a very cool Union Jack theme when the car is specced with the LED headlights. The turn signals and brake lights are integrated into the design, one horizontally and one vertically.

3. New MINI logo, new body finishes, Piano Black exterior.

MINI has cleared up the clutter and the new MINI logo is a slick and stylish affair. Not only does the new MINI sport fresh logos front and rear, but the interior sees them splashed around inside as well.

4. New alloy wheel designs.

There's more to choose from when it comes to selecting a set of alloy wheels for your new MINI. A new range of lightweight alloy wheels can take you one step closer to expressing your style.

5. Extended range of colours, leather trim, interior surfaces and Colour Lines.

Three new colours are available; Emerald Grey Metallic, Starlight Blue and Solaris Orange can now be selected when choosing a MINI. Choose from the new Malt Brown Chester leather trim or opt for the Piano Black Exterior pack that gets rid of the chrome and replaces it with a high gloss black finish around the windows and lights. Luke, I am your father!

6. Unique personalization and individualisation with MINI Yours Customised.

Go crazy with the personalization of your MINI by visiting yours-customised.mini and choose from a range of personalized trimmings that can truly reflect your style. Have your name embossed into the side repeater panels or opt for the Interior Style Piano Black trim that features a back-lit Union Jack motif trim panel for the passenger side of the dashboard.

7. Refined engines and a new power plant for the MINI One.

The engines fitted to the MINI 3-door, 5-door and Convertible have all been placed under the microscope and as a result, they're up to 5% more fuel efficient. They're lighter too! The new MINI One get a new engine in the form of a 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder that produces 75lW and 190NM.

8. 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch, 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

If you're not in the mood to row your own gears then you can order your MINI with the new 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch gearbox that now has even faster shifting than before. You can also spec it with steering mounted paddles – even your MINI One! (The JCW will still have the previous generation 8-speed auto)

9. New multi-function steering wheel.

Hop on board and grab a hold of the new multi-function steering wheel that has all your controls at your fingertips. Radio, cruise, and speed limiter are never further than a finger stretch away. A 6.5-inch full-colour audio interface is now standard with Bluetooth and phone connectivity.

10. Optional radio and navigation systems with touchscreen monitor.

Bump up the spec on your infotainment and you'll get a touchscreen unit that can be specced with navigation and Real Time Traffic Alert.

11. Telephony with wireless charging.

Allow your MINI to seamlessly integrate into your life with the addition of wireless mobile phone charging. No need to take your cables with you, simply drop your phone on the charger and let it take care of the rest.

12. MINI logo projection from the exterior mirror on the driver's side.

You've seen it on all the classy, high-end cars and now your MINI can have it too. Wing mirror projection lamps will display the mini logo on the ground at your door when you unlock it. You can even customise it through Your MINI.

13. MINI Connected and MINI Connected XL with new functions.

Get even more big-boy features with the MINI Connected and MINI Connected XL functions. Let your MINI make your reservations, read you the news and remind you of appointments. Remote services also allow you to preset the airconditioning amongst other functions.

Read all about the way the new MINI drives, along with pricing here: Putting the mmm... back into MINI.