It has been twenty years since the modern MINI hatch launched into the world, and it made quite the impression. A sales success from the start bolstered the reputation of the new small hatchback, so much so that even filmmakers wanted the car in their movies like the Italian Job. Today the British design is still here and still making waves while backed by BMW.
The most recent introduction of the MINI hatch locally took place early in 2021 and is not an entirely new model but rather an update of the outgoing model. Make no mistake, the update is comprehensive and not only see styling changes but also a host of standard equipment and new technologies added to the model. Let us take a look at the top three differences between a new and used MINI hatch.
1. Exterior
MINI has applied quite a few changes to the hatchback model. The first noticeable item upfront is the restyled hexagonal grill with the body colour insert. The grill surround is optionally available in a gloss back finish for an even more premium feel. The bumpers are also redesigned and now incorporate improved "air curtains" which directs the air around the vehicle as well as towards the brake callipers.
MINI also installed LED headlamps as standard and comes with a high gloss black finish inside the cluster. The British automaker also deleted the foglamps on the bumper below and instead added "bad weather" lights to the headlamp cluster for a cleaner look. On the side of the MINI, customers will find newly designed scuttles as well as restyled 15-inch wheels as standard.
At the rear, the LED taillamp clusters on all models now incorporate the 'Union Jack' motif as standard. MINI has also added a new rear bumper which also features a body-coloured trim piece to accentuate the height of the vehicle. The new bumper also resulted in a restyled rear central foglamp unit.
2. Interior
The interior has also seen a comprehensive update with new trim and materials as well as standard features. Now in front of the driver is a 5.0-inch digital instrument cluster while centrally customers will find the 8.8-inch infotainment screen as standard equipment. The inner and outer air vents have also been updated to match the restyled interior.
Many of the panels and surfaces on the interior has been geometrically enlarged and is offered in a variety of trim materials. The upholstery has also seen new fabrics added which will be bathed in the 12 colours emitted from the bolstered ambient lighting system. Optionally available is a Nappa leather steering wheel as well as steering wheel heating.
3. Added features
While technology such as ABS braking with electronic brake assist, stability control and traction control are standard like with the outgoing model, customers can now expect an electric parking brake for the first time on a MINI. The British automaker also paid attention to the cruise control system and now offers active cruise control with the stop and go function for improved efficiency.
To bolster safety, handling and ride comfort, MINI has added frequency-selective damping to the adaptive chassis. As mentioned earlier, the MINI hatch comes with a central 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard but in addition to this MINI has redesigned the graphics and menus for more intuitive control.
