It’s been a while since MINI last updated their popular supermini range. Apart from the odd special edition model, it seems like MINI fans have been waiting a lifetime for a facelift to the iconic model. Finally the wait is over…

From August 2010, MINI will be making a whole host of changes across the MINI range including a design revamp, new model introductions, new paint and upholstery options and tons of new optional equipment.

And we’re not just talking a few MINI changes… we’re talking TONS of changes…

Revamped MINI Style:

Kick starting the 2010 changes, all MINI models will benefit from a design facelift including new front and rear bumpers, redesigned side repeater trim, new rear light design and 5 new alloy wheel designs. MINI First / One and Cooper models will boast a higher and more muscular bonnet as first seen on the Cooper D.

A number of changes have also been made to the interior including a redesigned centre console with new radio and function buttons, black centre console (which replaces the black and silver design on the current model) and black steering wheel trim. Improvements have also been made to the MINI Clubman model with the luggage compartment now boasting a new roller design.

All models will receive sound proofing measures to reduce cabin noise, Brake Force Display and additional light colours for interior lights packs. Standard features (with the exception of the MINI First model) will also now include heated windscreen waster jets and exterior mirrors and a new DAB radio.

Three New MINI Models:

Three new MINI models will be introduced in August including the MINI One D, MINI One D Clubman and the MINI Cooper Diesel Convertible.

The MINI One D Hatch and MINI One D Clubman are two new diesel models based on the Cooper D engine. Both MINI One D models boast a number of MINIMALISM features as standard including:

- Automatic Start / Stop Function
- Brake Energy Regeneration
- Gear Shift Point Indicator
- Low Rolling Resistance Tyres

The new MINI Cooper Diesel Convertible is the first time MINI has offered a Diesel Convertible. It boasts a wealth of benefits including low CO2 emissions, excellent fuel consumption and the highest torque offered in the Convertible range at 270 Nm.

New MINI Diesel Engines:

From August, all MINI Diesel engines will become BMW 1.6cc engines boasting more power, more torque, better fuel consumption, improved CO2 figures and improved sound acoustics.

The new MINI One D and MINI Copper D Hatch models will also boast CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km, benefitting from £0 road tax and exemption from the congestion charge.

From March 2011, the diesel models will be improved even more with the option of an automatic gearbox becoming available.

MINI SOHO Clubman – Special Edition Model:

In addition to the facelift changes, MINI has announced the introduction of a special edition model named the MINI SOHO Clubman. The special edition SOHO Clubman model boasts a range of additional features including White Silver paintwork and 17’’ Black Star Bullet alloy wheels.

MINI Option Packages:

Finally (deep breath), from August, a host of new options will be available across the MINI range including new paintwork colours and technology packs. New paintwork options include British Racing Green, Ice Blue, Spice Orange, Eclipse Gray, and Velvet Silver. A range of new upholstery materials, interior options and alloy wheels will also become available.

And if you still want more, two new technology packages are available including the MINI Visual Boost package and the MINI Connected package.

The Visual Boost package boasts:

- 6.5’’ High-resolution Widescreen display unit
- New MINI MMI Display layout
- Bluetooth functionality
- Video Playback when used with iPhone or iPod
- On Board Computer
- MINI Joy Stick Controller
- AUX-IN / USB Connection

The MINI Connected package gives greater connectivity with your iPhone and includes:

- Web Radio
- Facebook Access
- Twitter Access
- RSS News Feed
- Google send-to-car
- Google local search
- Video Playback
- Text-to-speech function.

Prices for the new facelifted MINI start from £11,560 for the MINI First model, rising to £24,275 for the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible model.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts have some fantastic leasing rates available across the whole MINI range including great deals on the new MINI Clubman and MINI MINIMALISM models.

One thing that we haven’t seen from any of the startup green car makers to date is traditional television advertising. That’s partly because most of these companies are operating on minimal budgets and what money they do have is being dedicated to trying to get their vehicles on the road. Fisker Automotive is a different case. With a star designer at the helm and venture capital cash in the bank (for now at least), the fledgling manufacturer has begun running its first TV spots. The initial ads appeared on local Los Angeles stations last week. If a company like Fisker is going to advertise, LA would be the place to do it. The area is home to large numbers of high dollar, high performance cars and plenty of environmentally aware people with money (or it did until about six months ago). These are precisely the people to whom a car like the Karma would appeal. With a goal of 15,000 sales a year, Fisker is going to have its work cut out finding buyers in in this economy. Watch the ad after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Fisker runs first Karma TV ads in LA

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Fisker

VIDEO: Fisker runs first Karma TV ads in LA originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Fisker runs first Karma TV ads in LA – Green Cars

Of course, we’ve heard similar claims from automaker officials many times over the years and then waited fruitlessly as nothing happened. If MINI does indeed produce a JCW diesel it would likely bump power from the current 110 hp to something in the region of 150-160 hp. Even at that level, real world mileage would likely remain somewhere in the mid-40 to 50 mpg (U.S.) range.

All Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Filed under: Diesel, MINI

Will MINI build a John Cooper Works diesel? “Good Idea” originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will MINI build a John Cooper Works diesel? "Good Idea" – Green Cars

Fast Lane Daily on location at the 2008 L.A. Auto Show. Derek takes…

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2008 L.A. Auto Show Day 1 – Fast Lane Daily – 11/20/08

Five years on from its launch, the Mini is preparing for its first new generation model. Due for launch in late 2006 (Cooper and Cooper S) and early 2007 (One), the new car features only modest styling changes, the designers sensibly sticking to the formula which has helped make the model such an international success. It is slightly larger, in order to meet future safety requirements.

The principle changes are a revised suspension system and the introduction of new (British-built) 1.6-litre petrol engines for the Cooper and Cooper S versions. The Cooper will use a 120hp unit and the S a twin-turbocharged version of the engine, increasing power to 175hp, enabling 0-62mph acceleration in 7.1 seconds. Notable improvements in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions are also achieved. Mini One will use a revised version of its current 1.4-litre petrol engine and a new diesel engine sourced from Peugeot-Citroen. Prices will range from £11,595 for the One to £15,995 for the Cooper S.