New Mini Page 2

While the proportions are the same, the new model is a slightly larger car. At 3626 mm (with a wheelbase of 2467 mm), it is 570 mm longer and the overall width is also 515 mm more than the original 1410 mm. In comparison to our Malaysian ‘minis’, the Mini is bigger than the Juara and Kenari but the Mini sits lower at 1416 mm.

SAFEST IN CLASS
In its time, the original Mini’s design was not constrained by demanding safety regulations but the its successor has to offer high levels of protection and the engineers’ task was made more challenging given the small size of the car, particularly the short front end and very short rear section. However, with computer aids and many high-tech materials, they were able to design a structure which is claimed to set new standards for a car of this size. All body components absorbing energy during a collision have been developed according to BMW’s strictest safety principles and the bodyshell can achieve a 4-star rating in the independent Euro-NCAP crash tests. In fact, it has done well enough in crash tests that BMW intends to offer it in the US market in due course as no major engineering changes will need to be made to meet US safety standards.

The passenger cell, with extra-wide door reinforcements, has 2 ~ 3 times greater torsional stiffness than other models in this. Both the driver and front passenger are protected by frontal airbags (impact-dependent) fitted as standard in the steering wheel and instrument panel, as well as side airbags integrated in the seats. There is also an optionally available head airbag system (AHPS 2 – Advanced Head Protection System) and like all BMWs, the central locking system has a crash sensor which will automatically unlock all doors if the car has a severe accident.

Drivers of the new Mini generation also get technological advances for greater active safety such as disc brakes on all wheels, ABS with Cornering Brake Control and Electronic Brake Force Distribution. Customers can also add Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control at extra cost to increase motoring safety in slippery situations. And where owners of the original Mini had to add spotlights to increase illumination of the road ahead, new Mini owners will get superior lighting with the optional xenon headlight systems.

ONE ENGINE SIZE FOR NOW
For the time being, the Mini will be offered with only one engine displacement of 1.6 litres. This is not one of the engines used in the BMW 3-series nor adapted from any of the BMW engine families. It is a new design developed for the Mini and is manufactured at a BMW-Chrysler joint-venture factory in Brazil. The 4-cylinder engine has four valves per cylinder, EFI and meets the latest Euro-4 emission control standards. Service intervals are between 16,000 to 20,000 kms, depending on usage conditions.

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