The funky Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S models have been overhauled and launched to the local media just a week after its Auto Africa unveiling.

The funky Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S models have been overhauled and launched to the local media just a week after their Auto Africa unveiling.

The distinctive Mini design has been beefed up with the addition of two new colours, upholstery fabrics and wheels and a wider range of optional features.

At the front and rear, the Cooper shows off new, more athletic bumpers. Bumpers on the Cooper S have not been changed. All models, however, receive new head- and tail-lights with clear covers. For greater definition, an additional ring of light spots surrounds the optional Xenon headlights.

Inside the cabin, extra storage space has been added in the centre console, door panels incorporate a wider arm rest and drivers now have a bigger rear-view mirror. A third, side-mounted sun visor has been added on the driver’s side. The front seats have deeper side-bolsters. Upholstery for the Cooper is available in 11 different combinations. For the Cooper S, customers can choose between one fabric, two leather/fabric combinations and three leather options.

Two new metallic colours, Astro Black and Black-Eye Purple, give Cooper customers a choice of six different metallic and four plain colours. Two additional metallic clours - Hyper Blue and Dark Silver - are reserved for the Cooper S.

The engine output for the Cooper remains unchanged at 85 kW, though torque is slightly up to 150 N.m at 4 500 r/min. In combination with a new five-speed gearbox, with modified gear ratios, it shoulf offer improved performance.

The 1,6-litre unit in the Cooper S has been beefed up to deliver an additional five kW. It now has a maximum output of 125 kW at 6 000 r/min, taking it to a top speed of 218 km/h. Torque has also been increased by 10 N.m, taking the peak up to 220 N.m at 4 000 r/min. The Cooper S is claimed to complete the benchmark zero-to-100 km/h sprint in 7,4 seconds.

Unchanged, the Cooper and Cooper S’s suspension is taken care of by single-joint Mc Pherson spring strut axle up front and longitudinal struts with centrally-pivoted control arms at the rear.

ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC) are offered as standard fare on the Cooper. ASC+T traction control and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) are optional. On the Cooper S, all of the above (with the exclusion of DSC) are standard.

Prices:

Mini Cooper R165 900

Mini Cooper Auto R176 400

Mini Cooper S R210 600

Original article from Car