SPYSHOTS: F56 MINI Cooper testing in Germany

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The wraps are set to come off the new F56 MINI hatch range on November 18 (Alec Issigonis’ birthday), but if you just can’t wait, here’s a closer look at the Cooper version, courtesy of our European spy photographers. Caught undergoing testing in Germany, the shots show that the Cooper makes do without the Cooper S’ bulging lower intake ‘chin,’ honeycomb grille, twin central tailpipes and bonnet scoop.

Previewed by the MINI Vision Concept and to a certain extent the Rocketman Concept, the new MINI has been spotted on a number of occasions – there’s a new wide-eyed look courtesy of its pupil-like DRL rings within its trademark circular headlamps, a more rounded front grille, a longer front overhang and larger tail lamps. The car looks longer and wider than the current model as well.

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Spyshots also reveal that the iconic circular central speedometer is gone; in its place sits the radio display and buttons (likely to hold a screen in some models). In another conformist move for MINI (the first being the relocation of the window switches from the centre stack to the doors), the speedo now sits in its own free-standing pod behind the wheel.

Engines have not been officially confirmed, but there’s talk that the turbocharged B38 1.5 litre three-cylinder we tested in a BMW 1 Series last year could be turned sideways and dropped into the new MINI’s engine bay to drive its front wheels.

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Jonathan James Tan

While most dream of the future, Jonathan Tan dreams of the past, although he's never been there. Fantasises much too often about cruising down Treacher Road (Jalan Sultan Ismail) in a Triumph Stag that actually works, and hopes this stint here will snap him back to present reality.

 

Comments

  • This will beat the A-class to hell.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • My eyes captured the image first before I proceed to read the article. My conclusion, it still has the same old look.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Ahmad on Sep 25, 2013 at 1:49 pm

    Proton Suprima S is still the best, this Mini is too small, slow, weak and looks cheap. Suprima can fit 5 passengers, this only 4. LOL.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 8
    • Uncle Sam on Sep 26, 2013 at 8:54 am

      mana ada.. vios is so much better lah. not even Suprima or Focus can challenge. let alone this no-design identity small car. looks like kelisa only. I tell u, buy vios. come to wing hin motor fast! UMW already told us that vios is affordable one. plus aunty next door sure got jealous with u one. be the champion now!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • neemfa on Sep 25, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    Looks pretty good (in mini cooper’s usual way).. a lot better than previous leaked pics.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Denaihati on Sep 25, 2013 at 3:01 pm

    mini cooper always look beautiful even keep the classic design.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Wan Malaysia on Sep 25, 2013 at 3:48 pm

    So what’s the difference?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Wan, its a whole new car thats whats the difference. Anyone with some car sense knows its also a new direction within with the V3 134Bhp Engine to the now 120 Bhp V4.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • What’s there to hide …nothing unusual.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Not so mini, almost got the size of crv..prfftt. Until now there is still no supermini in luxury region.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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