2018 MINI hatchback, convertible facelift debuts in Detroit – revised engines, transmission options

The BMW-owned British marque’s hatchback and convertible have received minor updates for the 2018 model year, with cosmetic changes to go with revised engines and the recently released, optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. As befitting a modern MINI, the range of options for personalisation has grown further as well.

Starting from its exterior, there are new LED headlights to go with LED tail lights incorporating the Union Jack design, while a revised, flat MINI logo now graces the updated model. The adaptive LED headlamps feature automatic selective dip, which avoids dazzling oncoming traffic. There are now three new exterior colours – Emerald Grey metallic, Starlight Blue metallic and Solaris Orange metallic added to its palette.

A Piano Black exterior pack replaces chrome finish on the headlights, tail lights and radiator grille with gloss black items. In terms of rolling stock, the optional range of wheels grows to include two-tone roulette spoke and two-tone propeller spoke items which are now available across all MINI bodystyles.

Mechanically, the MINI One power unit gains swept capacity, growing from 1.2 litres to 1.5 litres, with peak output starting from 75 hp in the MINI One First. At the upper end of the range, a 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol four cranks out 192 hp in MINI Cooper S guise. All models are optionally available with the new seven-speed gearbox featuring steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, while a six-speed manual is standard.

On the diesel front, the MINI range comprises three variants with outputs ranging from 95 hp to 170 hp, and each is mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. A total of four petrol engines and three diesels make up the powertrain line-up for the MINI hatchback range, while the convertible gets three petrols and three diesels, omitting the base 75 hp petrol unit for the soft-top.

The updated powerplants feature revisions to the turbochargers, engine electronics, oil supply, air intakes, cooling and exhaust systems, while weight reduction on the engines come courtesy of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) engine covers.

Inside, the revised MINI hatch and convertible ranges get a new multifunction three-spoke steering wheel, with three additional variants of leather-trimmed steering wheel optionally available. As standard, a 6.5-inch touchscreen includes Bluetooth phone integration while Radio MINI Visual Boost and a navigation system are optionally available.

Wireless charging for mobile phones is also available as an option, located within the centre armrest storage compartment. This option includes a second USB socket located in the front section of the centre console.

Expanding its scope on the style front, the MINI Yours Customised range offers personalisation options via an online shop, for items such as side scuttles, decorative strips for the interior on the passenger side, LED door sill finishers and LED door projectors.

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