BMW Malaysia today introduced the all-new MINI Coupé – the car arrives in a single engine form, in this case the Cooper S guise. No surprises with the 1.6 litre turbocharged car’s output figures, with 184 hp at 5,500 rpm and 240 Nm at 1,600 to 5,000 rpm, with overboost taking this to 260 Nm at 1,730 to 4,500 rpm.
It’s the brand’s first model to adopt a three-box body structure, with a strikingly stepped rear end setting it apart from the rest of the MINI family, with the low-slung silhouette and expressively styled “helmet” roof adding to things. Speaking of the roof, it’s painted in a contrasting colour as standard; a new take on Sport Stripes is among the additions available as an option.
Elsewhere, an active rear spoiler, fitted for the first time on a MINI, is also integrated in the boot lid. The spoiler pops up automatically when the Coupé reaches a speed of 80 km/h, with the four-part control mechanism returning the spoiler to its rest position at speeds of under 60 km/h. This visually striking mechanism serves to reduce lift at the rear axle, optimising both aerodynamic balance and grip levels of the new MINI Coupe.
Inside, the Coupé – which sits on 17-inch Conical Spoke alloys – features typical MINI style cues, among them the large centre speedo and a rev counter positioned directly behind the steering wheel, and the interior comes finished in a Carbon Black shade, replete with a Black Chequered interior surface.
Oval recesses in the roof liner help create extra headroom for taller drivers; the absence of a rear seat bench means you get more in the way of boot space – the boot features a 290 litre capacity, with a large, high-opening tailgate and a high through-loading system that can also be opened from the driver’s or passenger’s seat.
A host of exterior paint finishes are available for the Coupé, eight in all, these being Chilli Red, Pepper White, Spice Orange, Midnight Black, British Racing Green II, Eclipse Grey, Lightning Blue and White Silver, while the roof is painted as standard in a contrasting colour, with a choice of Jet Black or Pure Silver to pick from.
The retail price (on the road, without insurance, with the MINI Tender Loving Care service package) for the MINI Cooper S Coupe is RM 249,888.
There’s also an optional MINI Connected package, which allows iPhone users to stay connected when on the move. An onboard monitor allows passengers to receive RSS news feeds as well as Facebook and Twitter posts, displaying them on the on-board monitor and have them read out using the MINI Connected voice output function.
Included in the RM14,988 MINI Connected package is a 10-speaker, 480 watt DPS amplifier Harman/Kardon HiFi loudspeaker system and Radio MINI Visual Boost with a 6.5-inch high-resolution colour LCD screen.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments about the MINI Coupé highlight its handling and fun driving experience, with some users expressing love for the design and excitement about ownership. However, there are concerns about the high price of RM250k, limited seating, and the shift from the original affordable Mini concept to a premium product under BMW. A few comments criticize its looks, calling it ugly or provocative, while others compare it unfavorably to other cars like the Nissan Silvia or VW Golf. Several responses mention poor after-sales service and technical issues, reflecting dissatisfaction. Despite some enthusiasm for the car's style and niche appeal, many highlight the cost and practicality concerns, with some predicting reconditioned models or resale. Overall, sentiments range from excited to disappointed, with criticism focused on price and design.