Porsche sees solution 'shortly' for 911 GT3 engine fires

Porsche said it's close to fixing a fault that has caused two engine fires in 911 GT3 sports cars.

''We know the reason and the problem-solving measures,'' CEO Matthias Mueller said today. ''We're testing them.''

Porsche plans to announce the technical solution ''shortly'' and will first inform customers, he said.

Porsche recalled all 785 of the GT3 version of the 911 from the current model year in February after the vehicles caught fire following engine failures. The carmaker took the rare step of requesting that owners stop driving the 137,300 euro car pending repairs. No accidents or injuries were tied to the incidents, it said at the time.

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PSA to increase Peugeot 308 production to meet high demand

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen will increase production of the Peugeot 308 hatchback after receiving 60,000 orders for the new model since its launch in October, the automaker said in a statement today.

PSA will hire 600 people, including 450 on temporary contracts, to staff a night shift at a plant in Sochaux, France, to meet high demand for the model, which last week won Europe's Car of the Year award at the Geneva auto show. The new Peugeot 308 beat six other vehicles, including BMW’s i3 electric compact, to take home the prestigious prize.

PSA said the shift, which will begin on June 2, will also support output of the 308 wagon variant, which will begin sales next month.

The hirings mark a possible turning point for PSA, which last year closed a factory in the Paris suburb Aulnay and has been working to eliminate 11,200 jobs in its home country.

The market share of Peugeot and its sister brand Citroen in Europe narrowed to 10.9 percent last year from 11.7 percent in 2012, according to figures from the ACEA regional industry group. Last month, the group's 7 percent gain in deliveries exceeded the market's 5 percent growth.

The Sochaux plant currently employs about 10,800 employees under permanent contract and 600 temporary workers, spokesman Jean-Charles Lefebvre said. The last time the site hired workers was in 2011. The plant produces the Peugeot 308, 508, and 3008 models alongside the Citroen DS5. The additional shift will increase daily production of the 308 by 180 vehicles to 1,563.

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BMW: U.S. to wait for 2-series Active Tourer

BMW executives are convinced the new 2-series Active Tourer won't be a big seller in the United States, so they plan to wait at least 15 months before launching the vehicle there.

The five-door wagon, which shares its architecture with the new Mini Cooper hardtop, debuted this month at the auto show here and will go on sale in September in Europe. It is the first front-wheel-drive BMW car.

But U.S. buyers don't favor hatchbacks, says Frank Niederlaender, head of product management for BMW lower-series vehicles. They also want space, which the petite BMW has, but not enough to appeal in the United States, he said.

"We have to find the right timing," Niederlaender said.

BMW held back the slightly larger X1 crossover from the United States for three years because of its petite size. But the X1 has outperformed expectations. Last year, BMW sold 26,512 X1s in the United States, about 10,000 more than planned.

Still, Niederlaender said the even smaller 2-series Active Tourer is better suited for Europe.

At 171 inches long, the 2-series Active Tourer is 5.5 inches shorter than the X1. The 105-inch wheelbase is 3.6 inches shorter.

The Active Tourer is the first BMW to have a head-up feature that displays on a transparent screen that pops up above the steering wheel. The sharp angle of the windshield made it impractical to put the head-up display in the traditional lower left-hand side, Niederlaender said.

The Active Tourer is powered by BMW's new three-cylinder 1.5-liter engine that makes 136 hp. All-wheel drive will be an option.

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Nissan is ready to shake up the 13th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition

• World premiere of a new sedan concept that embodies Nissan’s global design strategy and strong commitment to China as one of Nissan’s most important markets
• Cutting-edge vehicles and technologies on display, such as the BladeGlider concept and Autonomous Drive car
• Nissan’s flagship sedan, Teana, celebrates its 10th anniversary in China
• Further evolution of Nissan’s global motor show booth with three-layer theater style
• Interactive communication with booth visitors using “Augmented Reality” during public days

Auto China 2014 runs from April 20 (press day) to April 29 at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing. Nissan (China) Investment Co., Ltd. (NCIC), in cooperation with Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (DFL-PV) and Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile Co., Ltd. (ZNA), will present an exciting line-up of more than 20 vehicles at Asia’s largest motor show of the year.

The star of the show will be a new sedan concept which will make its world premiere. Also featured will be the BladeGlider concept, making its Chinese debut, and Nissan’s latest global innovations, including the Autonomous Drive car.

Teana, Nissan’s flagship sedan, celebrates its 10th anniversary in China this year and a special edition Teana will be on display. The two latest introductions, the all-new X-Trail and the new NV200 Xtronic® transmission, are expected to draw attention from booth visitors.

Nissan will deliver to Auto China 2014 a further-evolved global motor show booth with a distinctive three-layer theater style. During public viewing days, visitors will be able to experience new interactive communications through “Augmented Reality” technology.

Media Center and site information will be available online starting today. Look for the latest news to be uploaded regularly at this URL until the end of the exhibition.

New Sedan Concept
Last year at Auto Shanghai 2013, Nissan unveiled the Friend-ME concept, attracting attention from both the media and the Chinese “Post-80s” generation through its provocative design and connectivity features. This year at Auto China 2014, Nissan will reveal a new sedan concept for the Chinese digital lifestyle. The concept expresses Nissan’s passion and focus in the world’s most dynamic auto market.

Subsequent to Friend-ME in 2013, this concept car will be the second time for Nissan Design China (NDC), Nissan’s newest global design center located in Beijing, to realize a concept car design in collaboration with the Nissan Global Design Center (NGDC) under the leadership and direction of Nissan Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura.

BladeGlider Concept
BladeGlider redefines the driving experience with a unique center seat driver position, giving drivers and passengers alike a sense of automotive gliding. Highly aerodynamic, the narrow front and stable rear track reduce drag while generating downforce. The result is a powerful combination of road-hugging agility and hyper-efficiency. Heralded by global media as “cutting edge” and “awesome,” BladeGlider will make its local debut at Auto China 2014.

Autonomous Drive Car
Nissan revealed the autonomous driving technology in August 2013 when the company committed to being ready with multiple, commercially viable Autonomous Drive cars by 2020. The system will be deployed across the model range within two vehicle generations. Nissan's Autonomous Drive technology is an extension of its Safety Shield, which monitors a 360-degree view around a vehicle for risks, offers warnings to the driver and takes action if necessary.

Teana 10th Anniversary Special Edition
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Teana in China, a special edition of Nissan’s global flagship sedan will be revealed at Auto China 2014. Teana has been leading the premium sedan segment in China, thanks to its class-above driving experience, combining comfort and agility.

All-New X-Trail
Following a successful unveil in China last month, the all-new X-Trail will be available for sale in late March and is expected to lead the growing SUV segment in China. Featuring a large console box for gear and flexible seating that can be configured in several ways to best accommodate cargo and passengers, X-Trail is spacious and user-friendly. Its spinal support seats are first in class, as are the Active Trace Control and 4x4i drive system, with Hill Start Assist, Advance Hill Descent Control and Yaw Moment Control.

NV200 Xtronic® transmission
Growing in popularity since its launch earlier this year to the worldwide taxi industry including New York and London, Nissan will showcase the innovative NV200 Xtronic® transmission at Beijing. Just launched in China in late February, the model is equipped with the innovative Xtronic® transmission system which reduces noise levels and fuel consumption, delivering benefits for drivers, passengers and the environment alike. 

DATSUN is back, deliveries to start this week.

On March 19, the first Datsun cars sold in the 21st century will be delivered to customers in India. It fulfills a promise made two years ago to bring back the marque that made car ownership mainstream in Japan and numerous other countries, and now returns as the brand of choice for the risers in today's high-growth markets.

The first 21st century Datsun customers will be in India. They will be taking to the roads in their new Datsun GO exactly one hundred years from the launch of the first ever DAT car, in Japan. Over that century, Datsun went on to sell more than 20 million vehicles in 190 countries.

The keys to the new Datsun's will be handed over at celebration events planned for March 19 and March 20 in the Indian cities of Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata.

The Datsun GO will be offered through a network of more than 120 Datsun dealer outlets across the country. Detailed pricing will be announced on March 19th. As disclosed earlier, Nissan Motor Private India Limited will distribute Datsun vehicles in India.

Datsun is expanding rapidly around the world. New Datsun models will be introduced in Indonesia, Russia and South Africa later this year.

Datsun History

Datsun originated in Japan as DAT-GO (the DAT-car) almost a century ago in 1914. The word DAT means "lightning-fast" in Japanese but is also a reference to the first letters of family names of the three financiers who supported the business at the time: Den, Aoyama and Takeuchi. Using the same logic, it was promoted as Durable, Attractive and Trustworthy, or DAT for short.

In 1933, Nissan's founding father Yoshisuke Aikawa took over the business with a vision of "mobility for all." The introduction of a lightweight, economical yet resilient car to meet the aspirations of young Japanese people in the early 1930s was named the "son of DAT" – Datson - which later changed to Datsun. Local engineering and mass-production made the founder's dream a reality.

Porsche achieves record sales, income, and profits from fiscal year 2013

• Porsche AG presents 2013 fiscal year results at annual press conference
• Sales rose 15 per cent to 162,145 compared with the prior year
• Operating profit rose six per cent to 2.58 billion euro on revenue of 14.3 billion euro
• Operating return on sales of 18 per cent
• Stuttgart sports car manufacturer now has almost 19,500 employees – highest ever number
• CEO Matthias Müller: “the most successful year in the company’s history”

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG continued its success in the fiscal year 2013 and achieved record figures for deliveries, revenue and profit.

At 162,145 vehicles, deliveries were 15 per cent higher than the prior-year figure. Revenue climbed by three per cent to 14.3 billion euro. Operating profit rose by six percent to 2.58 billion euro. Headcount also reached its highest ever level, with an increase of 11 percent to 19,456 employees as of year-end.

At the Porsche AG annual press conference in Stuttgart today, CEO Matthias Müller emphasised that the sports car manufacturer “had not only continued to grow profitably, but had also done full justice to its role as technological leader by developing new technologies and launching fascinating products.”

In the fiscal year 2013, Porsche became the first company to present a plug-in-hybrid vehicle in the luxury class, the Panamera S E-Hybrid, as well as the first super sports car with high-performance plug-in hybrid drive, the 918 Spyder. In addition, Porsche unveiled the first sports car in the compact SUV segment, the Macan. Müller stressed that “with these vehicles, we have laid the foundation for continued future success” and added that “they were also a factor in making 2013 the most successful year in the company’s history.”

At the conference in Stuttgart, Lutz Meschke, member of the Porsche AG executive board in charge of finance and IT, emphasised that the sports car manufacturer’s “healthy cost structure and the long-term high earnings power were reflected in an operating return on sales of 18 per cent”.

Furthermore, the CFO highlighted that the net liquidity of the automotive division – i.e. its gross liquidity less financial liabilities and excluding the financial services business – improved significantly from minus 1.87 billion euro as of 31 December 2012 to minus 899 million euro as of 31 December 2013.

Meschke continued: “This brings us another big step closer to achieving our medium-term goal of re-paying our debt in full while financing growth from our cash flows from operating activities.”

At the press conference, Matthias Müller and Lutz Meschke expressed their conviction that Porsche AG will continue to grow in the current fiscal year 2014. In the first two months of the year, worldwide deliveries increased by three per cent to 23,286 vehicles. According to CEO Müller, “this positive trend will intensify in the course of 2014 and the market launch of the Macan in April will further increase the company’s sales.”

CFO Meschke added that the launch of the Macan entailed higher personnel costs and depreciation charges and that Porsche would also have to make considerable advance outlays on modern drive concepts in order to meet more stringent future emission standards worldwide. Meschke said that, despite this, “we are ideally equipped for the current fiscal year. Assuming that, despite unresolved structural issues, sales in Europe continue to stabilise, our goal in 2014 is to again achieve operating profit at least on a par with that of the prior year.”

THE Yamaha MT-07 is ready for new riders.

The new MT-07 has already impressed the world’s press with its blend of light weight, compact dimensions and responsive, 689cc twin cylinder engine. The MT-07 offers a unique blend of performance and handling that will satisfy even the most experienced riders and with a recommended price of £5199 it redefines the word ‘value’ in this competitive middleweight class. 

The chassis specifications, narrow seat and low dry weight of only 164kg, also make the MT-07 very attractive to new A2 licence holders and motorcycle training centers as a machines that offers the perfect introduction to the world of motorcycling. 

Free 35KW Restrictor Kit for new MT-07s 

Yamaha are therefore pleased to confirm the availability of an A2 35KW Restrictor Kit for the new MT-07 and MT-07 ABS models which complies with the 3^rd Directive for Category A2 motorcycles. 

The 35KW Restrictor Kit can be provided and fitted free of charge as part of the normal PDI on all new MT-07’s, at the time of purchase by the supplying Yamaha dealer. The new owner receives a 35KW Certificate to confirm that the kit has been fitted and the new machine complies with the current A2 licence legislation. 

And of course the beauty of having a restrictor kit available is that once a rider has qualified for a full licence they can get their MT-07 derestricted and then experience the full potential of the MT engine. The M-07/ABS should therefore be able to satisfy the changing needs of new riders as they gain experience, without the need to sell and replace their machine for many years. 

The MT-07/ABS restrictor kit can also be ordered as a spare part from Yamaha dealers, so that secondhand machines can be restricted if purchased by an A2 licence holder. The kit has a recommended retail price of £124.99 ex VAT. 

MT-07 RSK – Riding School Kit 

Recognising that the restricted A2 version of the MT-07 also looks set to become a favourite with motorcycle training centres Yamaha has also developed a special RSK – Riding School Kit – package that turns the new MT into the perfect training machine. 

The kit includes a handlebar/levers protective cage and six heavy duty sliders to protect the frame and engine. These parts have been developed by Yamaha engineers having consulted schools across Europe and the parts are positioned in such a way as to protect all the vital components if a bike is dropped during low speed manoeuvring. 

There are many advantages of the official RSK kits: 

1.        The kit is made up of Yamaha Genuine Quality Parts 
2.        No modifications are required to the motorcycle 
3.        Quick and easy to fit to the motorcycle 
4.        Vital protection of the key engine and chassis components during a drop or fall over 
5.        The look and visual identity of the MT-07 is preserved. 
6.        Durable engineering and high quality materials are used 
7.        Kit and parts are available form Yamaha Europe central parts warehouse. 
8.        The four individual components of the kit can be ordered as spare parts 

The RSK kit will be available from authorised Yamaha dealerships during April 2014. The expected recommended retail price for the complete kit is £312.00 ex VAT. Individual prices for each of the four separate items in the kit will be published at a later date. 

All New, All MINI, All the same, looks like a childs Toy.

• Contemporary evolution of classic MINI design, with improved features and higher quality
• Debut of new ground-breaking three-cylinder engines
• State-of-the-art connectivity and premium technology, including new driver assistance equipment
• New interactive central display using LEDs
• Outstanding MINI handling makes it even more fun to drive
• Built in Oxford, available at MINI dealers nationwide 15 March 2014
• MINI One Hatch priced from £13,750 OTR

Even though the new MINI Hatch is instantly recognisable – something which comes from having such a globally identifiable design – the car is completely new from the ground up. Every component has been back to the drawing board in an effort to optimise its function, performance and style.

The result is ‘The New Original’, a MINI which is distinctly familiar but enhanced in every single way. It features significant improvements in technology, engine efficiency and power delivery, driving dynamics, quality and – of course – personalisation. Inside, the new MINI Hatch is quieter than the outgoing model, with improvements to acoustic refinement inside the cabin.

The new MINI Hatch is more spacious than before, safer, finished to an even higher standard and provides the driver with a more dynamic and performance-oriented experience behind the wheel.

Inside the cabin, new technology ensures that the new MINI is the most connected car in its segment. A new central LED display, the first of its kind, provides the driver with visual feedback whilst operating the car and creates a premium ambience. It reflects a maturity and confidence in the brand’s design and engineering, a car which pays tribute to its unique British heritage yet stands ready to lead MINI into the second half of this decade and beyond.

New MINI in detail

Exterior: unmistakable design, contemporary style

The body of the new MINI is 3,821mm long (MINI Cooper S is 3,850mm), 1,727mm wide and 1,414mm tall. This makes it 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm taller than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been extended by 28mm, while the track width has been enlarged at the front by 42mm and at the rear by 34mm.  

Behind the changes, the new car has classic MINI proportions and an instantly familiar design that’s packed with character. Traditional cues such as the hexagonal contour of the radiator grille, circular headlights, ‘side scuttle’ indicator surrounds, upright rear light clusters and black lower body edging have all been subtly reinterpreted.

In profile, the tapering line of the glasshouse creates a dynamic wedge shape. Below, a visual link between the front and rear wheel arches comes via a striking lower sill line and upper character line, which feature downward curves at both ends.

The new MINI is the first car in its segment to offer the option of LED headlamps for both dipped and main beam. They are surrounded by an LED daylight driving ring, the lower section of which reaches down to the white turn indicators. The rear light clusters also feature an all-LED design.

Five new exterior colours have been added to MINI’s already extensive palette, while the roof and exterior mirror caps can be finished in a contrasting colour, black or white, as a no-cost option. Roof rails are available for the new MINI for the first time. Other ways of adding a touch of individual style include black or white bonnet stripes.

Interior: hallmark MINI style, new display and operating concept

The new MINI’s exterior dimensions mean greater room for up to four occupants and their luggage, including enhanced shoulder space and larger footwells. The front seats have been given a wider adjustment range, and the base has been lengthened by 23mm for additional comfort and support. A choice of fabric or leather finishes, or a combination of both, is available. It’s also easier than ever for rear seat passengers to gain access to the back.

The rear bench seat back can be split 60:40. For even greater practicality, the optional storage package includes a luggage compartment floor which can be locked into place at various points and the rear seat backrest features tilt-angle adjustment. Boot volume has been increased by more than 30 per cent to 211 litres. Numerous cup holders and storage facilities make life easier for occupants.

With an instantly recognisable design, state-of-the-art functionality and premium colour/material combinations, there’s no mistaking the dashboard of the new MINI Hatch. The horizontal structure of the cockpit, linked to circular and elliptical details, remains, but has evolved to take on a more sophisticated form.

At the heart of the design changes is a new display and operating concept, illustrated by the instrument cluster on the steering column. Speed, revs and fuel level are displayed on vertically arranged circular dials. The speedometer scale includes a colour panel for messages and vehicle status displays.

The iconic central instrument now has extended functionality. Depending on the optional equipment chosen, it can serve as a four-line TFT display as standard or optional colour screen up to 8.8-inches showing vehicle functions, infotainment, navigation and MINI Connected services. Selection of these functions is performed via a choice of two new controllers, the MINI Controller or MINI Touch Controller, fitted in the centre console which come in conjunction with MINI Visual Boost Radio or the MINI Navigation System.

Groundbreaking LED lighting around the new MINI Hatch’s central instrument provides visual feedback to the current situation on the road and to specific operational steps, according to the driver’s preference. For example, when Park Distance Control is activated, the remaining distance to obstacles is shown by means of a ring of light which is illuminated in green, yellow or red - supplementing the graphic display. A change in the car’s driving mode confirmed by LED units which light up in green, orange or red. Route guidance information provided by the MINI Navigation System is also visually supported by the illuminated ring: the closer the car gets to the turn-off point, the smaller the lit-up area around the edge of the central instrument.

Keyless-go is now standard across the MINI Hatch range. The start/stop toggle switch located in the middle of the centre console features a heartbeat illumination which pulses before the engine is started. A number of switches have been relocated for improved usability, including those for the electric windows, which are now integrated into the door trim.

Powertrains: three all-new engines, three all-new gearboxes

The new MINI Hatch features a range of three entirely new engines, each featuring MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology to increase driving fun and improve environmental efficiency. The trio all offer improved performance figures, with maximum power across all three variants produced lower down the rev range, while fuel consumption and emission levels have been reduced by as much as 27 per cent when compared to their predecessor models. All meet the stringent EU6 exhaust emissions criteria.

The new MINI Cooper Hatch has a three-cylinder petrol engine with a peak output of 136hp. The new MINI Cooper S Hatch is powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine which develops 192hp. The new MINI Cooper D Hatch comes with a three-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 116hp. For fuel efficiency this latter model is the undoubted star performer, with average combined economy of 80.7mpg using the EU test cycle.

Engine		MINI One Hatch	MINI One D Hatch	MINI Cooper Hatch	MINI Cooper D Hatch	MINI Cooper S Hatch
Type/no. of cylinders/valves		in-line / 3 / 4	in-line / 3 / 4	in-line / 3 / 4	in-line / 3 / 4	in-line / 4 / 4
Capacity	cc	1198	1496	1499	1496	1998
Bore/stroke	mm	78.0 / 83.6	78 / 83.	82.0 / 94.6	84.0 / 90.0	82.0 / 94.6
Compression	:1	11	16.5	11.0	16.5	11.0
Output	kW/hp	75 / 102	70 / 95	100 / 136	85 / 116	141 / 192
at engine speed	rpm	4250 - 6000	4000	4500 – 6000	4000	4700 – 6000
Torque (with overboost)	Nm	180	220	220)	270	280
at engine speed	rpm	1400-4000	1750 - 2250	1250 – 4000	1750	1250 – 4750

A six-speed manual transmission comes as standard featuring rev matching on downward shifts. A six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option on each engine. The automatic transmission sees efficiency improvements against the outgoing model, making a significant contribution towards reducing CO₂levels. For example, the outgoing MINI Cooper D Automatic Hatch produces 135g/km CO₂ with the new MINI Cooper D Hatch producing 98g/km CO₂, a reduction of 38% against the outgoing model. TMW QUOTE - SO MINI ARE COMPARING A MANUAL TO AN AUTOMATIC TO GET THE 38% REDUCTION - THAT'S A BIT MISLEADING ISN'T IT ?

Both transmission systems are newly developed. The auto features an engine start/stop function for the first time, preventing unnecessary fuel consumption. When used in conjunction with the MINI Navigation System, it’s able to take account of the selected route profile and control gear shifts. Based on navigation data, the appropriate drive position is selected to match the road ahead, preventing unnecessary upshifts.

Now on the options list is a third transmission, a six-speed sports automatic transmission which enables even shorter shift times, features rev matching on downward shifts and can be operated in manual mode using shift paddles behind the steering wheel.

MINIMALISM environmental technologies continue to feature on all MINI vehicles, and the new Hatch is no exception. Designed to reduce fuel consumption, the suite of standard features includes a shift-point display function on manual cars and optimised preheating process on the diesel. Brake energy recuperation and need-oriented control of the fuel pump, coolant pump and other ancillary units feature on all models.

Optimised suspension: less weight, even more fun to drive

The suspension in the new MINI has been extensively revised. A new single-joint spring strut axle at the front and a multi-link axle at the rear intensify the MINI Hatch’s unique handling properties.

In order to reduce weight and increase component rigidity, the new front axle is fitted with aluminium swivel bearings as well as axle supports and wishbones made of high-strength steel. This supports the agile turn-in response and precise steering of the new MINI. At the rear, the share of high-strength steel used in the axle has been increased.

All improvements are aimed at intensifying the MINI’s handling responses, better known as that famous ‘go-kart’ feeling. Engineers have worked hard on the suspension to improve the acoustic refinement in the MINI’s cabin and eliminate vibrations from the road surface after chassis testing on UK roads.

Also new to the car is Variable Damper Control. Available as an option, it presents drivers with the choice of two distinct set-ups, a more comfort-oriented response or a more sporty and firm one.

The new MINI Cooper Hatch and MINI Cooper D Hatch ride on 15-inch forged light alloy wheels, which have low weight and excellent aerodynamics. The MINI Cooper S Hatch is fitted with 16-inch light alloy wheels as standard. Rims up to 18 inches in diameter are available as optional extras.

Highly resilient bearing structures, deformation zones and an extremely stable passenger cell are all part of the new MINI’s design. Together these provide an excellent basis for keeping impact energy away from passengers and ensuring maximum occupant protection. The standard safety fittings include front and side airbags as well as curtain airbags for the front and rear seats, automatic passenger airbag deactivation and front and rear ISOFIX. The aim is to achieve maximum scores on all the relevant crash tests worldwide.

High-end features for comfort, functionality and individual style

The increased standard specification on the new MINI includes electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, air-conditioning, door sill cover strips with a model-specific inscription, front fog lamps, onboard computer, MINI Radio including aux-in, USB interface and Bluetooth. These can be supplemented with a range of desirable options for comfort, convenience, additional functionality and customisation. They include two-zone automatic air-conditioning, heated front seats, panoramic glass roof, visibility package including windscreen heating, rain sensor and automatic light control, a Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system and a sports leather steering wheel. Other options include Park Distance Control, electrically heated and folding exterior mirrors, and both interior and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function.

MINI Connected: more connected than ever

MINI Connected or MINI Connected XL is also available in conjunction with the MINI Visual Boost Radio and the MINI Navigation System. It offers extensive integration of smartphones inside the car, enabling the use of internet-based services in the areas of infotainment, communication and driver experience. This functionality is provided via a diverse and continually expanding number of apps which are downloaded to a connected smartphone.

MINI Connected XL includes the Journey Mate function for networked navigation, with Real Time Traffic Information.

In future, both the MINI Connected app and MINI Connected-ready apps supplied by third-party providers will be available not just for the Apple iPhone but also for smartphones using the Android operating system.

MINI Connected remains the access point for vehicle-related functions such as Mission Control, Dynamic Music, Driving Excitement and the MINIMALISM Analyser. MINI Connected is also the way into online-based services such as web radio, the use of social networks including Facebook, Twitter, foursquare and Glympse, receiving RSS news feeds and entertainment features such as AUPEO!, Stitcher, Deezer, Audible, Napster and TuneIn.

Another innovative feature is the Intelligent Emergency Calling (E-call). This new option is a first in the premium compact car segment, and is used to establish phone connections required for the use of optional functions such as Emergency Call. In the event of an accident, this system automatically detects vehicle location, accident severity and contacts a call centre to initiate fast and effective assistance.

The SIM card also enables use of MINI Teleservices. This class-leading telematics feature provides automatic transmission of service-related vehicle data to a MINI Service Partner of the customer's choice.

Driver assistance systems: new MINI, new technology

The new MINI Hatch signals the introduction of a range of technologies which are making their brand debut. They include the optional MINI Head-Up-Display which shows information relevant to the driver on an extendable monitor in the upper section of the dashboard. Also new is the Driving Assistant option, a camera-based cruise control and distance control function which automatically maintains a predetermined distance from the vehicle ahead. It includes a collision and pedestrian warning system with initial brake function, road sign detection and high-beam assistant. A rear view camera and parking assistant are also available for the new MINI for the first time.

In addition to ABS anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), cornering brake control (CBC) with brake assistant, the driving stability control system (DSC) in the new MINI includes a drive-off assistant, brake dry function, fading brake support and dynamic traction control (DTC). This latter system permits controlled slip at the drive wheels so as to facilitate driving off on loose sand or deep snow.

The new MINI Cooper S features a performance control system, which counteracts any tendency to understeer prior to reaching the threshold level, supporting an agile yet neutral driving response in corners.

MINI Driving Modes: a basis for fuel-efficient motoring

Another new innovation and brand debut is MINI Driving Modes, an optional extra on the new MINI Hatch. Using a rotary switch at the base of the gearstick or selector lever, drivers can swap from the default MID mode to either SPORT or GREEN. The three choices offer a set-up which is either performance-oriented, comfortable and well-balanced or geared towards fuel efficiency. The latter includes decoupling of the drivetrain – better known as ‘coasting’ – when the driver removes their foot from the accelerator pedal. MINI Driving Modes also influences the ambient lighting, shift characteristics of the automatic transmission and the Variable Damper Control if the option is selected.

Personalisation: more of what people love

MINI pioneered the concept of automotive personalisation and that spirit of individuality continues with the new Hatch. The list of interior and exterior customisable components, and the options for them, is extensive. Most popular are expected to be a John Cooper Works rear spoiler, various decorative trims for roof, exterior mirrors, bonnet, seat upholstery, interior surfaces and new Colour Lines.

Pricing

The new MINI Cooper Hatch starts at £15,300 OTR. This represents only a 2.61 per cent increase compared against the outgoing model and customers benefit from a host of additional equipment including adjustable exterior mirrors, air-conditioning, front fog lamps, onboard computer, MINI Radio including aux-in, USB interface and Bluetooth all as standard. The MINI Cooper D Hatch’s OTR price of £16,450 represents only a 1.64 per cent increase verses the outgoing model. Completing the range is the MINI Cooper S Hatch starting from £18,650.

Pricing		MINI One Hatch	MINI One D Hatch	MINI Cooper Hatch	MINI Cooper D Hatch	MINI Cooper S Hatch
OTR cost		£13,750	£14,890	£15,300	£16,450	£18,650

TMW QUOTE - SO THE MINI HAS INCREASED IN PRICE FROM THE ORIGINAL BY OVER £3,750, WHEN MINI ONE WAS LAUNCHED IT HAD A START PRICE OF £9,999 - SEEMS LIKE THIS CAR IS BECOMING A VERY EXPENSIVE HATCHBACK, AND THIS, THE THIRD GENERATION IS BY FAR THE WORST LOOKING - REMINDS ME OF A CHEAP PLASTIC TOY.

Customers choosing to finance the purchase of their new MINI can do so with a bespoke finance deal from MINI Financial Services.  A MINI Cooper Hatch with Pepper Pack and TLC Service Pack is available from as little as £207 a month with a £3,033.07 deposit over a 48 month term1.

MINI TLC: Topping up on care

With MINI TLC, customers benefit from comprehensive servicing cover for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever is reached first, for only £299.  This includes MINI MOT Protect, which means in the unlikely event their MINI should fail its first, second or third MOT, MINI will cover the cost of repair or replacement on an array of selected parts.

New MINI Hatch: Built in Oxford

The new MINI Hatch is built in Britain at Plant Oxford, a state-of-the-art facility which celebrated 100 years of car production in Oxford during 2013, which remains at the heart of the MINI manufacturing network. Plant Oxford received the lion’s share of a £750 million investment in the MINI Production Triangle which also includes Plant Swindon and Plant Hams Hall. Besides a new state-of-the-art bodyshop, Plant Oxford also benefitted from upgrades to its quality validation processes, to its paintshop and from a series of initiatives reducing the operation’s carbon footprint and improving its waste management processes.

The New Hatch launches at MINI dealers across the UK on Saturday 15th March 2014.