MINI gets new tech, New Connectivity and upgrades in the majority of models.

New tech, new connectivity and a new MINI range for 2018: the new MINI 3-Door Hatch, the new MINI 5-Door Hatch, the new MINI Convertible.

New technology, cutting-edge connectivity, standard-fit front and rear LED lights across the range and an advanced dual-clutch automatic gearbox are just some of the features in the new 2018 MINI 3-Door Hatch, MINI 5-Door Hatch and MINI Convertible, which will launch at MINI retailers across the UK on 17 March 2018.

The changes are focused on driver appeal and core new technologies, including MINI Connected Concierge services, wireless smartphone charging and first-in-class options such as new anti-dazzle adaptive headlights with Matrix high beam.

MINI 3-Door Hatch, MINI 5-Door Hatch and MINI Convertible: overview of new features.

• New design standard-fit front and rear LED lights for the UK market.
• First-in-class - new optional adaptive headlights with Matrix high beam.
• Unique individualisation with MINI Yours 3D printed parts.
• 6.5-inch colour infotainment screen, USB and Bluetooth connectivity and multifunction steering wheel fitted as standard.
• New touchscreen MINI Navigation with Apple CarPlay and wireless smartphone charging.
• New MINI Connected Services with Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI), Online Search, Natural Language Understanding and Concierge Service.
• New MINI logo, body finishes, Piano Black exterior and alloy wheel designs.
• Extended range of leather trim, new interior backlit surfaces and colour lines.
• MINI logo projection from the exterior mirror on the driver's side.
• New 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch and electronic shift selector.
• Further developed engines and increased capacity and torque for MINI One.

Bright and dazzle-free: Font and rear LED lights now standard. First-in-class adaptive LED headlights with Matrix high beam optionally available.

The exterior character of the new MINI range has been refreshed with the introduction of a new front and rear LED light design, enhancing the on-road presence of the new MINI 3-Door Hatch, MINI 5-Door Hatch and MINI Convertible.

All versions of MINI Hatch and MINI Convertible sold in the UK get the same front and rear LED lamps as standard, for the first time in this segment. The LED lamps have a stronger, brighter beam pattern than the outgoing halogen headlamps, while the daytime running lamps and indicators are also LED-based, forming a new ring design around the headlights themselves. 

The three-dimensional LED rear lamps cleverly incorporate horizontal turn signals and vertical brake lamps within a distinctive new light cluster. The LED lamps benefit from greater long-distance visibility, without dazzling other road users.

First-in-class new ‘Matrix’ adaptive LED headlamps will be offered as an option on the new MINI Hatch and Convertible range, which automatically adjusts brightness using a matrix of different light elements to cater for specific road conditions.

For example, the lamps can offer additional illumination to the side of the road in both urban and rural areas, while the high beam lights have greater intensity at motorway speeds, without dazzling oncoming drivers.

The adaptive LEDs also feature an automatic selective dip function when on high beam, which automatically extinguishes the parts of the lamp which may dazzle other drivers, while at the same time offering optimal illumination.

Each lamp is divided into four horizontally arranged segments, which are activated and deactivated independently of one another at speeds of over 45mph. The high beam segments effectively ‘read’ the road, and as soon as the MINI front camera registers an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle driving ahead, the space that vehicle occupies is only illuminated at low beam brightness.

This is done by deactivation of the Matrix segments that cover the space in question, while the remaining areas of the road continue to be illuminated at high beam brightness.

New MINI logo: reduced to the essentials.

The 2018 MINI range will also see the debut of an all-new MINI logo on the vehicle. The new badge has a flat two-dimensional design, reflecting MINI’s new brand identity with its focus on the essentials – namely key values such as driving fun, distinctive design, premium quality and emotional appeal.

The new logo appears on the bonnet, tailgate, steering wheel, instrument display and central locking remote control on all models.

Three new colours, including premiere for Piano Black Exterior.

The range of body finishes available for the new MINI range includes three brand new colours, namely Emerald Grey metallic, Starlight Blue metallic and Solaris Orange metallic.

In addition, exterior options now include an additional means of customising the exterior design – a popular practice among MINI customers. With the Piano Black Exterior pack, the surrounds of the headlights, rear lights and radiator grille are finished in high-gloss black instead of chrome.

The choice of alloy wheels has been expanded, too. 17-inch ‘Roulette’ and ‘Propeller’ designs are now available for all body variants of the new MINI Hatch and Convertible, along with a new ‘Rail’ two-tone wheel.

New leather trims, interior surfaces and colour lines.

A broad selection of seat surfaces, interior surfaces and colour lines add a touch of individual style to the interior of the new MINI range. These include Chester leather trim in Malt Brown and a colour line now also available in Malt Brown.

A brand new option for 2018, MINI Yours Interior in Piano Black, provides MINI Hatch and Convertible customers with the option of a distinctive backlit decorative strip for the passenger side of the instrument panel. Stylised in a Union Jack motif, the colour of the background lighting for the decorative strip matches that of the vehicle’s ambient lighting selected by the driver as part of the MINI Excitement Package. This option also enhances other area of the cabin, adding a distinctive high gloss black appearance to the door inners and centre console.

Maximum individualisation: MINI Yours Customised.

The MINI Yours Customised program raises brand individualisation to a whole new level. It includes new products whose design can be created by customers themselves, which are then produced precisely according to their individual specifications.

The MINI Yours Customised range includes side scuttles, decorative strips for the interior on the passenger side, LED door sill finishers and LED door projectors.

MINI Yours Customised products can be selected, designed and ordered through a specially created online shop launching later in 2018. Here customers can choose between various colours, patterns, surface structures and icons, as well as contributing their own texts and adding a touch of personal style to the design. This creative interaction between manufacturer and customer enables MINI drivers to turn their vehicle into a unique expression of their own personality.

The individualised products are manufactured using innovative production techniques, including 3D printing and laser engraving.

Drive: increased driving fun and reduced weight.

Revisions to engines and powertrain have been made to further enhance driving fun. Development has been applied across the board, including the basic engine, MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology, engine electronics, oil supply, intake air ducting, the cooling system and the exhaust system.

One very clever feature of the new MINI engines is the use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) on the engine covers, which not only contributes to further weight reduction, but also takes advantage of using recycled material generated during the production of BMW’s ‘i’ range of electric vehicles.

The 3-cylinder petrol engine in the MINI One has seen an increase in capacity to 1.5 litres, increasing maximum torque by 10 Nm, taking it to 190 Nm.

New: 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch with electronic selector lever.

All new MINIs come with a precise six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but now 3-Door Hatch, 5-Door Hatch and Convertible models are now also available with a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch as an option.

The transmission is offered on MINI One, MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper D engine variants, and is characterised by very fast gearshifts, enabling sporty acceleration and an impressive spread of torque.

The transmission comes with an all-new electronic selector lever, while on the MINI Cooper S the automatic option includes shift paddles at the steering wheel for a level of manual intervention.

All Steptronic transmissions allow the car to coast in MID and GREEN mode and incorporate the latest generation of auto start/stop functions.

Using the satellite navigation data and the car’s inbuilt camera systems, the stop/start can be intelligently controlled to identify situations in which it is better not to switch off the engine: for example when stopping briefly before making a turn or entering a roundabout, or if the traffic ahead has started moving again.

Diverse range of engines.

There are five engine variants for UK customers to choose from for the new MINI 3-Door Hatch:

MINI One 3-Door Hatch: 75 kW/102 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 10.1 seconds (10.2 seconds), top speed: 121 mph (121 mph), fuel consumption: 57.6 mpg combined cycle (58.9 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 115 – 111 g/km (114 – 109 g/km)*.

MINI Cooper 3-Door Hatch: 100 kW/136 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 7.9 seconds (7.8 seconds), top speed: 130 mph (130 mph), fuel consumption: 56.5 mpg combined cycle (58.9 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 118 – 114 g/km (114 – 109 g/km)*.

MINI Cooper S 3-Door Hatch: 141 kW/192 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 6.8 seconds (6.7 seconds), top speed: 146 mph (146 mph), fuel consumption: 47.1 mpg combined cycle (54.3 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 139 – 138 g/km (120 – 119 g/km)*.

MINI John Cooper Works 3-Door Hatch: 170 kW/231 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 6.3 seconds (6.1 seconds), top speed: 153 mph (153 mph), fuel consumption: 42.8 mpg combined cycle (49.6 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 150 g/km (130 g/km)*.

MINI Cooper D 3-Door Hatch: 85 kW/116 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 9.2 seconds (9.3 seconds), top speed: 127 mph (127 mph), fuel consumption: 3.9 – 3.9 litres/100 km (3.8 – 3.8 litres/100 km)*, CO2 emissions: 103 – 102 g/km (100 – 99 g/km)*.

Three petrol engines and one diesel engine are offered for the new MINI 5-Door Hatch:

MINI One 5-Door Hatch: 75 kW/102 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 10.3 seconds (10.5 seconds), top speed: 119 mph (119 mph), fuel consumption: 57.6 mpg combined cycle (58.9 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 116 – 112 g/km (115 – 110 g/km)*.

MINI Cooper 5-Door Hatch: 100 kW/136 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 8.2 seconds (8.1 seconds), top speed: 129 mph (129 mph), fuel consumption: 55.4 mpg combined cycle (58.9 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 120 – 116 g/km (115 – 110 g/km)*.

MINI Cooper S 5-Door Hatch: 141 kW/192 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 6.9 seconds (6.8 seconds), top speed: 146 mpg (146 mpg), fuel consumption: 45.6 mpg combined cycle (52.3 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 143 – 141 g/km (124 – 123 g/km)*.

MINI Cooper D 5-Door Hatch: 85 kW/116 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 9.4 seconds (9.6 seconds), top speed: 126 mph (126 mph), fuel consumption: 4.0 – 3.9 litres/100 km (4.0 – 3.9 litres/100 km)*, CO2 emissions: 104 – 103 g/km (104 – 103 g/km)*.

The engine portfolio for the new MINI Convertible consists of three petrol engines:

MINI Cooper Convertible: 100 kW/136 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 8.8 seconds (8.7 seconds), top speed: 129 mph (128 mph), fuel consumption: 54.3 mpg combined cycle (54.3 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 123 – 119 g/km (123 – 118 g/km)*.

MINI Cooper S Convertible: 141 kW/192 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 7.2 seconds (7.1 seconds), top speed: 143 mph (143 mph), fuel consumption: 44.8 mpg combined cycle (57.4 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 123 – 119 g/km (123 – 118 g/km)*.

MINI John Cooper Works Convertible: 170 kW/231 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 6.6 seconds (6.5 seconds), top speed: 150 mph (149 mph), fuel consumption: 42.2 mpg combined cycle (47.9 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 152 g/km (136 g/km)*.

*Fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures were measured using the methods required according to Regulation (EC) 2007/715 as amended. The figures are provisional and are based on a vehicle with basic equipment in Germany. Figures depend on the tyre format selected; specifications in brackets apply to vehicles with automatic transmission

New steering wheel with multifunction buttons and radio with 6.5-inch colour screen as standard.

The newly designed three-spoke steering wheel in the MINI range now features multifunction buttons. On the left-hand control panel it is possible to activate the Speed Limit Device to set a maximum speed, while the audio and communication controls are on the right-hand side. A sports leather steering wheel, a MINI Yours sports leather steering wheel and a John Cooper Works leather steering wheel are all available as options.

The standard trim also includes an audio system with 6.5-inch colour screen in the central instrument panel and mobile phone integration via Bluetooth.

New options: Refreshed Pepper and Chili packs now include rear PDC and MINI Logo projection as standard.

For 2018, MINI has introduced new options and enhanced the equipment offered in the popular Pepper and Chili packs.

Pepper Pack adds extra content including 15-inch light alloy wheels, MINI Excitement Pack, leather steering wheel, rain sensor with automatic headlight activation and automatic air conditioning. A new addition to the Pepper Pack in 2018 is rear park distance control (PDC) ensuring that the MINI vehicles are easier than ever to park in and around town.

Chili Pack builds on the contents of the Pepper Pack, adding extras features including 17-inch light alloy wheels, cloth and leather upholstery, a sport steering wheel and a sport button to further enhance the driving experience.

The MINI Excitement Package, which is included in the Pepper and Chili packs for UK customers, now includes MINI logo projection on the driver's side. When the vehicle door is opened and closed, the new MINI logo is projected onto the ground in front of the door from a light source in the exterior mirror and can be seen there for 20 seconds, or permanently if the door is left open.

Infotainment and Navigation: 6.5-inch full colour display as standard and debut of new Navigation Plus Pack with wireless charging.

As standard, all vehicles will have a 6.5-inch full colour display and standard rotary controller. Customers can choose to upgrade this screen to include optional MINI Navigation with a touchscreen display and Apple CarPlay functionality.

MINI has simplified the range of additional infotainment packs for UK customers in 2018, with one new infotainment package now offered. The new Navigation Plus package contains a raft of innovative optional equipment, including MINI’s new 8.8-inch touchscreen display, wireless charging, new MINI Connected Services including Real Time Traffic Information, new Natural Language Understanding functionality, MINI Concierge Service, online services and Apple CarPlay.

The new wireless charging feature, available as an option or as part of the Navigation Plus package, is facilitated via a storage compartment in the centre armrest which will automatically and wirelessly charge mobile phones which support this capability. This option also includes a second USB socket in the front section of the centre console.

MINI Connected: a range of digital services that is unique within the segment.

MINI offers class-leading premium digital services, many of which are unique in the small car segment.

New features in the leading MINI Connected package include Real Time Traffic Information and automatic navigation map update via mobile phone connection, a personal Concierge Service and a vehicle internet portal MINI Online, with news, weather and fuel price updates. Another option is Apple CarPlay compatibility.

MINI Connected enables MINI drivers to integrate their vehicle and travel plans seamlessly into their day-to-day digital routine. Meanwhile, the MINI Connected App provides connectivity with digital touchpoints such as a smartphone or smart watch. For example, MINI Connected can draw on calendar entries and contact data entered in a smartphone to plan routes and determine the ideal time to set off based on real time traffic data.

The Send to Car function enables planned routes to be sent to the MINI navigation system, while Remote Services allow the driver not just to display vehicle location, fuel level and other vehicle status details on their smartphone, but also activate the headlight flasher, horn, ventilation and door lock/unlock function.

Intelligent networking is standard across the MINI range, via a 4G SIM card integrated into the vehicle. This enables the use of MINI Teleservices and the Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic detection of vehicle location and accident severity.

Another new 2018 option for Hatch and Convertible models is MINI Find Mate. This option consist of tags with a Bluetooth tracking function that can be attached to frequently used objects and travel items such as bags, cases, key rings and rucksacks. Their position can not only be displayed on the car’s on-board computer but also in your MINI Connected App on a smartphone, preventing personal items getting lost or left behind.

Volvo Cars, the premium car maker, is to begin the UK's most ambitious autonomous driving trial next year.

Volvo Cars, the premium car maker, is to begin the UK's most ambitious autonomous driving trial next year to speed up the introduction of a technology that promises to massively reduce car accidents as well as free up congested roads and save drivers valuable time.

The Swedish company, whose name has been synonymous with automotive safety ever since it invented the three-point seatbelt in 1959, is pioneering the development of autonomous driving (AD) systems globally as part of its commitment that no one will be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo by the year 2020.

"Autonomous driving represents a leap forward in car safety," said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars. "The sooner AD cars are on the roads, the sooner lives will start being saved."

Mr Samuelsson will make his comments at a seminar sponsored by Volvo and Thatcham, the insurance industry's research organisation, in London on May 3 entitled 'A Future with Autonomous Driving Cars – Implications for the Insurance Industry' at the America Conference Centre in London.

Volvo's UK-based test will be called 'Drive Me London' and will differentiate itself from other AD programmes by using real families driving AD cars on public roads.  

Volvo will source its data from these everyday users and use this data to develop AD cars that are suitable for real-world driving conditions, rather than the more unrealistic conditions found on test tracks. Thatcham Research will be providing the technical data analysis and any professional test drivers needed as part of the trial.  

Drive Me London will begin in early 2017 with a limited number of semi-autonomous driving cars and expand in 2018 to include up to 100 AD cars, making it the largest and most extensive AD testing programme on Britain's streets.  

The introduction of AD cars promises to revolutionise Britain's roads in four main areas – safety, congestion, pollution and time saving.  

Independent research has revealed that AD has the potential to reduce the number of car accidents significantly, in some cases by up to 30 per cent. Up to 90 per cent of all accidents are presently caused by driver error or distraction, something that should largely disappear with AD cars.  

"Vehicle manufacturers are predicting that highly autonomous vehicles, capable of allowing the driver to drop 'out of the loop' for certain sections of their journey, will be available from around 2021. Without doubt, crash frequency will also dramatically reduce. We've already seen this with the adoption of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) on many new cars. Research in the US by NHTSA predicts that by 2035, as a result of autonomous and connected cars, crashes will be reduced by 80%. Additionally, if a crash unfortunately can't be avoided, then the impact speed will also drop as a result of the system's performance – reducing the severity of the crash," said Peter Shaw, chief executive of Thatcham Research.  

In terms of congestion, AD cars allow traffic to move more smoothly, reducing traffic jams and by extension cutting dangerous emissions and associated pollution. Lastly, reduced congestion saves drivers valuable time.  

"There are multiple benefits to AD cars," said Mr Samuelsson. "That is why governments globally need to put in place the legislation and infrastructure to allow AD cars onto the streets as soon as possible. The car industry cannot do it all by itself. We need governmental help."

Land Rover to debut world first "Transparent Trailer" technology at the Burghley Horse Trials.

• Land Rover researchers develop an innovative camera system that makes a trailer or caravan appear see-through when being towed
• The Transparent Trailer removes the blind spot created when towing. It will make overtaking safer and help trailer manoeuvring by improving visibility
• Cargo Sense App allows drivers to monitor the status of the trailer and cargo remotely via smartphone
• Sensors on the floor of a trailer could alert the driver if the load  is shifting, or if a horse is in distress – reducing the potential for accidents and injuries
• Technology prototype in a Range Rover research vehicle will be demonstrated at the Burghley Horse Trials 3^rd – 6^th September

Land Rover is developing a see-through trailer concept that would completely remove the blind spot created when towing a caravan or trailer. This transparent view would allow the driver to clearly see vehicles coming up behind and help driver confidence by improving visibility whilst manoeuvring.

The prototype ‘Transparent Trailer’ system combines the video feed from the vehicle’s existing surround camera system - which includes the reversing camera and a camera on each wing mirror - with a video from a digital wireless camera that is placed on the rear of the trailer or caravan. 

The video feeds are then combined to create the live video images that make the trailer behind appear see-through. 

When the trailer is coupled to the towing car, the live video feed would automatically appear in the rear view mirror inside the vehicle.

Dr Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology, Jaguar Land Rover, said:“When you are overtaking it is instinctive to check your mirrors, but if you are towing your vision is often restricted with large blind spots. 

Our Transparent Trailer project is researching how we could offer a view out of the vehicle unrestricted by your trailer, no matter what its size or shape. Our prototype system offers a very high quality video image with no distortion of other cars or obstructions. 

This means the driver would have exactly the right information to make safe and effective decisions when driving or manoeuvring, making towing safer and less stressful.”

When reversing, the driver would also be able to view the camera feed from the back of the caravan or trailer through the infotainment screen, with guidance lines calibrated to help reverse both car and trailer.

Cargo Sense is an innovative idea for an in-car trailer monitoring system designed to optimise cargo loading for safer towing. The prototype system combines a remote video camera inside the trailer and a mat of pressure sensors on the floor, that both link wirelessly to the towing vehicle.

As well as helping customers load cargo evenly and uniformly, the pressure sensitive mat would detect if your load of boxes, antique furniture, a classic car or even a valuable horse is moving around the trailer in an unexpected or abnormal way whilst travelling.

The system would send a ‘Check Cargo’ warning to the dashboard to alert the driver to an issue with the cargo, or a horse, before it becomes serious. Live video footage from the camera inside the trailer could then be made available through the infotainment screen in the vehicle.  

A passenger would be able to view the footage whilst the vehicle is in motion. Alternatively, the driver could view the video while stationary to assess the situation in the trailer from the safety of the driver’s seat.

Dr Epple added: “Many of our customers tow valuable cargoes for business and pleasure, so we are researching a range of technologies that would enhance the towing experience and make it safer – for the driver and even their horses. 

A permanent video feed through to the dashboard from the trailer has the potential to distract the driver from the road ahead. Instead we are developing a more intelligent system that is able to detect a problem with the horse in the trailer and warn the driver. 

The video is then available for owners to view the inside of the trailer and support a decision to pull over and check the horse.”

The Cargo Sense app allows the driver to check the status of both trailer and load remotely when the owner is away from the trailer. 

If a horse owner is away from the horse trailer whilst walking the course at an equestrian event for example, the system could automatically alert the owner via SMS if the horse is distressed, if the temperature inside has exceeded safe levels, or if the trailer is being tampered with.

Thousands of horses travel to equestrian events all over the world every year. Finding safer ways to transport them would reduce the potential for road accidents during the journey and injuries to horse and handler when they reach their destination. 

Serious accidents have been caused by a horse falling over inside the trailer or making the trailer sway excessively, or even forcing themselves out of the trailer doors.

Animal physiologist Dr Emma Punt will work with the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association (BARTA) and the Royal Veterinary College on a research project to better understand horse stress and distress during travel and to see how Jaguar Land Rover’s Cargo Sense technology could be used to indicate horse distress.

As well as testing a range of devices that measure the animal’s physical wellbeing inside a trailer, Dr Punt will validate how a pressure sensor mat could identify and locate hoof pressure to highlight if the horse has moved unexpectedly.

Dr Punt said: “Whether it is to help prevent road accidents and injuries to horse and handler, or even to simply ensure your horse arrives at its destination stress free, I’m sure every owner would like to learn how to reduce stress for their horse during travel.

“Gaining a better understanding of the environment inside the trailer, and the horse’s reaction to it, would make the animal more comfortable during travel and ensure the horse is capable of performing to the best of its ability, whether it’s at a local competition, or a major international event like the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.”