Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label green. Show all posts
Showing posts with label green. Show all posts

Sunday, 6 March 2016

GENEVA - The top three in each category has been announced for the World Car Of The Year.

The Road to World Car journey continues with today’s announcement of the Top Three in the World finalists in five award categories at the Geneva International Motor Show.
This announcement continues the countdown for the 2016 World Car Awards winners’ press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), Bridgestone Corporation and Autoneum on Thursday, March 24, 2016. Winners of the 2016 World Car of the Year, World Luxury Car, World Performance Car, World Green Car and World Car Design of the Year will all be declared at this time.

2016 marks the 10th anniversary of the partnership between World Car and the New York show, and the third consecutive year that the World Car Awards have retained their ranking as the number one automotive awards program in the world in terms of media reach.
The Global Trends Report, co-presented annually by Prime Research and Autoneum, will also be announced during the New York show press conference and media breakfast. The report is the culmination of research and insights across the past six months. During this period, the introduction of stricter test procedures for vehicles became a heavily discussed topic within the automotive industry. Autoneum CEO Martin Hirzel emphasized: 
“The planned changes in test cycles such as the switch from the New European Driving Cycle (NEFC) to the Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) and the introduction of Real Driving Emissions (RDE) will favour Autoneum’s efficiency-boosting technologies and products like engine encapsulations and aerodynamic underfloor systems. 
More stringent test procedures will help us to reveal the full potential of our multifunctional products with regard to less fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions of cars.”
A jury of 73 distinguished international automotive journalists selected the following “Top Three in the World” finalists by secret ballot based on their experience with each candidate as part of their professional work. The international accounting firm KPMG tabulated the jurors’ ballots.      
The Top Three in the World finalists in the five award categories are as follows:
2016 World Car of the Year:
  • Audi A4 Sedan / Audi A4 Avant
  • Mazda MX-5
  • Mercedes-Benz GLC
2016 World Luxury Car:
  • Audi Q7
  • BMW 7 Series
  • Volvo XC90
2016 World Performance Car:
  • Audi R8 Coupe
  • Honda Civic Type R
  • Mercedes-AMG C 63 CoupĂ©
2016 World Green Car:
  • Chevrolet Volt
  • Toyota Mirai (Hydrogen Fuel Cell)
  • Toyota Prius (Hybrid)
2016 World Car Design of the Year:
  • Jaguar XE
  • Mazda CX-3
  • Mazda MX-5
The Road to World Car began in Frankfurt on September 15, was followed by a four and a half day stop in Los Angeles for test-drives of the North American, Japanese and Swedish contenders in November, and continues with today’s Top Three in the World announcement. The journey ends at the New York International Auto Show on Thursday, March 24, 2016 when all winners are declared.
As the global nature of the industry continues to strengthen, and the pace of innovation continues to accelerate, World Car is proud to be a part of this amazing journey along with the New York International Auto Show, Prime Research, Bridgestone, Autoneum, KPMG and Newspress

Saturday, 30 January 2016

The Road to the World Car starts now, and will conclude at the New York International Auto Show.

The Road to the World Car continues with today’s announcement of the finalists in all five award categories.
This release kicks off the countdown for the 2016 World Car Awards (WCA) prize-giving ceremony to be hosted by the New York International Auto Show on Thursday, March 24, 2016. Winners of the 2016 World Car of the Year, World Luxury Car, World Performance Car, World Green Car and World Car Design of the Year will all be declared at this time.

2016 marks the 10th anniversary of the partnership between World Car and the New York show, and the third consecutive year that the World Car Awards have retained their ranking as the number one automotive awards program in the world in terms of media reach.
The Global Trends Report, presented annually by Prime Research and Autoneum, will also be announced during the New York show press conference and media breakfast hosted by Bridgestone Corporation. The report is the culmination of research and insights across the past six months.
A jury of 73 distinguished international automotive journalists selected the following finalists by secret ballot based on their evaluation with each candidate as part of their professional work. For more details about our jurors and their outlets, please visit our web site:  www.wcoty.com and click < Jurors.
The international accounting firm KPMG tabulated the jurors’ ballots; then announced the finalists today.   
The 2016 World Car of the Year will be selected from the following 10 finalists listed in alphabetical order. 
  • Audi A4 Sedan / Audi A4 Avant
  • BMW X1
  • Hyundai Tucson
  • Jaguar XE
  • Land Rover Discovery Sport
  • Mazda CX-3
  • Mazda MX-5
  • Mercedes-Benz GLC
  • Skoda Superb
  • Toyota Prius
The 2016 World Luxury Car will be chosen from one of these top five finalists:
  • Audi Q7
  • BMW 7 Series
  • Jaguar XF
  • Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
  • Volvo XC90
The 2016 World Performance Car top five finalists are:
  • Audi R8 Coupe
  • Chevrolet Camaro
  • Honda Civic Type R I
  • Mercedes-AMG C 63 CoupĂ©
  • Range Rover Sport SVR
The 2016 World Green Car top five are:
  • BMW 330e Plug-in-hybrid
  • Chevrolet Volt
  • Toyota Prius (Hybrid)
  • Toyota Mirai (Hydrogen Fuel Cell)
  • Volkswagen Passat GTE
Cars eligible for the 2016 World Car Design of the Year award are taken from the list of World Car candidates or may be included as a stand-alone entry provided the vehicle is available in quantities of at least 10 in one major market during the period beginning January 1, 2015 and ending May 31, 2016.  Candidates may be pre-production or all-new production.
A design panel consisting of six highly respected world design experts was asked to first review each candidate, and then establish a short-list of recommendations for the jurors.  
The design experts are in alpha order:  Masatsugu Arimoto (Japan – Freelance design journalist), Anne Asensio (Vice-President, Design - Dassault Systemes), Gernot Bracht (Germany – Pforzheim Design School), Patrick le QuĂ©ment (Designer and President of the Strategy Committee - The Sustainable Design School), Sam Livingstone (U.K.  - Car Design Research and Royal College of Art) and Tom Matano (USA - School of Industrial Design at Academy of Art University in San Francisco)
The five finalists chosen for the jurors are:
  • Cadillac CT6
  • Mazda CX-3
  • Mazda MX-5
  • Jaguar XE
  • Land Rover Discovery
The Road to the World Car began in Frankfurt on September 15, was followed by a four and a half day stop in Los Angeles for test-drives of the North American, Japanese and Swedish contenders in November, and continues with today’s finalists’ announcement. 
The next stop is at the Geneva International Auto Show on Tuesday, March 1 when the top three finalists in all categories will be announced.   The journey ends at the New York International Auto Show on Thursday, March 24, 2016 when all winners are declared.
As the global nature of the industry continues to strengthen, and the pace of innovation continues to accelerate, World Car is proud to be a part of this amazing journey along with the New York International Auto Show, Prime Research, Bridgestone and Autoneum.

Friday, 27 March 2015

Ford wipes the board with five awards at annual Fleet awards ceremony.

Ford’s new 2015 company car line-up carried away five Fleet News awards – the blue oval’s best haul in over five years.
Ford’s acclaimed all-new Mondeo and new Focus, being delivered to fleets from the start of the year, spearheaded Ford’s success in five categories:
Ford Mondeo – Best Upper Medium Car
Ford Mondeo – New Company Car of the Year
Ford Focus – Best Lower Medium Car
Ford Motor Company – Green Fleet Manufacturer of the Year
Ford Motor Company – Fleet Manufacturer of the Year

Both the new Ford Mondeo and Focus ranges feature models with CO2 emissions of under the 100g/km benchmark – equating to 78.5mpg fuel economy achievable in the 1.6-litre ECOnetic diesel Mondeo and 83.1mpg from the 1.5-litre diesel Focus.

The addition of a hybrid petrol/electric Ford Mondeo and zero emissions Ford Focus battery helped scoop Green Manufacturer of the Year for the blue oval brand.
Stephen Briers, Fleet News editor, said:  “The Focus is an excellent all-round fleet car that has been revitalised with a superb quality interior. It leads the way on wholelife costs and is a great driver’s car, combining the cost advantages and badge appeal necessary to satisfy fleets and drivers alike.  New Mondeo has the style and design to appeal to drivers, while its wide choice of low emission engines and very strong residual values make it a great package, rated highly by all sectors of the fleet market.
Ford’s recent new product onslaught, culminating in the introduction of new Ford Mondeo and Focus, confirmed Fleet News’ top honour – Fleet Manufacturer of the Year.
“There are no weaknesses in Ford’s model range which, from supermini to full-size people carrier, offers something to meet every fleet requirement. Low running costs are a given, while Ford has a deserved reputation for making some of the best drivers’ cars on the market,” added Stephen Briers.
Nick Themistocleous, Ford Britain fleet director who was presented with the awards, said:  “Ford’s renewed cars and vans – from Fiesta to Transit – have caught the eye of fleets and the discerning business car user and drawn even more of them to our range.
“Fleet News and its readers have endorsed Ford Mondeo and Focus as their stars, which Ford, its dealers and fleet partners thank them for.”

Thursday, 26 March 2015

Alpina celebrates 50 years with a set of special editions, be quick, only 50 will be produced.

Extensively revised V8 is the most powerful roadcar engine in the company’s history

Bespoke car manufacturer ALPINA will create 50 remarkable saloons (or estates) and 50 similar coupes to celebrate the company’s half century this year. Based on the B5 Bi-Turbo and the B6 Bi-Turbo respectively, each vehicle will include hand-crafted Edition 50 body and trim features and a remarkable, heavily revised V8 that will propel the luxury five seater from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 204 mph. 

ALPINA’s fifty year heritage includes the creation of some of Europe’s most highly-regarded luxury performance road cars and iconic race cars including the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL.

With an astonishing 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) and 441 kW (600 hp), Edition 50 is the most powerful road car ever developed by the German company. A notable testament to ALPINA’s 70-strong engineering team is that this huge performance is combined with fuel economy (on the most representative combined cycle) of 29.7 mpg and best in-class CO2 emissions of 221 g/km.

“Edition 50 is the ultimate expression of the ALPINA values,” explains ALPINA GB brand manager Matthew Stripling. “It combines very high levels of long-term comfort with superb performance that is available from low engine speeds, making it effortlessly fast. Add the deep base soundtrack and the feeling of bespoke luxury, and you have a highly engaging car that offers a unique set of attributes for the discerning enthusiast.”
Based on BMW’s proven 4.4 ltr V8, the B5 Bi-Turbo’s heavily-revised engine uses two ALPINA-specific turbochargers located between the cylinder banks, operating in parallel, delivering up to 1.2 bar. Particular attention has been paid to air flow optimisation, with short intake paths and optimised radii to allow near-instantaneous throttle response. Charge density and thermal stability are further enhanced by a combination of large-volume air-cooled intercooler behind the bespoke front spoiler with two smaller, ALPINA-developed water-cooled intercoolers close coupled to the turbochargers. 
A large-capacity oil radiator and supplementary coolant radiator, also mounted behind the front spoiler, further improve thermal stability. Many other engine components have also been optimised for very high performance with long life, including new light-weight pistons designed to accommodate the high thermal loads of prolonged high-performance driving.
Compared with the standard B5 Bi-Turbo, further optimisation of the induction system, a high-capacity fuel system and other unique upgrades have released an additional 70 Nm (52 lb-ft) and 44 kW (60 hp) for the Edition 50 yet the car offers the same high levels of durability that would be expected from any ALPINA. Like all new ALPINAs, it will be supplied with a two year BMW-endorsed warranty.
The aerodynamics, transmission, handling, comfort, styling and weight have also received further attention. The cars feature the first major restyle of the ALPINA Classic wheel for more than a decade. Side cuts in each spoke combined with a design that takes advantage of the high strength that can be achieved with forging, has reduced the weight of each set of four wheels by 15.6 kg compared with the previous 20” design; a remarkable achievement considering the width has increased to 9” at the front and 10” at the rear.  Each wheel carries the Edition 50 logo on the rim and provides a clear view of the ALPINA Blue brake callipers. 
The light-weight titanium exhaust system, developed with specialist supplier Acrapovic, improves throttle response by minimising back pressure and saves a further 17 kg compared with a stainless steel system. A limited slip differential is also standard, as are subtle aerodynamic enhancements developed in BMW’s wind tunnel.
Inside, the Edition 50 can be specified with unique, hand-crafted sports seats in black leather with luxurious Forest Green quilting on the squab and backrest centre sections, complemented by yellow and black stitching. Trim panels are in ALPINA piano black with EDITION 50 and the signature of company founder Burkard Bovensiepen displayed in front of the passenger. 
A special ‘1965 – 2015’ logo appears on metal emblems on the seat backs, in the carpets and on the key ring. Each car’s limited edition number will be displayed on a production plaque on the centre console and also on the reverse of the keyring. A host of other luxury features include ceramic finish controls, a full leather instrument panel and two additional levels of optional interior leatherwork, created and fitted at ALPINA’s saddlery. All of the bespoke, luxury features of the B5 Bi-Turbo are standard, including instruments in ALPINA Blue and a steering wheel covered in finest-quality, hand-stitched Lavalina leather.  
Each car will be available in ALPINA Green or ALPINA Blue, or in a bespoke Edition 50 Sepia created by BMW Individual. ALPINA’s iconic decal sets can be specified along the sides and on the front spoiler, in coordinating green or blue with Edition 50 lettering. Very small numbers will be available in the UK, with prices from £86,850.
50 years of bespoke cars
ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen KG was established on the 1st of January 1965 in Kaufbeuren. Two years later it adopted the now-famouse badge featuring a twin-choke downdraught carburettor and a crankshaft on a shield; a proud symbol of the company’s dedication to superb engineering.
Although today the company is focussed largely on road cars, its ethos has been formed by decades of racing success with a driver roster that includes Derek Bell, James Hunt, Jacky Ickx, Niki Lauda, Brian Muir and Hans Stuck. Throughout this time, the close relationship with BMW was developing, with factory support for road car development and collaboration in motorsport that included commissioning ALPINA to develop the light weight race car that became the now-legendary BMW 3.0 CSL.
In its 50th year, ALPINA is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-performance luxury automobiles, selling on every continent yet still in numbers small enough to allow each car to be bespoke. Production reached 1,700 in 2014 – a new record – and there are currently no plans for significant growth beyond this.
“ALPINA is a company that creates subtly stylish, very high performance cars that can be tailored to each customer’s personal requirements, yet offer the long-term comfort and durability required for daily use,” comments CEO Andreas Bovensiepen, son of the company’s founder Burkard Bovensiepen. “We have a unique philosophy and a commitment to engineering excellence that we intend to maintain and build on across the next 50 years.”

Thursday, 5 June 2014

New BMW MINI comes as a five door hatch. Still not pretty though.

  • The first-ever MINI Hatch with 5-doors arrives this autumn
  • New model combines distinctive character and refinement of 3-door with enhanced appeal of two extra doors
  • Additional space and practicality comes as standard – 278 litres of boot space, 72mm more rear legroom and third seat in rear
  • Introduction of new Cooper SD engine variant with 360Nm
  • Built at MINI Plant Oxford, priced from £15,900 OTR 
Just months after launching the new MINI Hatch, MINI has today expanded its model range with the addition of an entirely new body variant – the MINI 5-door Hatch.
It’s the first time in the history of the brand that the Hatch has been offered with two rear doors, and the new model promises to combine the hallmark driving fun, distinctive character and refinement of its 3-door sibling with enhanced practicality.
This brand new model features enhanced interior comfort and practicality thanks to the extended wheelbase. Rear passengers now have 72 millimetres more legroom compared to the 3-door Hatch, while the increased space also provides room for a third seat in the back row. The two rear doors make access to the enhanced rear seating more comfortable.
The new model offers an additional 15 millimetres of headroom. Meanwhile, the car's interior width at elbow height also increases by 61 millimetres. The boot has a volume of 278 litres, up 67 litres or around 30 per cent compared to the 3-door Hatch.

The body of the new MINI Cooper 5-door Hatch and Cooper D 5-door Hatch is 3,982 millimetres long, 1,727 millimetres wide and 1,425 millimetres tall. This makes the MINI 5-door Hatch 161 millimetres longer and 11 millimetres taller than the 3-door MINI Hatch. The width remains unchanged. The wheelbase has been extended by 72 millimetres to 2,567 millimetres, while the track is identical to that of the 3-door model.
Exterior design: Unmistakably MINI
Like all MINI models, the new MINI 5-door Hatch has an unmistakable appearance. The body, greenhouse and roof are visually separated from one another. The window line tapers off to the rear, contributing to a dynamic wedge shape when viewed in profile.
The wide track and short overhangs emphasise the striking design language of the vehicle's body. Traditional design features include the hexagonal contour of the radiator grille, the side indicator surrounds known as ‘side scuttles’, the circular headlights, the upright rear light clusters and the black periphery at the bottom edge of the body.
The MINI Cooper S 5-door Hatch and MINI Cooper SD 5-door Hatch models emphasis their sporty flair with a honeycomb pattern in the radiator grille, an anthracite bumper trim, bonnet scoop, brake air ducts integrated in the lower air inlets and a separate rear apron with exhaust pipes located at the centre. These model variants also bear a red ‘S’ logo with a chrome border, not only on the side scuttle elements but also on the chrome bar of the radiator grille.
There is a palette of two solid and nine metallic exterior colours for the new MINI 5-door Hatch, including the return of customer favourite ‘Electric Blue’. In all models, the roof and exterior mirror caps can be finished in a contrasting colour, white or black, as a no-cost option.
Engines: Fun and frugal
All MINI engines are balanced for fuel consumption and performance. At the UK launch of the MINI 5-door Hatch, the new Cooper D offers combined fuel economy of 78.5 mpg while CO2 emissions start from 95 g/km. The Cooper S Hatch can dispatch the sprint to 62mph in just 6.8 secs.
There are four engines with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology to choose from. A 3-cylinder petrol engine with a peak output of 136 bp powers the MINI Cooper 5-door Hatch. The output of the 4-cylinder petrol engine in the MINI Cooper S 5-door Hatch is 192 hp. The new MINI Cooper D 5-door Hatch is powered by a 116 hp 3-cylinder diesel engine.
With the introduction of the new model, the MINI Cooper SD 5-door Hatch is presented for the first time with a new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel power unit that has an output of 170 hp. This highly capable new engine offers a perfect balance of exhilarating performance, with a 0-62 time of 7.4 seconds, and frugal economy of 68.9 mpg.
All model variants of the new MINI 5-door Hatch meet the EU6 exhaust emission standard.
As with every other MINI, the latest generation of engines ensures an exceptional balance of performance and fuel consumption. This is supported by the newly developed 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions, as well as extensive MINIMALISM fuel-efficiency technology. MINI’s famed go-kart feeling on the road is guaranteed thanks to a model-specific version of the refined suspension technology. Variable Damper Control with adjustable dampers is available as an option, as are MINI driving modes which offers drivers the choice between SPORT, MID and GREEN modes.
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. MINI Driving Modes also influences the ambient lighting, shift characteristics of the automatic transmission and the Variable Damper Control if the option is selected.
The MINI 5-door Hatch also benefits from the same high standards of the new generation MINI 3-door Hatch in many other ways, including the use of quality materials and workmanship, safety, acoustic and NVH comfort and innovative equipment.
Cutting-edge manual and automatic transmissions
The new MINI 5-door Hatch comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard featuring rev matching on downward shifts. A six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option on each engine.
Both transmission systems were newly developed for the new generation MINI 3-door Hatch. The automatic features an engine start/stop function, 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.
On the Cooper S and Cooper SD, a six-speed sports automatic transmission is available which enables even shorter shift times on the MINI Cooper S 5-door Hatch and Cooper SD 5-door Hatch, featuring 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 and optimised preheating process on the diesels. Brake energy recuperation and need-oriented control of the fuel pump, coolant pump and other ancillary units feature on all models.
The electromechanical power steering and map-controlled oil pumps in all engines are optimised for the most efficient use. An optimised preheating process achieves approximately 50 per cent reduction in the energy required to start the diesel engines.
Depending on the model variant, optimisation of aerodynamic properties has been achieved by measures such as active cooling air flaps, extensive underbody trim and air ducting elements in the upper section of the C columns. With a drag coefficient (Cd value) of 0.30 (MINI Cooper 5-door Hatch, MINI Cooper D 5-door Hatch) or 0.32 (MINI Cooper S 5-door Hatch) and 0.33 (MINI Cooper SD 5-door Hatch), the new MINI 5-door Hatch is at the forefront its segment in terms of aerodynamics.
Comfortable, functional and individual - high-end spec as standard
The MINI 5-door Hatch features a high level of standard specification, including USB interface and Bluetooth, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, front fog lamps and onboard computer. Air-conditioning is available free of charge on all models.
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, windscreen heating, rain sensors 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.
Class-leading technology
The MINI 5-door Hatch’s standard display and operating controls can be supplemented with a class leading 8.8 inch display, fitted in the central instrument, as well as the MINI Touch Controller.
An optional LED light ring for the central display provides visual feedback to the driver. 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.
Like its 3-door sibling, the MINI 5-door Hatch is the first car in its class to offer the option of LED headlights. The bright white units provide the light source for both low and high beam. They are also surrounded by an LED daylight driving ring, the lower section of which reaches down to the white turn indicators.
Other key equipment options available include LED fog lamp, ambient interior lighting and Comfort Access.
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 on the MINI 5-door Hatch. 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 now includes the Journey Mate function for networked navigation, with Real Time Traffic Information.
The MINI Connected app and MINI Connected-ready apps supplied by third-party providers are available for the Apple iPhone and a number of smartphones using the Andriod 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 MINI 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.
Interior design: Premium and practical
Precise lines, premium colour and material combinations and modern functionality highlight how the MINI 5-door Hatch’s cabin is a contemporary reworking of a design classic. The horizontal structure of the cockpit and the circular or elliptical contours of central features such as air vents, instruments and door trim are among the best-loved MINI design elements. The innovative display and controller is ideal for safe and intuitive use of the various driver assistance systems, infotainment and comfort functions.
The instrument cluster on the steering column displays road speed, engine speed and fuel level. The speedometer scale includes a colour panel for Check Control messages, vehicle status displays and visual indicators relating to driver assistance systems currently activated.
As soon as the key is inside the car, the engine of the new MINI 5-door Hatch can be started by pressing the toggle start/stop button located in the middle of the centre console, which glows red.
Extended functionality & hallmark MINI style
The extended interior space along with numerous clever details makes the new MINI 5-door Hatch extremely functional and practical. The rear backrest with a 60:40 split can be folded down. This enables the load volume to be increased in stages as required, from 278 litres to as much as 941 litres. Numerous cupholders and cubby holes make it easy to take drinks and travel items in the car, and there is an additional storage compartment is optionally available behind the trim strip on the passenger side. A storage package is also available as an option, and includes a double dual-section load compartment floor, additional lashing eyes and floor net for the luggage compartment, seats which can be angled more steeply so as to create more luggage space and map pouches for the backrests of the front seats.
Seats in a fabric/leather combination and leather finish are offered as an alternative to the standard fabric version. The MINI Cooper S 5-door Hatch and the MINI Cooper SD 5-door Hatch are fitted with sport seats as standard and these are also available as an option for the other variants. The sport seats offer excellent lateral support and adjustable thigh support.
Lightweight, safe and agile
Intelligent lightweight construction means that weight reduction in the MINI is combined with a high level of rigidity. The result is improved agility and occupant protection. In spite of the wide range of fittings, virtually all variants of the new MINI 5-door Hatch are lighter than their competitors in the segment. Highly resilient load-bearing structures, advanced deformation zones and an extremely stable passenger cell provide an excellent basis for keeping impact energy away from passengers and ensuring maximum occupant protection. The safety concept behind the new MINI 5-door Hatch is geared towards achieving maximum scores on all the relevant crash tests worldwide.
Comprehensive safety technology
The standard safety fittings of the new MINI 5-door Hatch comprise front and side airbags, as well as curtain airbags for the front and rear seats. All seats are fitted with 3-point seat belts, belt tensioners and belt force limiters at the front. ISOFIX child seat mountings are provided at the rear and the front passenger seat.
Driver assistance systems
The MINI 5-door Hatch continues to innovate with a range of technologies designed to help protect those inside and outside the vehicle. 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. With the new 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 MINI 5-door Hatch.
In addition to ABS anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), cornering brake control (CBC) with brake assistant, and driving stability control system (DSC), the new MINI also 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 5-door Hatch and MINI Cooper SD 5-door Hatch feature a performance control system, which counteracts any tendency to understeer, supporting an agile yet neutral driving response in corners.
Competitive pricing 
The new MINI 5–door Hatch range starts at £15,900 OTR. There is a modest model-for-model price increase of £600 compared to its 3-door sibling.
ModelOTR Cost
MINI Cooper 5-door Hatch£15,900
MINI Cooper D 5-door Hatch£17,050
MINI Cooper S 5-door Hatch£19,255
MINI Cooper SD 5-door Hatch£20,050
Built at Plant Oxford, MINI’s state of the art global manufacturing base, the MINI 5-door Hatch will hit UK roads this autumn.