The New MINI, The New ORIGINAL

In celebration of this, MINI Philippines recently held a test-driving event over the last weekend from June 19 to the 22nd, around Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The event’s aim is to not only mark the beginning of a new era for the new MINI, but also to give the motoring enthusiasts a first-hand experience on how it is to drive the new MINI, its in-motion characteristics, and a load of new driver and passenger offerings it comes with.

many were in awe of its origin-honoring looks, and even more were stunned by how it behaves on the road.

The road-testing activity was of two parts, with part 1 (June 19-20) being an exclusive to car clubs and MINI owners test drive, and part 2 (June 21-22) being an open-to-the-public test drive. Interested car lovers were given the privilege hop in and take the new MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S for a spin, and as expected, many were in awe of its origin-honoring looks, and even more were stunned by how it behaves on the road. Prior to this, a simple yet lively media launch was held last June 18, and with no time to spare, an all-media exclusive test-driving event began, with champion racer George Ramirez (son of the late great Philippine racing icon Pocholo Ramirez) green-lighting the occasion and putting the new MINI through its paces, showcasing what the new MINI can achieve.

From a stand-still, the new MINI looked reminiscent of its original version from the 60’s. Although physically a few inches taller, wider, and longer than its predecessor, the new MINI still manages to give the past a nod. Its distinctive silhouette was maintained, as well as its general aura of pure road fun and activeness via its coupe-like structure embedded in its compact hatchback form. Hop inside, and you would immediately feel its eagerness to go an extra mile, as its signature huge round centre-dash-mounted multifunctional digital instrument cluster beckons. Now featuring an 8.9” LCD screen, driver-essential infos like digital road maps/GPS data, back-up camera video display, and more are shown in crisp and sharp detail. Serving not just for looks, the color-changing light that rings around the instrument cluster also serves as an artistically more expressive second tachometer, which lights up in bright red as the revs go higher. Talk about an emotional driving experience. Interior space is also surprisingly roomier than its older version, and in spite of it being a two-door coupe, the new MINI can seat up to four adults comfortable.

Highly-responsive throttle and transmission responses keep things up-beat, and with the addition of the turbo, things can get even wilder

Like a prelude of things to come, the exterior and interior looks build up together, leading up to one of the most exciting driving experiences ever felt. The new MINI comes with a 136hp turbocharged 1.5L In-Line 3-Cylinder 12-Valve engine for the Cooper, and a 192hp turbocharged 2.0L In-Line 4-Cylinder 16-Valve engine for the Cooper S, and they both can be optioned with either a 6-Spped manual transmission or a 6-Speed AT with Manual Mode. Driving characteristics are indeed as unique as the British automaker’s brand name. Highly-responsive throttle and transmission responses keep things up-beat, and with the addition of the turbo, things can get even wilder as you step on the gas even harder.

The MINI is synonymous for extreme agility and light-weight adrenalin rush, and the new MINI improves those characteristics even further via its lowered right height, wider track width, and stiffer suspension, making the driver feel more engaged and more in command of the car.

The new MINI, the new Original. Honoring and taking inspiration from the old generation, and kicking it up a notch even higher towards a new generation of driving emotions… Pure, fun, and exciting driving emotions.