New Mini FAQ's Answered

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Is the MINI sold worldwide?
The MINI is sold through an independent MINI Dealer Network around the world. Many of its members already enjoy a long-standing cooperation with the BMW Group as BMW Dealers.

Can I order a MINI yet?
You can register your interest in being one of the first people to own a MINI at the Virtual Dealer here on the mini.com Web site (the section for South Africa was not yet activated when CARtoday.com tried to access it today.

Can I order the MINI with the vehicle identification number 001?
Bad luck. The first and last cars produced generally go in the BMW Group's museum.

What are the MINI's "vital statistics"?
Both the MINI One and the MINI Cooper have a 1.6 l engine, with 66 kW and 85 kW respectively. The MINI One has a top speed of 185 km/h and the MINI Cooper of 200 km/h. Although, for safety reasons, the MINI is now fractionally longer than the original, the perspective has been retained. Further technical information is available on the Virtual Tour.

Can I customise my MINI to suit my own needs?
All MINI models have a near unbeatable range of factory-fit options. There are also "trim-levels" available, add-on packages that offer excellent value for money. In-depth information is available on the Virtual Tour.

What colours is the MINI available in?
The MINI One and the MINI Cooper are both available in a total of eight colours: Black Solid, Chili Red Solid, Liquid Yellow Solid, Indi Blue Metallic, Cosmos Black Metallic, Pure Silver Metallic, British Racing Green Metallic and Silk Green Metallic. The MINI Cooper offers the option of a roof in white, black or body colour.

How much storage space is available in the MINI?
The volume of the boot with the rear seats folded up is 150 litres. This can be increased by lowering one or both of the 50/50 split rear seats.

Does the MINI meet modern safety standards?
The new car offers extremely high standards of both passive and active safety, with all models equipped with ABS, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and four standard airbags plus two optional head airbags. For more on safety and the MINI, just take a Virtual Tour.

How "child-friendly" is the MINI?
Fittings designed to accommodate all types of child safety seats are standard in all MINIs.

Where was the MINI developed?
The MINI was developed chiefly on-site at the English facilities of the BMW Group's product development division.

Where is the MINI being produced?
The MINI is being built to customary BMW quality standards at the BMW Group plant in Oxford, England.

Will we see the first-ever diesel MINI?
The latest generation of diesels, and those from the BMW Group's stable in particular, offer previously unthought of levels of refinement, performance and dynamic excellence. It would therefore not necessarily be out of keeping with the MINI's character to develop a diesel version.

Is there an automatic version?
The MINI One and MINI Cooper are available with either manual or automatic transmission (with Steptronic option).

Are there other model variants, besides the two-door?
Initially the MINI is available in the two-door version only. However, it's possible that there might be further model variants.

What is the philosophy behind the development of the MINI?
The MINI One is the direct successor to the Sir Alec Issigonis 1959 classic. The new generation adds state-of-the-art technology to traditional MINI values, such as optimum interior space within compact exterior dimensions. Driving pleasure was, of course, also a key criterion when developing the MINI product range.

What are the MINI's nearest rivals?
MINI has its unique position on the small car market. It offers class-leading technology (for example in terms of safety) compared to other small cars and will offer high levels of agility and style.

Are any motorsport activities planned for MINI?
MINI could quite conceivably continue the marque's long motor racing tradition, although there are no definite plans as yet.

Article Date: Jul 09, 2001
Car Accociations: NEW_MINI,
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