Local News: The Mini Coupe is here!

In sync with the daring, adventurous nature of the MINI Coupé, the launch sees the MINI Habitat transform into a larger than life action-packed comic book complete with alien invasions, laser gun-wielding special agents and pure wall-smashing fun.

“The launch couldn’t have been more apt in emphasizing the dexterity of the MINI Coupé which allows it to evade every possible reel danger hurled at it. In real life, the MINI Coupé enables its driver with a level of agility unmatched in the small car segment,” said Mr Neil Fiorentinos, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia.

The selection of engines, chassis set-up, weight distribution and aerodynamic properties of the MINI Coupé are all focused on delivering optimum performance. As a result, the new car radiates the brand’s hallmark go-kart feeling with a whole new depth of intensity and achieves the best performance statistics ever recorded by a volume-produced MINI.

“The car is further matched with a unique body and interior concept built at a premium level in terms of its design, quality, equipment and individualization. Not only does this two-seater breathe a new life into MINI’s successful racing history, it’s also a major boost to the super-compact sports car class,” added Mr Fiorentinos.

The MINI Coupé is the brand’s first model to adopt a three-box body structure with a strikingly stepped rear end. Its distinctive lines are expressed in the customary MINI design language and combine with unmistakable styling features. All of which accurately showcases both the new model’s distinctive characteristics and its brand identity. Its flat silhouette and innovative “helmet roof” lend the MINI Coupé a sporty and individual allure. In addition to the integral roof spoiler, an active rear spoiler optimises airflow at higher speeds.

Inside the car, the two-seater concept is emphasised by features such as oval recesses in the roof liner. With its extremely high-opening tailgate and large luggage area with through-loading facility, the MINI Coupé displays outstanding versatility in day-to-day driving, when transporting leisure items or sports gear, and on trips out with a lucky partner.

The MINI Coupé can be ordered with the most powerful petrol engine in the brand’s arsenal. Outputs range from the 120 hp of the MINI Cooper Coupé, to the MINI Cooper S Coupé (184 hp), all the way up to the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé, a thoroughbred athlete producing 211 hp.
A level of chassis quality unmatched in the small car segment gives the new MINI model the handling flair you would expect from the brand. The precise Electric Power Steering, the standard-fitted DSC stability control system, powerful brakes and measures designed specifically to optimise torsional rigidity ensure the MINI Coupé driver can enjoy the ultimate in go-kart feeling.

The striking roof of the MINI Coupé is painted in a contrasting colour as standard, while the options list includes a new interpretation of the MINI Sport stripes. An extended selection of seat variants, door trim, trim strips and Colour Lines can be specified for the interior. Standard equipment of the MINI Coupé includes; automatic air conditioning, speed-sensitive power steering, electrically adjustable and folding exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, Sports leather steering wheel with gear shift paddles, sports seats for driver and front passenger, Chrome Line Interior, Comfort access system, an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection, USB Audio Interface and Bluetooth hands free.
Further, the MINI Cooper S Coupé comes with various standard equipment including; Xenon light, Sport Button, Radio MINI Visual Boost with 6.5” liquid-crystal display, Harman Kardon HiFi Loudspeaker system, sports suspension and MINI Yours Light-alloy wheels Twin Blade Spoke with runflat tyres.

An array of high-quality options enhance the comfort and individuality of the MINI Coupé. Plus, customers can also dip into the exclusive MINI Yours range of products, as well as options and accessories with a strong sporting flavour from John Cooper Works.

The MINI Coupé is equipped with extra bodyshell stiffening at the rear, which means that the overall torsional rigidity of the body is even higher than on the MINI. In conjunction with the extra-sturdy side sills, this optimises the occupant protection provided by the strong passenger cell. At the same time the high level of body stiffness on the MINI Coupé also enhances agility and precise handling control.

At the front of the vehicle, too, there are special body stiffening measures, along with innovative features to improve pedestrian protection. The resulting weight distribution has major benefits for vehicle dynamics. The slight increase in front axle load rating compared with the MINI increases traction at the front wheels and helps to ensure that the engine power is effortlessly translated into sporty acceleration.

The range of safety equipment fitted as standard includes front airbags and head-thorax airbags, which are integrated into the sides of the seat backrests and protect the head, upper body and hip area from injury in the event of a side-on impact. Added to which, both seats come with three-point inertial reel seat belts including belt force limiters and belt tensioners. The MINI Coupé is also equipped with a Tyre Defect Indicator as standard.

Both the MINI Cooper Coupé and the MINI Cooper S Coupé will be available at the MINI Habitat from 16 November 2011, while the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé is slated to arrive in 2012.

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