New-look MINI courts controversy

New circular LED running lights and Union Jack-style LED tail-lights are the headline acts of the facelifted MINI hatch and convertible range that we first saw in January and first drove in April.

There are a host of other detail changes, plus increases in both standard equipment and prices (as announced in May), but the distinctive new rear lighting design is the visual highlight of the new-look MINI line-up, which ramps up its Britishness more than ever.

However, while Union Jack motifs for the roof and head restraints have long been optional for MINI buyers, the Union Jack tail-lights -- which are standard from Cooper S level -- aren’t without controversy.

“We discussed it quite a lot,” admitted MINI exterior design project leader Florian Nissl at last week’s Australian launch of the 2018 MINI 3 Door, 5 Door and Convertible.

“There was definitely some risk involved and the potential for it to be very divisive. [But] So far we’ve got a lot of good feedback.”

Nissl said the distinctive new LED headlights, running lights, fog lights and Union Jack tail-lights – first seen on the MINI Superleggera concept – were designed to make the latest models instantly recognisable.

“A key part of the LCI [Life Cycle Impulse: BMW-speak for midlife makeover] was to focus on graphics to make the MINI stand out in the street.”

Standard on all Cooper S and JCW models, the new MINI signature lighting is part of an option pack (see below) for the base MINI Cooper 3 Door (F56), 5 Door (F55) and Convertible (F57, previously called the Cabrio), which continue with halogen headlights as standard.

Other design changes for upgraded third-generation hatch and convertible line-up include a new MINI badge, new wheel designs, three new paint colours and a new fuel gauge (replacing the vague LCD strips of the old models), plus revised gear shifter, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and, for JCW versions, an eight-speed torque converter auto to replace the six-speed.

The entry-level 1.2-litre turbo Ray, which previously opened the MINI range at under $26,000, and Cooper D diesel hatch models have been axed, but both the 1.5-litre three-cylinder (Cooper) and 2.0-litre (Cooper S and JCW) engines have been overhauled, saving 3kg and 8kg respectively.

However, their respective 100kW/220Nm, 141kW/280Nm and 170kW/320Nm outputs and ADR fuel consumption remain unchanged.

All MINIs are designed at German parent company BMW Group’s design centre in Munich and built in both the UK and the Netherlands (MINI electric vehicles will also soon be built in China).

In 35 other markets, the facelifted MINIs are also available with a range of optional 3D-printed personalisation accessories as part of the MINI Yours customisation program, which mimics BMW Individual.

These include side scuttles, LED door sills, passenger-side interior trims and even puddle lights that can project an image or your name, signature or whatever else you want onto the road beside it.

But while these new factory-fitted custom options are available to MINI customers elsewhere via an online shop, they’re yet to be confirmed for Australia.

The other big advance for the 2018 MINI upgrade is the fitment of MINI Connected for all models as standard, in response to customer demand.

The 4G-based MINI Connected system operates through a 6.5-inch colour touch-screen in the centre of MINI’s trademark large circular central display and includes wireless Apple CarPlay.

Via the MINI Connected smartphone app owners can check their vehicle’s location, fuel level, range and un/lock status, as well as control ventilation, navigation, windows and lighting.

Free for the first three years, it also includes real-time traffic information, weather forecasts and news, although not all functions are available while driving, plus Emergency call and Teleservices.

Priced at $1500 for a three-year subscription, the optional Concierge Service (JCW only) allows users to talk to a real person at a BMW call centre to ask for directions, which can be sent to the car’s nav system.

As we’ve reported, the MINI LCI also brings more standard equipment and value, but higher prices – the largest reserved for the entry-level three-door MINI Cooper hatch, which increases by almost $2000 to $29,900 plus on-road costs.

However. MINI says $3600 of extra value is added via the MINI Connected 4G system and new touch-screen infotainment system.

Standard features at base level extend to a reversing camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth with music streaming, digital radio, rear parking sensors, multifunction leather steering wheel and MINI Navigation with RTTI.

The MINI Cooper 5 Door hatch’s price is up by $1900 to $31,150, but again adds value equal to around $3600 worth of extra goodies, says MINI.

The MINI Cooper S 3 Door (up $200 to $39,900, but bringing a claimed $1100 of extra value) adds 17-inch alloys, climate-control, the Union Jack LED lighting package, Performance Control, MINI Driving Modes, Armrest, Wireless Phone Charging, clear-lens indicators and the MINI Excitement Packaging including multi-colour ambient lighting and MINI logo projection.

MINI Cooper S 5 Door hatch pricing is up by $200, to $41,150.

Topping the hatch range is the three-door MINI JCW (now $1000 pricier at $49,900 but adding $1100 worth value, says MINI), which adds 18-inch alloys with run-flat tyres, 8.8-inch infotainment display, head-up display, Harman Kardon HiFi sound, Adaptive Suspension, front parking sensors, Park Assist, JCW Racing Seats and a JCW Aero package.

Finally, MINI Cooper Convertible pricing is up by $1300 to $40,900 but includes $2200 of claimed extra value, while the Cooper S and JCW versions are up $400 and $1000 to $47,900 and $57,900 respectively, but gain a claimed $1100 extra value.

The new 7DCT auto costs $2500 more than the six-speed manual in Cooper models and $2800 more in Cooper S models (which add shift paddles, launch control and a JCW steering wheel), while the eight-speed auto with the same extras adds $2950 to the price of the two-door-only JCWs.

Base Cooper hatch models can be had with a $2500 Active option pack that includes the LED exterior lighting set, wireless phone charging, front armrest, second USB port, dual-zone climate control, clear indicator lenses, MINI Excitement Package and a Driver Assistant Package comprising Forward Collision Warning, City Collision Mitigation, High Beam Assistant and Speed Limit Info.

For $4500 the Chili Package incudes all this plus 17-inch alloys, Driving Modes and cloth/leather trim.

Other options include a Climate pack with panoramic electric sunroof, heated front seats and sun protection glazing ($2300) and a JCW Style Package for Cooper S models ($2000).

The MINI Convertible options list is similar, but the Union Jack LED lighting pack costs $3200 extra for the base model as part of a Chili pack that also includes 17-inch alloys, cloth/leather trim, MINI Driving Modes and the Driver Assistant Package.

There are 12 wheel designs to choose from priced between $400 and $1500 and 12 optional paint colours priced between $800 and $1200 (the only standard colours are Pepper White solid and Moonwalk Grey metallic).

Not to mention four no-cost contrasting roof and mirror colours, three styles of bonnet stripes ($200), chrome or black exterior highlights ($200) and an even longer list of interior upholstery, trim and roof lining options, some of which must be had in combination.

MINI Australia’s sales are up by 12.6 per cent in the first half of 2018, to 2184. The 5 Door Hatch has overtaken the 3 Door as the most popular MINI but looks set to be eclipsed by the Countryman, followed by the Clubman and Convertible.

Expect similar changes to flow through to the larger MINI Clubman wagon (F54) and second-generation Countryman SUV (F60), which will also be available with a plug-hybrid powertrain by mid-2019.

How much does a 2018 MINI cost?

Cooper 3 Door -- $29,900
Cooper S 3 Door -- $39,900
Cooper JCW 3 Door -- $49,900

Cooper 5 Door -- $31,150
Cooper S 5 Door -- $41,150

Cooper Clubman -- $37,900
Cooper S Clubman -- $45,900
Cooper JCW Clubman -- $56,900

Cooper Convertible -- $40,900
Cooper S Convertible -- $47,900
Cooper JCW Convertible -- $57,900

Cooper Countryman -- $41,900
Cooper D Countryman -- $45,900
Cooper S Countryman -- $48,900
Cooper SD ALL4 Countryman -- $53,900
Cooper JCW ALL4 Countryman -- $59,900