BMW Malaysia has launched the 2 seater Mini Coupe to Malaysian market. The model introduced to Malaysian market is the Cooper S version, powered by 1.6l turbocharged petrol engine producing 184bhp@5500 rpm and 240Nm between 1600-5000 rpm. Overboost function is available too, raising the maximum torque to 260Nm between 1730-4500 rpm. The Mini Coupe Cooper S can sprint to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds. The top speed is 224 km/h. The drive is channeled to the front wheel via 6 speed automatic transmission.
The car is strictly 2 seater. Roofline is 23mm lower than the hatchback MINI. Although the seating height remain unchanged, the driving position is more intimate due to the A-pillar rake angle that 13 degrees more than the hatch, making it closer to the drivers. Weight distribution has been altered too, giving it more poise with improved traction. The rear end is characterized by stubby notch openable via the hatch. The retractable spoiler is integrated in the rear hatch. The spoiler will pop-up when the speed exceed 60 km/h. The roof is describe as helmet roof with contrasting color and contoured to give better headroom.
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| Side profile of Mini Coupe - short and stubby deck with expressively styled roof - Pic from Paultan |
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| The Mini Coupe retractable rear spoiler - Pic from Paultan |
According to Geoffrey Briscoe, MD of BMW Group Malaysia,“Whilst the new MINI Coupe certainly represents new territory for this exciting marque, being the first ever two-seater MINI, it also comes replete with all the things that are synonymous with the brand; excitement, cheekiness and performance coupled with an intensified go-kart driving experience for two!”. The coupe has McPherson struts upfront, coupled with multi-link suspension at the back. Electric power steering is electrically assisted.
The interior is pure-Mini though, with large circular speedometer dominating the dashboard. The rev counter is meanwhile mounted directly behind the steering wheel. Sports seat is a standard item, offering high level of lateral support during the hard cornering. Recessed in the roof also increase the headroom for taller driver and passenger. Practically is not omitted in the pure sport bred, for instance, there is a large door bins, cupholders and rack behind the seat. By not having to cramp rear seats at the back, a 290 litre of boot space is available.
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| Driver oriented cabin with standard sports seat - Pic from Paultan |
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| Deletion of rear seat revealed a practical 290 litres of boot space - Pic from Paultan |
A host of exterior paint finishes are available for the Coupé including Chilli Red, Pepper White, Spice Orange, Midnight Black, British Racing Green II, Eclipse Grey, Lightning Blue and White Silver, while the roof is painted as standard in a contrasting colour, with a choice of Jet Black or Pure Silver to choose from.
The Mini Coupe Cooper S is priced at RM249,888 (without insurance and with Mini Tender Loving Care service). Forking extra RM14,899 will give you the optional MINI Connected package which consists of 10 speakers, 480 Watt DPS amp Harman/Kardon hifi and Radio MINI Visual Boost with 6.5" hi-res LCD that allow RSS receive as well as connectivity with iPhone, Facebook and Twitter.