Photo: MINI
People have been complaining about the price tags new MINIs have for quite some time now. Actually, it all happened right after BMW took over so the company is now trying to make amends. In this regard, the Brits just announced that they will be launching a new entry-level model called the MINI One First.
Starting with March 2015, this car will be available for purchase promising more convenience and more economy than ever. The engine under the bonnet will be a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder unit fitted with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology. That’s right, it’s turbocharged. The power output? 75 horses and 150 Nm (110 lb-ft) of torque.
Yes, we know it’s not enough but if you want economy in all regards, that’s what you have to deal with, engines with less than 100 horsepower.
Direct injection and variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (commonly known as double VANOS) means you should be able to ride around just sipping fuel. As far as acceleration times go, let’s just say this won’t be as fast as we’re used to on MINIs, as it takes 13.4 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph).
There’s only one transmission choice available: a brand new 6-speed manual gearbox with a rev-matching feature. Unfortunately, MINI didn’t provide a fuel consumption of CO2 graph for now so we’re guessing that’s not going to be too impressive.
Prices should be lower too considering the package offered. At the moment, the MINI One 5-door model starts at €18,300 in Europe and it’s not even available in the US. Expect the One First to be even cheaper on the old continent and not even make it stateside.
Yes, we know it’s not enough but if you want economy in all regards, that’s what you have to deal with, engines with less than 100 horsepower.
Direct injection and variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (commonly known as double VANOS) means you should be able to ride around just sipping fuel. As far as acceleration times go, let’s just say this won’t be as fast as we’re used to on MINIs, as it takes 13.4 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph).
There’s only one transmission choice available: a brand new 6-speed manual gearbox with a rev-matching feature. Unfortunately, MINI didn’t provide a fuel consumption of CO2 graph for now so we’re guessing that’s not going to be too impressive.
Prices should be lower too considering the package offered. At the moment, the MINI One 5-door model starts at €18,300 in Europe and it’s not even available in the US. Expect the One First to be even cheaper on the old continent and not even make it stateside.
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