The Mini Hatch, Convertible and Mini Electric have been facelifted for 2021, with a modern ‘reduced’ design and new interior tech.
Mini is also offering a world-first new paint finish called the multitone roof – with each one rolling off the production line claimed to be unique.
The revised line-up is open for ordering now, with prices starting from £16,045 for the Mini 3-Door Hatch. Deliveries are due from the spring.
Mini-malism
It’s actually the third facelift for the latest-generation Mini, which was launched in 2015; the last revision came two years ago.
This time round, it’s much more comprehensive, inspired by the aero-look Mini Electric. The central bar of the radiator grille is body-colour, not black, the chrome slats have disappeared, and there are vertical air inlets on either side to reduce drag (and replace the fog lamps, which are now integrated into the headlights).
For the first time, the round Mini headlights are no longer inset with chrome detailing, to highlight the circular light band that serves as daytime running lights and indicators.
Compared to before, it’s simpler, bolder and less fussy, and really helps modernise the Mini.
Mini also offers matrix LED headlights with four segments that turn on and off to give full-time main beam without dazzling oncoming drivers.
There are three new paint colours, various different alloy wheel choices and a new piano black exterior detail pack – turning door handles, side scuttles, the fuel cap, Mini logos, model lettering and even the exhaust tailpipes gloss black.
The multitone roof is an intriguing new option. It has a paint gradient from San Marino Blue to Pearly Acqua to Jet Black.
Each paint colour is applied one after another in an all-new process called Spray Tech.
“Slight deviations in the colour pattern occur due to changing environmental conditions during the painting process,” says Mini, meaning every multitone roof is “completely unique”.
Inside, all Minis feature an 8.8-inch colour touchscreen and there’s far less chrome. Minor controls have been tidied up, as have the air vents, which are now flush-fit.
There’s also a standard digital instrument display on all Mini models: the 5.0-inch colour display replaces the traditional analogue clocks and further adds to the modernity lift inside.
Under the skin
Mini engines are broadly the same as before. The Mini One has 102hp, the Cooper has 136hp and the Cooper S has 178hp. All engines are now compliant with the latest Euro emissions standards – and every version has a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with an automatic optional.
There’s a new version of optional adaptive suspension, which uses ‘frequency-selective damping’. These constantly adjust within milliseconds and, says Mini, allow the suspension to be as much as 50 percent softer without spoiling the ‘go-kart’ handling.
The Mini Electric gets an electric parking brake as standard, and it’s offered in other versions too – but bizarrely, only if owners choose an automatic gearbox, optional Driving Assistant and at least 17-inch alloys.
2021 Mini prices
- Mini 3-Door Hatch: prices from £16,045
- Mini 5-Door Hatch: prices from £16,745
- Mini Convertible: prices from £20,705
- Mini Electric: prices from £27,920
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