The new MINI One

The newly introduced MINI One does a remarkably good job of retaining the style and character of the original and groundbreaking MINI, a fashion icon of the sixties developed by designer Sir Alexander Arnold Constantine Issigonis.

Indeed, the MINI One bring memories of the original MINI: compact and powerful in appearance, with the contrasting color finish for the roof and exterior mirror and reduced body weight, and of course, its wide track and short overhangs that enhance a go-kart feel.

The MINI One, though, carries improvements for today’s car enthusiast.

It is the first one in its segment to offer the option of LED headlamps (each headlamp is surrounded by a LED daylight driving ring, the lower section of which reaches down to the white turn indicators).

It has improved engine and driving performance, thanks to the MINI TwinPower turbo technology.

The MINI One also has a lighter bodyweight construction, with its front axle fitted with aluminum swivel bearings, while its axle supports and wishbones are made of high-strength steel.

Its comprehensive safety technology now includes pedestrian protection, when in the event of a collision with a pedestrian, the car’s engine compartment lid raises, creating additional deformation space and significantly reducing the risk of injury.

Most desirable

According to Willy Tee Ten, MINI Philippines president, the MINI One is one of the most desirable brands in the market today. It remains fashionable with its retro look, inside and outside.

Autohub President Willy Tee Ten with MINI BGC Operations manager Jeff Lizardo

“The MINI One carries forward its predecessor’s aspiration to remain a leader in the premium small car segment. At the same time, it carries significant advancements in all areas relating to driving fun, quality and individual flair,” Tee Ten said.

The body of the MINI One is bigger. At 3.821 meters long, 1.727 meters wide, and 1.414 meters high, the MINI One is 9.8 cm longer, 4.4 cm wider and 0.7 cm higher than its predecessor.

Even the wheelbase has been extended by 2.8 cm to 2.495 cm, while the track width has been enlarged at the front by 4.2 cm and at the rear by 3.4 cm for a total of 1.501 meters in each case.

While these figures create a better cornering agility and ride comfort, it also improved luggage compartment volume by 51 liters, for a total of 211 liters.

1.2-liter turbo engine

Both the MINI One 3-door (P2.13 million) and 5-door (P2.23 million) variants are powered by a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder, turbo-charged, direct injection, fully variable valve control, variable camshaft control (double-Vanos system) gasoline engine that generates a maximum 102 hp and maximum 180 Nm of torque.

This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Lizardo introduces the MINI One.

With 10.2-seconds acceleration from zero to 100 kph, the 3-door variant attains a top speed of 195 kph while attaining an average fuel consumption of (EU standard) 20.8 kpl and CO2 emissions of 112 g/km).

The 5-door (P2.23 million) variant on the other hand, accelerates from zero to 100 kph in 10.5 seconds, and attains a top speed of 192 kph as it delivers an average fuel consumption of 20.4 kpl and CO2 emissions of 114 g/km.

The result is a lower emission level of as much as 27 percent when compared to previous models.