After initially being revealed at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, the 2018 MINI hatch and convertible range will go on sale in July with new equipment across the range, as well as modest price increases to reflect the increase in equipment.
The range has also been trimmed, with the Ray and Cooper D no longer imported to Australian shores, and a new transmission is offered for Cooper and Cooper S models. Pricing for the 2018 MINI range kicks off from $29,900 plus on-road costs for the Cooper 3-door.
Also headlining the changes to the car, aside from light exterior tweaks, is that a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (the same that sees use in the BMW X2) is now the automatic on offer for Cooper and Cooper S models – the Cooper S continues with the same eight-speed torque converter auto it previously had.
Aside from the culling the diesel Cooper D, engine choices for the 2018 MINI hatch and convertible range are the same as before. A 100kW/220Nm 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol engine powers the Cooper, and a 141kW/280Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine powers the Cooper S. A higher rated version of the 2.0-litre donk powers the Cooper S JCW with 170kW and 320Nm. The new dual-clutch automatic benefits fuel economy – Cooper S models have dropped from 5.6L/100km to 5.2, and the Cooper has dropped from 4.9L/100km to 4.8.
As detailed in our article from the Detroit show, the MINI range underwent some light exterior and interior changes for 2018. New LED head- and tailights are now standard equipment across the range, whilst the car’s bumpers and wheels were revised as well. Five new colours are now offered with the range, whilst a greater range of personalisation is available through the MINI Yours program, which is now capable of 3D printing trims that can be applied to the car’s dashboard.
The 2018 MINI hatch and convertible range has also had an equipment boost, with a new infotainment system now standard equipment. Unlike more expensive BMW products, Apple CarPlay is standard equipment, as is a MINI Connected 4G hotspot for owners to connect on the move. A 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard on Cooper and Cooper S models, whilst the JCW earns a larger 8.8-inch screen. In all, pricing for the 2018 MINI hatch and convertible range have risen up to $1,100, though MINI says that there is an extra $3,600 of extra value.
2018 Mini Hatch and Convertible pricing (plus on-road costs):
Mini Cooper 3 Door – $29,900
Mini Cooper S 3 Door – $39,900
Mini Cooper JCW 3 Door – $49,900
Mini Cooper 5 Door – $31,150
Mini Cooper S 5 Door – $41,150
Mini Cooper Convertible – $40,900
Mini Cooper S Convertible – $47,900
Mini Cooper JCW Convertible – $57,900
The 2018 MINI hatch and convertible range will go on sale in July. Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for MINI news and reviews.
