2019 Mini range revealed ahead of Detroit debut

Mini has finally updated its range with the three-door, five-door hardtop and the convertible with new techs and a DCT transmission. This new 2019 Mini range will debut at Detroit. In a typical Mini fashion, the blink-and-you-miss updates include slightly tweaked headlights, new Union Jack tail lights and some additional equipment inside the cabin.

As a part of the update, the iconic circular headlights now receive a new LED signature with adaptive functions and Matrix technology. The LED daytime running lights and the turn indicator lights are now generated by a ring around the headlights. The LED tail lights are now more British than before with the Union Jack flag motif. The Mini range also debuts the new Mini logo which was revealed a few months back. The new logo is a re-interpretation of the existing logo with a two-dimensional ‘flat design’, says the carmaker.

With the update, the Mini range also gets additional body colours – Emerald grey, Starlight blue and Solaris orange. To add a bit of freshness, the Piano black exterior packages add a new high-gloss black finish around the headlights, rear lights and radiator grille instead of chrome. The alloy designs are now standard across the range along with an additional new two-tone Rail Spoke design.  

On the inside, the interior trims are now wrapped in Chester leather done in Malt Brown. The Piano black treatment extends on the inside too with a generous usage of it all around the cabin. The Mini You individual service can provide custom made trims for the cabin if the owner wants to add a bit of personalisation across the Mini range. The multifunction steering wheel complements the new 6.5-inch infotainment screen with mobile connectivity and navigation. Also part of the additional in-car features are real-time traffic info with 4G LTE connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Connected Services, and a personal mobility assistant features. The new range also comes with an optional wireless phone charging function.

Under the hood, things remain mostly unchanged. Mini says the new range is lighter than before due to the utmost use of lightweight materials. The 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol and turbocharged diesel motors continue to power the Mini range. However, a welcome addition is in the form of a new seven-speed Steptronic double-clutch transmission DCT available alongside the six-speed manual. The Cooper SD, on the other hand, comes with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard.

Although the updates are subtle and hard to recognise by a casual eye, the iconic Mini keeps itself fresh for the next couple of years. The British marque will introduce the new and updated Mini range in India once it goes on sale internationally.