MINI is sure gonna take the centre stage at this year’s Paris Motor Show. At the show, MINI will be showcasing to the world its commitment to novelty, sustainability, driving fun and individuality. There will be, for the first time, the MINI Scooter E Concept that delivers the instantly recognizable MINI feeling with emission-free mobility on two wheels coming with a whole new range of individualisation options. Drawing power from an electric motor, the MINI Scooter E Concept represents characteristically the MINI design and drive system technology offering emission-free travel.
With its MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible, MINI happens to be the world’s only manufacturer of independently developed premium small cars. At the Paris Motor Show, striking design alterations, new engine variants, an updated range of diesel motors and pioneering new equipment enhance the appeal of the new MINI family in terms of design, driving fun, efficiency and individuality.
A fourth model now enters the brand’s portfolio; the MINI Countryman. The MINI Countryman will be the first MINI to come with four doors and a large tailgate. It will have lavish versatile interiors with enough space for five. It will also be the brand’s first car with a body exceeding four metres in length and which can be ordered with the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system as an option.
The MINI Countryman is perfectly equipped to compete even in the sporting arena. So does that mean MINI is all set to get back into the world of rallying? It marks the revival of a successful history in rally racing. Back in the 1960s the Mini Cooper S had caused a sensation by winning the legendary Monte Carlo Rally thrice. The 2010 Paris Motor Show will showcase the MINI Countryman WRC, the car that’s getting ready for the 2011 World Rally Championship.
As mentioned earlier, the Paris Motor Show will also mark the international debut of the MINI Scooter E Concept. It is for the first time that the trademark MINI driving fun has been put into a two-wheel package; that too, sporting emission-free mobility.
An electric motor in the rear wheel lets the MINI Scooter E Concept carry out speedy overtaking manoeuvres. The instant characteristic pick-up of electric drive systems combined with the vehicle’s light weight and compact dimensions ensure maximum liveliness on city roads. A lithium-ion battery stores energy and can be charged from conventional power sockets with a connecting cable integrated into the vehicle.
The new MINI family is believed to be stealing the spotlight at the Paris Motor. Wonder what’s so exciting in the new family? The athletic character of the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible will be highlighted even more sharply. Then, there are the advanced modern petrol engines which will get new developed diesel counterparts to offer another boost to efficiency.
Four-cylinder engines will be offered which are apparently based on the BMW Group’s drive system expertise. So, there will come along the promise of a further optimised blend of driving fun and fuel efficiency. Special focus in this regard would be on the MINI Cooper D and MINI One D which will emit just 99 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre while delivering an impressive fuel economy of 26.3 kmpl.
The Paris Motor Show would also introduce two more model variants in the new MINI family. The show will display an open-top MINI, the new MINI Cooper D Convertible which will offer the hallmark MINI driving fun combined with the pulling power and efficiency of a diesel motor.
The new four-cylinder diesel engine spews out 112 bhp and can accelerate the MINI Cooper D Convertible from 0 to 100 kmph in merely 10.3 seconds. While emitting carbon dioxide of just 105 gram per kilometre, the new car records outstanding average mileage 25 kmpl.
Next in the new MINI family happens to be the MINI One D Clubman. Thanks to the new entry-level diesel motor, this new car can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in 11.8 seconds while delivering fuel economy of 25.6 kmpl. It emits 103 gram per km of CO2.
Adding fun in the new MINI family is the new MINI Connected. This all-new and globally unique form of in-car entertainment amplifies driving fun by cleverly linking the driver, the MINI and the outside world. MINI Connected is a newly developed USB interface with extraordinary functionality designed to maximise the integration of the Apple iPhone into the car’s audio and infotainment system.
An application available for MINI Connected has a web radio function, the use of Google local search and Google Send to Car services, and reception of RSS news feeds. The on-board monitor even displays Facebook and Twitter posts while the driver can send standardised text messages.
