MINI Malaysia has introduced the new MINI Seven Edition, the first design model from the brands’ newest 5 Door generation. Limited to only 30 units, the new MINI Seven Edition is created as an homage to the original Austin Seven.
Introducing the new icon to Malaysia, Mr. Han Sang Yun, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said, “The heritage of the MINI Seven goes back to 1959 when the iconic car was first introduced to the world as the Austin Seven and the virtually identical Morris Mini Minor. It was only 10 years later in 1969 when production of the cars moved to the then new plant in Longbridge, Birmingham in the United Kingdom that the name Mini became the standard brand name.”
31 years later in the year 2000, the BMW Group reintroduced the premium small car brand with the name MINI which now revolutionises the automotive premium segment. The first new generation of the MINI resurrected the Seven in 2005 with 3 engine variants, high-end comfort fittings and an exclusive design.
Now, the MINI Seven Edition presents exclusive design features on the exterior and interior, both of which underscore its British origins, hallmark driving fun, premium character and extrovert appeal. The MINI Seven Edition be differentiated to a regular 5-Door with its body paint finish called Lapisluxury Blue. This non-metallic finish is the most intensive blue tone ever applied to the body of a MINI.
The exclusive paint finish contrasts with the Melting Silver roof and exterior mirror caps of the MINI Seven Edition. The bonnet stripes of the MINI Seven Edition are then designed to harmonized with the colouring of the roof and exterior mirror caps. The 17-inch light alloy wheels in the Spectre Grey paint finish are also created exclusively for the design model with a two-spoke design.
The MINI Seven Edition also includes LED headlights, surrounded by an LED daylight driving ring. LED technology is also featured in the fog lamps.
Another distinctive features is the side scuttles which bear the logo of the design model. Made up of the wordmark “Seven” and the number seven, the MINI Seven logo can also be found on the door sill finishers, both on the driver and front passenger sides.
Inside the cabin, the MINI Seven Edition features sports seats in the exclusive fabric / leather finish Diamond Malt Brown. The Colour line Malt Brow, perfectly harmonizes with the other colours used for the interior of the MINI Seven Edition, such as the interior surfaces in Piano Black.
Another feature of the design model is the MINI Yours steering wheel made of superior high quality “Walknappa” leather with hand-stitched seams in waxed aluminium braided thread. The steering is finished with a union jack signet. The ergonomically optimized armrest is also foldable in various position with integrated storage compartment.
Other features available include MINI Seven Entry Strips and MINI Seven Centre Instrument Ring Badging. The MINI Seven also features Comfort Access with easy opener function, allowing the unlocking of doors and boot as well as starting of engine without the use of the car key.
In terms of tech and gizmos, the MINI Seven Edition is equipped with an 8.8-inch High Resolution Navigation System Professional which gives the driver a 3D design as it leads the way. This is combined with an innovative display concept and numerous functions for navigation, office and multimedia for maximum comfort and information en route to a destination.
Entering information such as destinations into the navigation system can be made in handwriting with the touchpad integrated into the MINI Controller. The controller can also be rotated and pressed to access many functions, change various settings and scroll through lists. A high resolution reverse camera is also available to display a clear view of the area behind the car in the MINI Centre Instrument.
Another key feature optional to the MINI Seven Edition is a Snap In Adapter, which is a secure and stable docking system with integrated charging function for most mobile phones. By connecting with the car’s external aerial, it ensures the best possible reception at all times.
The areas of entertainment are also elevated with the Harmon Kardon HiFi Sound System with 12 speakers. It reproduces flawless audio, giving a live concert experience.
The MINI Seven Edition is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine that delivers a total output of 192hp and 280Nm of torque, coupled with a 6-speed Steptronic sports transmission. This allows the car to sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. Regardless, the average fuel consumption is 5.5 litres per 100 km.
Besides shift paddles located at the steering wheel, the MINI Seven Edition is also fitted with Driving Modes that can be activated by means of a rotary switch at the base of the gear or selector lever. In addition to the standard MID mode, there is a choice of SPORT and GREEN mode. The modes would influence the characteristic curves of the accelerator, steering and the shift characteristics of the Steptronic transmission.
The range of safety features and modern driver assistance systems also include Dynamic Stability Control with Dynamic Traction Control and Electronic Differential Lock Control. The MINI Seven Edition is also fitted with Performance Control, a system that counters any tendency to understeer prior to reaching the threshold level.
The MINI Seven Edition comes with the MINI 4 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service as well. The estimated retail price (on the road for personal registration, without insurance) of the MINI Seven Edition is RM 253,888.00.
