29 Sep 06 11:28
We've already driven it, but for most show-goers, Paris gives the first chance for a good look at the Mk2 Mini. Not that it looks that different from the hugely popular outgoing model - bar a slight increase in length to accommodate improved pedestrian protection up front, and to give a little more luggage space behind, the basic appearance is little changed.
There's revised suspension, however, and best of all, the old Chrysler Tritec engine has been replaced. The Mini Cooper and Cooper S, the first two models to go on sale this autumn, have different versions of a 1.6-litre petrol engine built in the UK at BMW's Hams Hall facility. This engine, developed in partnership with PSA Peugeot-Citroen, will also feature in models including the upcoming Peugeot 207 GT 1.6 Turbo. It is up to 30percent more fuel-efficient than the Tritec unit, and 10-15kg lighter (depending on version), and it is mounted differently in the engine-bay: its exhaust end is now at the front, as demanded by PSA's criteria, but offering advantages for packaging, optimised cooling and sound insulation in the Mini too.
In the turbocharged Cooper S, the engine is fitted with direct-injection technology for precise fuel delivery. It develops 175bhp, peaking at 5,500rpm, and 177lb ft between 1,600-5,000rpm: its low-end pulling power is much increased over that of the previous supercharged model. Official performance and fuel consumption figures haven't yet been ratified or released, but the Cooper S is going to be substantially quicker 0-60 than the current model (7.2 seconds), and more economical; it will use less than 7 litres of petrol per 100km (40.4mpg).
The entry-level Mini One follows next spring with a 1.4-litre, 95bhp petrol engine (a variant of the 1.6), but we don't know which diesel it'll get as yet; that model follows later in the year.
Preview: Mini Mk2
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