2009 Mini Cooper Base Hatchback 2-door 1.6l on 2040-cars

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2023 Mini lineup gets smarter, more colorful

Mini has already announced the changes it's making to its line-up for the 2023 model year. The numerous special-edition models that it unveiled in February 2022 will be joined by new exterior colors, additional upholstery options and more available driving aids. While a completely new version of the Hardtop is on its way, the current-generation model will return for 2023 — it might be its final model year. Buyers who select the Signature or the Iconic version of the Cooper S or the John Cooper Works can order Zesty Yellow, which is an eye-catching color that was inaugurated by the 2022 Convertible. Multi-tone roof options are also available on the aforementioned variants. The electric SE's Signature and Iconic trim levels can be ordered in Island Blue, while Rooftop Gray leaves the palette. And, the Iconic trim level can be configured with Cloth Leatherette Black Pearl, Cloth Leatherette Black Pearl Light Checkered and Chesterfield Leather Malt Brown upholsteries. Mini notes that this is the first time it offers the Chesterfield Leather Malt Brown option on the battery-powered Hardtop. Park Assist and a head-up display join the list of features included in the Driver Assistance package, while adaptive cruise control is now a standalone option. In turn, this makes the Driver Assistance Package available regardless of whether buyers get a stick or an automatic, because adaptive cruise control isn't compatible with the manual transmission. And, yes: the stick shift is sticking around for 2023. Similar changes apply to the Clubman and the Countryman. The former is available with the same multi-tone roof option as the Hardtop and with the Driver Assistance Package regardless of transmission type, and the Driver Assistance package offered on both models gains Park Assist and a head-up display. Finally, the space-saver spare tire is exclusively offered as a standalone options on both bigger Mini models. Pricing for the 2023 model year stays relatively flat, which is a nice surprise. The only exceptions are the Cooper variants of the Hardtop, the Convertible and the Countryman, which cost $500 more than they did in 2022.

2019 Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop International Orange Edition is very bright, expensive, verbose

Mini has introduced a new special edition version of the John Cooper Works Hardtop, and there are three key notable things about it. First, it is very orange. The paint on its body and roof is not available on normal Minis, and its specific hue contributes to this little car's very long name: (deep breath) 2019 Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop International Orange Edition. According to the man in charge of Mini's product planning and aftersales department, that particular shade of orange "is a bold color historically used to make great feats of engineering and aerospace design stand out." We suspect they're referring in particular to the Golden Gate Bridge, which is famously painted International Orange. How it relates to Mini, we're not exactly sure. The second thing about this orange Mini is the abundance of extra standard equipment pulled from the usual Mini options catalog. Visually, this includes black-accented graphics, door handles, fuel door and rear spoiler. The mirror caps are carbon fiber, too. Inside, a bunch of options are standard including heated seats, Harmon Kardon audio, a head-up display, navigation, and a variety of driver aids. It even comes with that neat John Cooper Works Pro Exhaust system with the Bluetooth remote to open flaps and make it louder. This brings us to the third thing about the (deep breath) 2019 Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop International Orange Edition: it's not cheap. Now, a starting price of $40,750 may seem like decent value when you consider that optioning up a non-orange John Cooper Works Hardtop with its Signature trim and comparable options would cost $40,950. So, you save $200 and get the otherwise unavailable fancy exhaust and bridge-inspired paint. Yet, a 40-grand Mini Cooper is still shockingly expensive compared to other hot hatchbacks. The 306-horsepower Civic Type R starts at just $35,595. The 292-hp VW Golf R is basically the same price as the Mini, and it adds all-wheel drive. The 350-hp Ford Focus RS is only about $1,000 more and delivers monster power with all-wheel drive. Then again, those aren't available in orange. Related Video: Featured Gallery Mini Cooper International Orange Edition View 12 Photos Image Credit: Mini MINI Hatchback Performance

Mini 60 Years Edition celebrates six decades since the original hit the streets

The original Mini launched in 1959, making this year the car's 60th anniversary. To celebrate, Mini is offering a special Mini 60 Years Edition car for the 2019 model year. Mini did a pretty awesome photo shoot for this limited-edition car, showing us how big the Mini is now compared to what it used to be in 1959. That might not have been the point, but man is it interesting to see the two chugging along next to each other. You can order the 60 Years Edition with either the three-door or five-door Mini — the larger Clubman and Countryman will not be getting this treatment. As for the changes from Mini, it's mostly aesthetic. The standard color is a British racing green, but you could choose among four other non-green colors, too. Mini will paint the roof either white or black, and the same goes for the exterior mirror caps. Plenty of stripes are already available for Minis, but this special edition has unique hood stripes — the 60 Years logo appears on just the left-hand hood stripe. That's just the beginning when it comes to anniversary stickers and logos. You'll see the designation on the door sills, interior trim, front headrests, steering wheel, and the logo is even projected onto the ground by LED light upon opening the door. Mini 60 Years Edition View 33 Photos A bunch of equipment is made standard in these 60 Year cars for a bit more luxury. Full LED lighting front and back comes with all of them. The interior trim is done in an exclusive dark maroon color — the sports seats and leather steering wheel will also be standard equipment. In the U.S. you'll be able to get either the normal Cooper or the Cooper S with this special edition package. This means either the 1.5-liter turbo or 2.0-liter turbo will be up for grabs with your 60 Years Edition Mini. These particular cars will be available in March this year, but Mini doesn't spell out pricing nor production numbers for them. Since the changes aren't necessarily drastic, we wouldn't expect an unruly price, but expect to pony up a bit more for the privilege of owning one of these. Related video: Featured Gallery Mini 60 Years Edition and original Mini View 58 Photos MINI Hatchback