2006 Mini Cooper S on 2040-cars

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2024 Mini Countryman SE caught undisguised in spy photos

Mini’s security for its photo shoots of new vehicles is, in a word, poor. One of our spy shooters just caught the all-new Mini Countryman SE completely undisguised on what looks to be a shoot somewhere in Los Angeles. It was only a short time ago that the new Mini Cooper SE was caught in a similar manner, no camouflage to be seen whatsoever. ItÂ’s almost too coincidental to be true, frankly. Is Mini trying to drum up hype by “leaking” the designs before weÂ’re supposed to see them? Or is this just a factor of poor security as we originally surmised? Regardless, these photos mean that we get to see the bigger, new electric Countryman SE in all its glory ahead of the official reveal. The Countryman was never a small Mini, but it sure does appear to be getting bigger with this generation. Its windshield and rear window are more raked than before, but itÂ’s still retaining the boxy look weÂ’re accustomed to. Its front end features some bold, new headlights, and its grille wears the green “S” logo that the Mini SE also wears. The wheels, while not as wild-looking as the current Cooper SE, still feature some rather distinctive blade-like spokes that match much of the carÂ’s decorative trim. A silver blade with “ALL4” written on it sits in the window between the C and D pillars, and it cuts into the roof, accentuating the step down in the roof as it arcs rearward. A long spoiler hangs off the rear, and the hatch has a slab-sided appearance to it. The rear taillights are unique and stand vertically on the wraparound rear fenders. “Countryman” is spelled out in large letters, and since this is an EV, thereÂ’s no exhaust poking out the rear end. Other small touches weÂ’ll point out include the patterned fender cladding that adds some styling in a place that usually doesnÂ’t have much. ItÂ’s also sporting new door handles that sit flush with the doors as opposed to handles that poke out, similar to new BMW models and the Cooper SE spied a couple of weeks ago. Mini has already released a few powertrain specs, and since we know this car pictured is an ALL4 model, we already know itÂ’s sporting a dual-motor setup rated for 313 combined horsepower. Range is said to be about 280 miles on the WLTP cycle, but that will be less in EPA testing. A lower-power, single-motor FWD model called the Countryman E will also be available with 191 horsepower.

Mini recalls 86,000 hatchbacks, convertibles from 2002 to 2005

Mini is recalling 86,018 cars built for model years 2002 through 2005 over concerns about the power steering system. The affected vehicles include both R50 Cooper and R53 Cooper S hatchbacks as well as convertibles (where applicable). Mini's public communications with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over the issue are decidedly oblique and simply pointing out owners could "experience temporary or permanent loss of the electro-hydraulic steering assistance." Worryingly, Mini claims it's aware of 20 accidents and five injuries due to the power-steering issue. This isn't the first time Mini has had problems with the power steering systems on these first-gen Coopers. The automaker had so many claims of bad power steering pumps and cooling fans that it upped the warranty on those units to 13 years or 150,000 miles for the same 2002 to 2005 models being recalled here. This author's personal 2006 model is on its third fan and second pump, though that year has never officially been investigated or recalled. A slight drop in steering assist and a low-battery warning at engine startup are the main signs your car needs recall work. Owners of the affected hatchbacks and cabrios will be notified by Mini and asked to report to their local dealer to have the electrohydraulic steering system's wiring and components inspected. Any repairs will be done free of charge. Read on for the official NHTSA bulletin. Related Video: Report Receipt Date: OCT 15, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 Component(s): STEERING Potential Number of Units Affected: 86,018 Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC SUMMARY: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles and 2005 Cooper and Cooper S Convertible vehicles. The affected vehicles may experience temporary or permanent loss of the electro-hydraulic steering assistance. CONSEQUENCE: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, potentially iincreasing the risk of a vehicle crash. REMEDY: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the electro-hydraulic power steering system, replacing the components and wiring, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 1, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.

Mini Convertible will reportedly close its top for the final time in 2024

Mini will cancel the droptop version of the Hardtop after three generations, according to a recent report. The Convertible competes in a shrinking segment of the market, so it's one of the brand's slowest-selling nameplates. Production of the current-generation Convertible (pictured) is scheduled to end in February 2024, Automotive News learned from unnamed supplier sources, and the model will not spawn a direct replacement. Mini hasn't confirmed the report, but it's credible because the firm sold only 4,031 units of the Convertible in the United States, one of the largest droptop markets in the world, in 2019, a 25% drop compared to 2018. Global sales totaled 30,426 last year, the publication reported, a not-insignificant 14% drop compared to 2016's results. Motorists who want a convertible Mini may not be entirely out of luck. While it doesn't sound like the head-turning Superleggera Vision concept unveiled in 2014 will reach production, the BMW-owned brand hasn't given up on the idea of launching a standalone sports car that could arrive as a mid-engined roadster. It would likely be electric, like we previously reported, and it hasn't been approved for production yet. Mini has more pressing issues to deal with. Global sales fell by 4.1% in 2019 as motorists in all markets flock around crossovers. As a remedy, executives confirmed they've delayed the launch of the next-generation Hardtop, which will again wear a retro-inspired design but rely largely on technology to offer motorists a simpler, cleaner-looking interior. In the meantime, the company is reportedly developing a pair of crossovers that will allow it to plant a stake in key segments of the market. One, which could revive the Paceman name, will arrive as an electric model developed jointly with China-based Great Wall Motors and built locally. Possibly named Traveller, the second will be a more conventional SUV aimed largely at the American market and neatly positioned between BMW's X1 and X3 in terms of size. It will ride on the German firm's modular CLAR platform, which underpins cars like the 3 Series. Expanding the range while investing in new technologies, like electrification and autonomy, requires a huge amount of resources. In turn, these expenditures make the Convertible's business case even more challenging. If the report is accurate, the Convertible will stick around for about 3 1/2 more years, so it might receive a handful of updates before it closes its top for the final time.