MINI Geneva Motor Show MINI at the 80th Geneva Motor Show 2010
At a Glance:
World debut: MINI Countryman.
The MINI model family is growing once again, with the MINI Countryman making its first appearance at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Measuring more than four metres in length, featuring four doors at the side, four fully-fledged seats and optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive, the brand’s fourth model offers that typical MINI feeling in a new dimension. Its extra, variable space inside and the elevated driving position give the MINI Countryman an absolutely unique look, while still retaining that distinctive character of a MINI both in its design and driving behaviour. As the first premium car of its kind, the MINI Countryman has everything it takes to win over additional target groups for that driving pleasure so typical of the brand.
World debut: MINI One Convertible.Open-air driving pleasure in that unique MINI style is now becoming
even more economical, with the new MINI One Convertible entering the market powered by the latest generation of MINI’s four-cylinder petrol engine. Displacing 1.6 litres and delivering maximum output of 72 kW/98 hp, this power unit again offers all the agility so typical of MINI, combined with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 5.7 litres/100 kilometres (49.6 mpg imp) and a CO2 rating of 133 grams per kilometre. As a further highlight, the MINI One Convertible comes
as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox and is available as an option with six-speed automatic transmission.
World debut: MINI One MINIMALIST.New petrol engines for the MINI, the MINI Clubman and the MINI Convertible ensure even greater agility – and, thanks to MINIMALISM – even lower CO2 ratings. A further important point is that the MINI Cooper S, the MINI Cooper, the MINI One, and the MINI John Cooper Works all fulfil the EU5 emission standard.
The MINI One MINIMALIST, in turn, offers maximum all-round economy, the entry-level model available with either a 55 kW/75 hp or 72 kW/98 hp four-cylinder setting new standards in terms of all-round economy and low emissions. Both variants make do with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of just 5.1 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 55.4 mpg imp) and a CO2 emission rating of 119 grams per kilometre.
The full BMW Group Press Release can be seen here>>>
Vines MINI have branches in Gatwick, Redhill and Guildford. You can keep up with news, stories and events by following Vines MINI on Twitter.
Vines MINI is pleased to announce that a fourth model has been added to the MINI family, opening up a new dimension of that unmistakable MINI feeling. As a genuine Crossover, the MINI Countryman bridges the gap between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle. Boasting enhanced opportunities in urban mobility and beyond, the MINI Countryman offers that unique driving pleasure so typical of MINI to new target groups requiring extra space and flexibility. As the first model in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the MINI Countryman provides even greater freedom of space for truly versatile use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimized driving comfort. Full integration of the passengers within the vehicle creates that driving experience so typical of MINI. And at the same time the MINI Countryman maintains that go-kart feeling likewise so characteristic of MINI, optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive offering an additional highlight for the genuine connoisseur.
In a nutshell, therefore, the MINI Countryman offers all the characteristic features of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and customisation in new, fascinating style.
The MINI Countryman carries on the design of the brand in superior style and quality, combining larger body dimensions, greater ground clearance and four doors at the side with those unmistakable design features so characteristic of MINI. Short overhangs, a high window line, powerful stance on the wheels, and window graphics extending round the entire car create those unique proportions so typical of MINI. At the same time the MINI Countryman re-interprets the characteristic icons of a MINI such as the roofline, the hexagon radiator grille, the large headlights integrated in the engine lid, the surrounds on the side direction indicators, the voluminous wheel arches and the upright rear light clusters in new style and class.
Proceeding from that design language so typical of MINI, the MINI Countryman authentically visualises the particular features of this very special car. Positioned almost upright, the front end bears out strong presence and serves to optimise pedestrian safety. The extra space within the car, in turn, is emphasised by extra-large windows, the introduction of four doors, and the individual shape of the roof. The particularly wide frame around the lower part of the body and the powerfully flared wheel arches highlight the robust character of the car and its all-wheel drive. With that typical MINI style now being conveyed to a new segment in absolute clarity and precision, the MINI Countryman stands out from the start as a brand-new, highly innovative model but is nevertheless clearly identifiable from the very beginning as a genuine MINI.
Within the interior again typical of the brand, the MINI Countryman boasts innovative design and function elements throughout. The slightly elevated seating position guarantees comfortable and pleasant access to the car, optimises the driver’s all-round view, and underlines the powerful character of this new model. The Central Display and air vents are surrounded by coloured rings. The MINI Center Rail quite unique the world over, extending from front to rear instead of a conventional centre console, opens up new, individual options for integrating all kinds of storage boxes, cupholders, external audio devices, mobile telephones and other comfort features. Flexibly positioned clip-in elements enable the driver and passengers to subdivide the storage boxes individually as required, keeping travel utensils within easy reach, wherever they are required. At the same time the Center Rail forms an unconventional, visual and functional connection between the front seats and the rear passenger compartment.
The MINI Countryman comes as standard with four seats, while a three-seat bench is available as a no-cost option. The interior offers superior comfort also on long distances, with generous legroom, headroom and shoulder freedom. The rear seats move fore-and-aft either individually or in a 60 : 40 (three-seat bench) split, the backrests may be tilted for angle either individually or in a 40 : 20 : 40 (three-seat bench) arrangement, increasing capacity in the luggage compartment from 350 to 1,170 litres (12.2–41.0 cu ft).
The MINI Countryman is entering the market with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, all coming in the new generation of power units developed with the full know-how of the BMW Group and naturally complying with the EU5 and, respectively, ULEV II emission standards. The power range extends from 66 kW/90 hp in the MINI One D Countryman all the way to 135 kW/184 hp in the MINI Cooper S Countryman. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the top model comes for the first time not only with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, but also with fully variable valve management offering by far the best balance of engine power and fuel consumption in its class. As a particular highlight of the MINIMALISM fuel efficiency concept, the MINI Countryman comes as standard and in appropriate combinations on each model with a wide range of features serving to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, among them Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop, a gearshift point indicator, and on-demand management of the engine’s ancillary units. And as an alternative to the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard, the petrol engine models are also available with six-speed automatic complete with Steptronic.
As an option the MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman are available with permanent MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive, an electrohydraulic differential positioned directly on the final drive varying the distribution from front to rear in an infinite process. Under normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the engine’s power goes to the rear wheels, under extreme conditions up to 100 per cent, offering a new, high-traction rendition of that agile handling so typical of MINI. This superior traction and drivetrain technology is based on the top-end suspension of the MINI including features such as the front axle with McPherson spring struts and forged track control arms, the multi-arm rear axle and EPS Electric Power Steering complete with Servotronic. The MINI Countryman furthermore comes as standard with DSC Dynamic Stability Control, DTC Dynamic Traction Control coming either as an option or as a standard feature on the MINI Cooper S Countryman and the MINI Cooper D Countryman with ALL4, as well as an electronic limited-slip function for the front axle differential.
Designed for optimum safety in the event of a collision, the body structure with its precisely defined load paths and deformation zones ensures passive safety of the highest calibre. Frontal and side airbags as well as curtain airbags at the side both front and rear, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters at the front, as well as ISOFIX child seat fastenings at the rear all come as standard. Yet another standard feature is the Tyre Defect Indicator, with runflat tyres coming as an option and standard on the MINI Cooper S Countryman with ALL4.
The wide range of customisation options on both the exterior and interior again so typical of MINI are supplemented by new, model-specific features exclusive to the MINI Countryman. New combinations in the range of interior colours, trim strips and upholstery enable even the most discerning customer to create his – or her – very special car with truly unique character. The wide range of standard features boasted by the MINI Countryman includes highlights such as air conditioning, the MINI Center Rail, and an audio system complete with a CD player. The equally wide range of options and special equipment tailored to each model comes with features such as high-end audio and navigation systems as well as mobile telephone interfaces including the option to completely integrate an Apple iPhone and other Smartphones in the car. Further options are the extra-large Panorama roof, Adaptive Headlights in combination with xenon headlight units, a heated windscreen, a towbar, light-alloy wheels ranging in size from 16 to 19 inches, sports suspension lowering the entire car by 10 millimetres or almost 0.4", as well as the wide range of John Cooper Works Performance Components
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More output, more efficiency and more driving fun thanks to a thoroughly revised range of petrol engines for the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible
All petrol MINI models meet the EU5 exhaust emissions standard
Market launch of the new MINI One Convertible
Market launch of MINI One MINIMALISM Line in March 2010.
Performance, efficiency and driving fun – MINIMALISM offers more of everything. The MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible will line up in 2010 with an extensively revised range of petrol engines, a move that sees the MINI brand building consistently on its position as the world’s leading maker of inspiringly sporty and exceptionally economical premium small cars. At the same time, all petrol MINI models will meet the EU5 exhaust emissions standard in Europe and the ULEV II standard in the USA from spring 2010. A fresh addition to the model range is the new MINI One Convertible. Powered by a low-fuel consumption and low-emissions four-cylinder engine producing 72 kW/98 hp, the new model offers an extremely economical way to enjoy that typical MINI go-kart feeling in soft-top form.
Targeted powertrain modifications further enhance the relationship between performance and CO2 emissions in all petrol-engined MINI models. An outstanding example of the progress made is the MINI Cooper S, whose new 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine now develops 135 kW/184 hp (an increase of 7 kW) yet emits only 136 grams of CO2 per kilometre in the EU test cycle – 13 g/km less than its predecessor. The MINI Cooper and MINI One also take the balance of driving fun and CO2 emissions to another new level. The new MINI One MINIMALISM Line, available with two engine variants, has the lowest emissions values of any petrol MINI, using optimised engine technology, Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start Stop function, Shift Point Display and other MINIMALISM measures to achieve a CO2 figure of 119 g/km.
The MINIMALISM concept covers all the technological measures in the current MINI line-up which help to further increase the driving fun typical of the brand at the same time as keeping both fuel economy and CO2 emissions as low as possible. In the new MINI petrol powerplants, measures such as reducing friction and improving heat management in the basic engine have enabled further improvements in efficiency. Added to which, the engines are now served by a map-controlled oil pump with need-based operation, which – in a similar way to the electromechanical power steering and further optimised coolant pump – ensures extremely efficient use of energy.
The MINI Cooper S: fully variable valve control delivers unbeatable efficiency in the 1.6-litre class.
The new 1.6-litre engine in the MINI Cooper S boasts another special feature unique in the small car segment. This is the first time that the twin-scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection system of this powerplant have been offered together with fully variable valve control. Based on the VALVETRONIC system used in BMW engines, this throttle-free load control technology optimises the engine’s responses and enables a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. It does so by adjusting the lift and opening period of the intake valves to the driver’s power requirements within fractions of a second.
The new engine, fitted in the MINI Cooper S, MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper S Convertible, is the world’s most efficient unit in this displacement class. It develops maximum output of 135 kW/184 hp at 5,500 rpm and has peak torque of 240 Nm on tap from as low down the engine speed range as 1,600 rpm. An Overboost function allows this pulling power to be raised to a maximum 260 Nm for a short spell, placing additional thrust at the driver’s disposal when a particularly dynamic burst of acceleration is required. The MINI Cooper S sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.0 seconds on the way to a top speed of 228 km/h. These performance figures share top billing with average fuel economy in the EU test cycle of 5.8 litres per 100 km – 0.4 litres below the value of the predecessor car – and CO2 output of 136 g/km.
The new MINI Cooper S Clubman now packs 0 to 100 km/h acceleration of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 227 km/h, combined with average fuel consumption of 5.9 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 137 g/km. The new MINI Cooper S Convertible, meanwhile, reaches 100 km/h from rest in just 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h, yet posts average fuel economy of 6.0 litres per 100 km and a CO2 figure of 139 g/km.
The MINI Cooper S, MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper S Convertible are fitted as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, while a six-speed automatic, complete with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel, can be ordered as an option for all models. In future, manual MINI Cooper S models will come with a new, self-adjusting clutch. Automatic readjustment ensures that the pedal feel you expect from a MINI is there to be enjoyed over the car’s full service life. Plus, the synchronisation of the gears is further optimised by a carbon coating for the clutch linings. The automatic gearbox, available for the MINI Cooper and MINI One as well as the MINI Cooper S, stands out with its high-efficiency set-up. This enables further significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in all models in which it is fitted.
The MINI Cooper: more output, less CO2.
A 2 kW increase in the output of its 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine to 90 kW/122 hp further sharpens the sporting edge of the MINI Cooper. The four-cylinder unit – which likewise features fully variable valve control, as well as optimisations to other details – generates peak output at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 160 Nm at 4,250 rpm. The MINI Cooper sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds. Top speed is 203 km/h. This impressive performance contrasts with average fuel economy of 5.4 litres per 100 km in the EU test cycle and CO2 emissions reduced to just 127 g/km.
The new MINI Cooper Clubman posts a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration figure of 9.8 seconds and a top speed of 201 km/h, combined with average fuel economy of 5.5 litres per 100 km and a CO2 figure of 129 g/km. The new MINI Cooper Convertible notches up 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds en route to a maximum 198 km/h. Average fuel economy is 5.7 litres per 100 km; CO2 emissions stand at 133 g/km.
The MINI One 72 kW: acceleration up, emissions down.
With displacement increased from 1.4 litres to 1.6 litres and output raised by 2 kW to 72 kW/98 hp, the new MINI One 72 kW can now claim even greater agility. Moreover, its extensively revised engine helps to further reduce CO2 emissions. The four-cylinder powerplant, again equipped with fully variable valve control, releases maximum output at 6,000 rpm. Peak torque increases to 153 Nm – up by 13 Nm – and is available from as low down as 3,000 rpm.
The MINI One 72 kW displays the fruits of this performance boost in the form of enhanced sprinting power. 0 to 100 km/h is negotiated in 10.5 seconds – 0.4 seconds quicker than its predecessor – and top speed is now 186 km/h. The MINI One 72 kW blends its sporting spirit with exemplary average fuel economy figures of 5.4 litres per 100 km in the EU test cycle and a drop in CO2 emissions to 127 g/km. The new MINI One Clubman also benefits in a variety of ways from the optimised powertrain technology. It needs just 11.1 seconds to move from 0 to 100 km/h and powers on to a top speed of 185 km/h. Average fuel economy in the EU test cycle stands at 5.5 litres per 100 km, while CO2 emissions are 129 g/km.
A breath of fresh air, a blow to CO2: the new MINI One Convertible.
The qualities of the new 72 kW/98 hp engine also come convincingly to the fore with the roof folded down. The four-cylinder unit in the new MINI One Convertible takes an extremely efficient route to marrying inspiring agility with the open-air driving experience typical of the brand. The new MINI One Convertible accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.3 seconds and on to a maximum 181 km/h. And yet the open-top four-seater burns a mere 5.7 litres per 100 km in the EU test cycle and emits just 133 g/km of CO2.
The new MINI One Convertible is the most economical way of enjoying driving fun in an open-top premium car. This attractive entry-level variant completes the range alongside the MINI Cooper S Convertible and MINI Cooper Convertible models. The new MINI One Convertible displays all the features which highlight the unique style of the brand’s open-top four-seater cars. Beautifully chiselled body surfaces, a sporty, stretched side view, short front and rear overhangs and large wheel cut-outs define the car’s unmistakable appearance. The typically MINI proportions are emphasised by the fabric soft-top with standard electrohydraulic opening and closing function. Cutting-edge chassis technology, including EPS electromechanical steering, unlocks that hallmark go-kart feeling. The standard driving stability control system DSC, meanwhile, ensures active safety at the highest level. Occupant protection is maximised by measures including four airbags and the single-piece roll-over bar, which extends automatically from behind the rear seats when required.
A further hallmark of the only premium open-top model in the small car segment is the broad scope for individualisation thanks to the customer-specified composition of exterior paint shade, soft-top colour and interior design, coupled with the extensive selection of optional equipment and accessories. Among the convertible-specific options also available for the MINI One Convertible is the Openometer, which records the amount of driving time spent with the roof open.
A new standard in efficiency: the MINI One MINIMALISM Line.
The entry-level variant in the MINI model range, the MINI One 55 kW, also benefits from a fundamental drive unit refresh, with the displacement of its four-cylinder engine likewise increased to 1.6 litres. Maximum output remains unchanged at 55 kW/75 hp at 6,000 rpm, but peak torque is now 140 Nm – up by 20 Nm – and can be sourced from as low down as 2,250 rpm. All of which allows the new MINI One 55 kW to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 13.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 175 km/h. Average fuel economy in the EU test cycle stands at 5.4 litres per 100 km, while CO2 emissions drop to 127 g/km.
Joining the range for model year 2010 are two variants of the new MINI One MINIMALISM Line, which focus even more intensely on minimising fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. They come with a choice of the four-cylinder engine that drives the MINI One 55 kW or that of the MINI One 72 kW, achieve performance figures commensurate with each model, and combine these with an even greater degree of efficiency. Extremely focused and extensively employed MINIMALISM measures bring average fuel consumption for each model down to 5.1 litres per 100 km in the EU test cycle. CO2 emissions are likewise identical, at 119 g/km. The MINI One 55 kW MINIMALISM Line and the MINI One 72 kW MINIMALISM Line therefore have the lowest fuel consumption and emissions figures of all the brand’s petrol-engined models.
The MINI One MINIMALISM Line is also fitted as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox and the driving stability control system DSC. Stand-out exterior features include aerodynamically optimised wheels, exclusive Pepper White design elements in the radiator grille and on the exterior mirror caps, and a model-specific logo. Plus, like every MINI it is configured according to customer specification. Customers keen to express other facets of their individual style in addition to their appreciation of economical and low-emission mobility can therefore also choose from a wide selection of exterior paint finishes, interior colours and upholstery variants for their MINI One MINIMALISM Line, as well as an extensive range of optional equipment and accessories.
The Vines MINI Group have dealerships in Guildford, Gatwick and Redhill. Our dedicated team are ready to help you and provide you more information on these new and exciting innovations from MINI.
To keep up to date with all our news, stories and events you can now follow us on Twitter: VinesBMW
On Sunday 29 November from 1pm Vines MINI are participating in a two hour Go Karting endurance race for the Dame Vera Lynn Trust. We are sending our best racers to represent us in the race at TeamSport Karting, Crawley, that will see Ian Smith, Adrian Houslop, Chris Lamport, Dean Eaton compete against eleven other teams.
As further support Vines are providing a MINI, which will be in the TeamSport foyer from Monday 23 November, for people to buy raffle tickets guessing the number of balls in the MINI. The prize for the winner is the use of the MINI for a weekend.
Established since January 2001, the aim of the Dame Vera Lynn Trust is to work in partnership with parents to educate young children with cerebral palsy or associated motor learning difficulties and allied learning needs. TeamSport is supporting The Dame Vera Lynn Trust as its Charity of the Year.
Why not come down and support us during the day, or if you fancy taking part yourself, there is still time to enrol your team. For further information please 01403 780444 or email rosie.wyer@dvltrust.org.uk
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Vines Group raise £1,183.62 for Macmillan Cancer Support
Following the success of our first ever Macmillan coffee morning last year at our Guildford dealership, on Friday 25 September all of our BMW and MINI dealerships took part in this years World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
We were pleased to see so many customers and supporters join us at each of our dealerships on Friday morning and thank everyone for their kind donations.
The morning was fantastic and created a real buzz in our showrooms. Our Redhill dealership was full of excitement as they were joined by customer and friend to Vines, Ian Wright, who chatted to staff and visitors throughout the morning. At our Guildford dealership, the Mayor of Guildford and MP Anne Milton spent over an hour with us before heading off to visit a number of other local coffee mornings.
We were inundated with cakes from so many of our staff and also from our customers and with all those cakes we visited a number of local businesses to offer a cake or two for a donation, and had a fantastic response. Plus, a compulsory staff dress down day really helped to achieve additional funds at each of our dealerships.
The money raised at Vines World’s Biggest Coffee Mornings will make a real difference to the lives of people living with cancer and their families. £350 could pay for a much needed break for someone with cancer, £184 could fund a Macmillan nurse for one day and just £1 will ensure one more person receives leaflets giving them information about cancer and where they can get support
We thank all those who joined us for giving up their time and joining us for this worthwhile cause, which raised over £1,000.
Next year, we hope to raise even more and look forward to welcoming you.
To celebrate Father’s Day we will be at the Wyevale Old Barn Nursery and Garden Centre in Horsham all day on Sunday 21st June, where Wyevale will be putting on a host of added extras to make Father’s Day more interesting. Visit us alongside the Vines of Gatwick BMW dealership and other local businesses.
Old Barn Nursery and Garden Centre A24 Dial Post RH13 8NR
We all need a little help sometimes and at Vines, we understand that taking your car in for a service during the week may not always be possible. To make life easier for you, we have recently extended our service department opening hours. Saturday servicing is now available until 4pm at each of our dealerships.
This service will be popular and early booking is advisable. For more information or to book your car in with us, please contact your nearest Vines dealership, and make life a little easier.
Call Vines Mini to arrange your Saturday Service 0845 045 0972
We always look to recognise and reward employees who have gone the extra mile, either for a customer or for each other. It is sometimes easy to complain, but saying well done and recognising achievements often goes unnoticed.
Here at Vines, we are changing that thinking and rewarding employees with a Golden Moment thank you for their efforts. A Golden Moment is a monthly lucky dip for any employee with a variety of exciting prizes up for grabs.
We regularly receive letters of praise from our customers and these are used to nominate employees for a Golden Moment Award.
We welcome feedback on your experience with Vines and if you would like to nominate any member of the Vines team for a future award please write, call, or e-mail us at goldenmomentnomination@vinesgroup.co.uk
Recent nominees include:
Amy Denyer@Redhill - nominated by a customer who purchased a car, following great service.
Steve King@Gatwick - nominated by a colleague for taking a customer to Brands Hatch in his own time to show her how to be a racing driver!
Chris Shepard@Guildford - nominated by a customer for his continuous support through the purchase of their car.
