When BMW produced the first of the next generation Minis in 2001, the motoring world applauded. The German manufacturer had managed to capture the essence of what a Mini was and transform it into a modern vehicle.
The car had eccentric quirks like the original Mini and was partnered with a variety of smooth engines developed in tandem with Peugeot. Available in two-door or convertible, it became the car for young execs to own before they stepped into a German luxury vehicle.
In 2008 the success started to get to BMWs head when it released the elongated Clubman. But all was forgiven thanks to the John Cooper Works Minis that surfaced in 2009 and turned the Mini into a true performance sportscar, with 151Kw and 261Nm of torque. But now it’s just become something very strange. The introduction of the 4WD Countryman this year has been followed by the Mini Coupe, something more hideous and potentially even more pointless than a 4WD Mini.
You buy a Mini to be different, so why BMW are creating unique Minis is something beyond us. Never the less, this is the Mini Coupe and there are surely going to be one or two of you that think this is a good idea. It weights in at a little more than 100 kilograms over a tonne, produces 155Kw at 6,000rpm and 260Nm of torque. It’s powered by the usual 1.6 litre Mini engine and has a rear wing that pops up over 80kmh while retracting when you go below 60kmh. There will be different versions available as well, of course. Turbo diesel anyone?
Would we get one? Maybe, but if we did it wouldn’t be because we wanted a Mini. It would be for want of a small car with a bit of bite.
Damian Francis has previously edited Australian T3 and F1 Racing magazine and wrote for GQ Australia and Men’s Health. Unlike Nick and Trev, he has no kids, no mortgage and no wife, but lives happily on Sydney’s North Shore with his girlfriend.
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