Tropicana Magazine Nov-Dec 2018 #121: Festive Frivolities

THE DRIVE
In the new MINI variants, the Coasting
experience, previously only available via
MINI’s GREEN mode, is now possible in
MID mode too. This feature intuitively
shifts the engine to idle when the driver’s
foot is off the accelerator pedal while
cruising. Going that much further, the
John Cooper Works version, which is
MSA Connected, provides further fuelsaving
functions with its intelligent
auto start-stop system, which essentially
decides whether the car would be more
efficient with its engine switched off or
running.
And now to the accoutrements
Inside, all three new MINI Cooper
models prioritise digital convenience
with their Touch Screen Display with
Navigation. Capable of being operated
via MINI Controller, the Cooper S 3 Door
and 5 Door carry a 6.5” high-resolution
display, while the John Cooper Works
version, larger at 8.8”, comes with Head-
Up Display and is enabled with navigation
and Natural Language Recognition for
more intuitive control through voice
commands. Given that a MINI is often
larger than perceived – that’s the power
of branding for you – the new rear view
Camera and existing Park Distance
Control help to overcome the challenges
of reversing a MINI in and out of tight
spots.
Conveniences such as MINI Connected
enable owners to integrate their smart
phone, smart phone apps and MINI
Connected App into their vehicle. The
latter lets you check fuel consumption,
fuel range and last known location.
The John Cooper Works version takes
“Remember the
mood ring? The
interior is backlit
by the MINI Yours
Illuminated
Cockpit, with a
display that lights
up with a stylised
Union Jack, and a
whopping choice
of 12 colours
to play with,
presumably one
for every mood or
month.”
it one step further with the introduction
of Wireless Charging for Mobile Phones,
which automatically charges your phone
when placed on the wireless charging station
in the centre armrest.
Other interesting innovations in the
new MINI John Cooper Works is the handy
MINI Find Mate, which allows owners to
attach wireless tracking tags to important
belongings, such as bags, cases and key rings.
Once these items are out of range, owners
will receive a notification from the MINI
Connected app, showing the last known
location of the item.
For rally car appeal, the new MINI John
Cooper Works interior features Dinamica
Leather John Cooper Works racing seats,
accentuated by Chili Red colour lines, an
anthracite headliner, and stainless-steel
pedals. Prospective buyers have a choice of
four colours for the exterior: Rebel Green;
Midnight Black with red roof; Pepper
White with red roof; and Chili Red with
black roof. Also sharpening up the exterior
for an aggressive look that befits its racing
pedigree are a new Piano Black trim, 18”
John Cooper Works Cup Spoke 2-Tone, and
117 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | TM