New MINI Hardtop Rides into Future Without Losing Classic Look

Bedford, USA, 11/27/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

When an automaker has an instantly recognizable favorite in its lineup, it usually behooves the company to aim for an evolutionary redesign of the model versus a drastic overhaul. At first glimpse, the recently revealed third-generation MINI Hardtop appears to have received that more subtle treatment, but inside and underneath the hood, it has taken a big leap forward in technology.

Unveiled earlier this month at an old movie theater in Los Angeles, the new MINI Hardtop retains its classic silhouette and dons modernized versions of its signature styling cues, including optional LED circular headlamps, but it is 4.5 inches longer, 1.7 inches wider and 0.3 inches taller than its predecessor. Meanwhile, a new standard 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine produces 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, increases of 13 horsepower and 48 pound-feet of torque compared to the outgoing standard four-cylinder. Upgrading to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit in the new MINI Cooper S will get buyers 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, resulting in boosts of 8 horsepower and 30 pound-feet of torque over the prior Cooper S.

"With its nimble chassis, the MINI Hardtop doesn't require all that much output to provide a highly responsive ride, but the new engines will produce the most engaging MINI driving experiences yet, particularly with their impressive helpings of torque," said Gary King, general manager of MINI of Bedford, a New Hampshire MINI dealer. "The added bonus is that, despite the improvements in performance, both the new MINI Cooper and Cooper S are expected to be more fuel efficient than before."

Inside the cabin, the new MINI Hardtop is packed with new convenience and safety technologies. A new instrument cluster on the steering column displays visual indicators for the newly available driver-assistance technologies, including a Driving Assistant option that offers camera-based cruise control and a collision- and pedestrian-warning system. The new MINI Hardtop also marks the brand's introduction of the MINI Head-Up Display, which places vital information safely within the driver's line of sight on an extendible monitor in the upper dashboard.

About MINI of Bedford:
MINI of Bedford is the first and only MINI dealership in New Hampshire, and their team is excited to be bringing motoring fun to Granite State drivers. Shoppers who visit MINI of Bedford online at www.minibedford.com, or in person at 209 S. River Road in Bedford, NH, will find a huge selection of new and used MINI models. Plus, the arrival of MINI to New Hampshire means that convenient MINI service is just around the corner. For more information or to schedule a test-drive, their friendly staff can be reached at 603-637-2900, and those looking for the latest dealership news can visit MINI of Bedford on Facebook at www.facebook.com/miniofbedford.