The little buggy that loves to hug curves gets a few lovable curves of its own for 2014, and more powerful BMW engines to boot, in a total redesign. Its Base now offering power nearing that of the former S with a similarly turbocharged engine, and the soon-to-follow S offering power nearing that of the former John Cooper Works (JCW), this all-new MINI Cooper also ups the suspension ante, strengthens the chassis and gets a bit bigger while adding modern tech amenities like a touchscreen display and even a traffic sign memory system—as if it wasn't already the most interesting little thing on U.S. roadways.
What's traffic sign memory, you ask? Well, it just might be the next big thing in urban-going vehicles, as it encourages drivers to keep their eyes at least in the direction of the road by reading speed limit and other road signs, displaying that information in the gauge cluster, and even storing those reads for later comparison with GPS data to streamline the whole process. Other subcompacts may call themselves Smart, but MINI is turning into a big brainiac in an adorably tidy package.
Promising an even more powerful JCW and maybe even a diesel version just a little further down the road, totally new body styles like a 5-door and even a sedan are also expected to join in the fun sometime within the next couple years. The only disappointing news is Europe's all-wheel-drive Base Cooper won't make it to this side of the pond, but we still get the option for ALL4 on the S and as always, the JCW comes standard in ALL4 form.
The new engines will also have new gearboxes, new chassis and a longer wheelbase to help the more powerful engines get drivers and passengers from point A to point B that much more smoothly. The 2014 MINI Cooper seems to be growing up a bit this year, the total redesign showing just as much practicality and playfulness but with a wider look, new headlights, LED daytime running lights, a new grille, larger taillights and a greater rake of the windshield, not to mention some silken curves. The interior's function and fanciness hold hands as the MINI Cooper shows off a dash-mounted folding HUD, a center-mounted speedometer and touchscreen display. MINI is definitely no slouch in the tech department, adding digital headlight assist, parking assist and that nifty traffic sign system for 2014.
One reason the MINI Cooper changed was best said by BMW's group design chief: "A brand is a living organism—you need to feed it things, otherwise it will die, which is why new design elements are being introduced." Its new engines are "downsized but not downgraded," allowing MINIs to have all the power they need and fit it into a small space. All the latest MINIs share a platform with BMW's new front-wheel-drive versions of its 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series released in recent years. Meaning, they're tried and true, and if you're not sure about it yet, go try one of those.
The Base engine is a 1.5-liter turbo 3-cylinder, with 134 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. There is a rumored 1.5-liter diesel engine with 114–116 hp, but torque and economy are unknowns at this point. The Cooper S will, like its other S brethren, have a turned-up turbo over the Base model, taking the lead until MINI gets its JCW Cooper finished up. The S will take a 2-liter turbo 4-cylinder with 189 hp and 207 lb-ft torque with the option of all-wheel drive.
However, unlike previous years both the Base and S engines have a direct-injected turbocharged setup, which is borrowed from BMW. The JCW will expectedly get even more power out of the S's 2-liter turbo for 220 hp. Again, torque and economy are still a question here.
Previous versions of the MINI Cooper used a Peugeot 1.6-liter 4-cylinder base engine with 121 hp and 114 lb-ft/torque, while the Cooper S used a turbocharged version good for 181 hp and 177 lb-ft/torque. The 2014 MINIs don't just upgrade the power, though—they're also using improved drivetrains.
The 2014 manual transmission has a new gearbox with a gear sensor that adapts the engine speed when shifting, thus allowing extremely sporty shifts. A new automatic gearbox works in conjunction with the start/stop and navigation systems to lower fuel consumption, using BMW technology that can anticipate upcoming downshifts.
The improved next-gen Electronic Power Steering offers speed-dependent support. Adding yet another big thing in this small package, MINI adds electrically adjusted dampers for the first time, offering drivers two settings: Sport and Comfort.
Otherwise, the body is made of aluminum in order to keep the weight down, and a countershaft is designed to balance out the noise and vibration associated with 3-cylinder engines. The complete redesign of the chassis focuses on the tried-and-tested structure of the single-link spring strut axle at the front and the multi-link rear axle, making for a smoother ride. The spatial design of the rear axle leads to improved entry comfort and more space in the rear, reportedly adding more cargo space.
Although MINI hasn't yet released any specifics on the interior, everything looks high-quality judging by the spy shots, with alcantara leather used in abundance. The seats appear to incorporate thigh bolsters and even offer a tartan-like fabric pattern. Welded and rolled sheet metal joints are widely used for the first time in cars from the small vehicle segment. The B pillars will be reinforced with a coating of galvanized, hot-formed steel that will allow other previous weight-increasing measures to be dropped for 2014.
Took mini to dealer as mini connected said brake fluid was over due even thou cars was only service last month. The car is 2014 has only done 10K, dealer today recommended replacement of the rear brake pads, he said pads were 80% gone 4mm left and should be replaced at 3mm, so I said yes. Thinking about it now the car has only done 10k, can this be true that the car needs new rear pads at 10K or is something a miss here ?
Tried to unlock my mini and absolutely nothing happens. How do I unlock my mini without a key?
Dear Mechanic, I had an great opportunity to purchase 2014 Mini Cooper chrome wheels from a friend that had since sold his Mini. I also have a 2014 Mini, but after mounting and purchasing tires for his wheels, I discovered that his has 5 lugs, mine has 4. Is there anything to be done? Wayne
I want to go to the drive ins but the car turns the stereo off after 5 minutes of the engine being off.
HELP WANTED FOR CODE BMW 11B213 LOW FUEL PRESSURE IVE CHANGED THE HPRSESURE FUEL PUMP ON THE ENGINE WILL TRY THE TANK NEXT THANKS
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual driver and passenger seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Auto on · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Auto on · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual driver and passenger seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive