Latest news with #MINI
Auto Express
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Renault has great news for vegans, and cows!
The French might not be known for their willingness to embrace veganism, yet Renault has now signed an agreement with leading animal welfare charity, PETA, to discontinue the inclusion of leather in its car interiors by the end of the year. In a statement, PETA said that 'Renault['s] decision to go leather-free proves that compassion and innovation can go hand in hand… By choosing cruelty-free materials, the Renault brand is helping to build a future where animals are not harmed for luxury, and the planet is protected for generations.' Advertisement - Article continues below To be clear, Renault doesn't actually offer leather in the UK anymore, anyway; it's only an option in foreign markets. Over the last few years, the French maker has been pioneering the use of organic and recyclable materials as a more sustainable alternative to traditional upholstery choices. For example, through Auto Express' Find a Car service, you can specify the Renault 5 with recycled denim upholstery – a throwback to the Renault 5 Blue Jeans special edition of the 1980s – while other models in the line-up, such as the Nissan Qashqai-rivalling Renault Symbioz come with bio-sourced fabrics as an option. Renault isn't the only brand that offers vegan-friendly interiors. MINI, for example, offers its animal-free Vescin leather alternative, while the likes of Vauxhall, Tesla and Kia now all use synthetic alternatives to cowhide. Polestar, on the other hand, offers faux-leather as standard, but also sustainable Bridge of Weir Nappa leather as an option. It's also important to point out that no car is completely devoid of animal products altogether; going back to MINI, the British firm uses ostrich feathers, of all things, to help provide the correct finish for each car's paintwork. The rubber used in tyres and interior materials in all cars often contains tallow, while some lubricants include animal fat as an ingredient. Many brands, such as Rolls-Royce and Skoda don't offer vegan interiors at all – the latter does provide cloth upholstery, but its steering wheels are typically trimmed in leather. Our dealer network has 1,000s of great value new cars in stock and available now right across the UK. Find your new car…
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Our MINI Countryman SE gains Thule gear
South African motorists love vehicular accessories, and the game has come a long way. A set of rear louvres, plastic side window shields and sheepskin seat covers in an executive sedan might have signalled peak accessorisation in the olden days. In 2025, for buyers of crossovers and SUVs, it seems bicycle racks and roof-mounted storage solutions are must-have add ons. The items convey to fellow road users that the driver enjoys a more exciting, more adventurous lifestyle than the average pronoun. There are many brands offering such fixtures, including the manufacturers' own catalogues of in-house equipment. Swedish brand Thule is arguably the most recognisable aftermarket supplier, with a strong cachet and premium aura. A nice pairing for our similarly premium MINI Countryman SE, which recently gained the fitment of a Thule Force 3 (M) top-box, priced at R14,999. The 'M' is for medium. The latest storage solution from the brand piqued our interest because it is purportedly designed for 'eco-friendly' explorers who want to mitigate the increase in fuel consumption that usually comes with the fitment of a roof-mounted luggage compartment. Obviously, fuel consumption is of zero consideration to us in the electric MINI, but range maximisation is. To that end, the aerodynamic optimisation of the Thule unit is of particular significance. You will note the shape of the cargo box is sleeker than other offerings on the Thule menu, with a flatter, lengthier profile promising to reduce drag. Long-standing readers may recall it is not the first time this author has saddled on Thule gear while conducting a long-term test. There was the 12-month Volkswagen Polo GTI in 2020, upon whose ceiling we strapped a Thule Force XT (M). Aside from not being able to use the sunroof, we noted the considerable wind noise intruding at freeway speeds. However, it was a small price to pay for the flexibility of added space, which came in handy on an impromptu trip to Cape Town with five occupants and their luggage. The MINI has no sunroof in any case, so no hassles there. At freeway speeds the Force 3 does not appear to produce a considerable din, but we will measure the decibels for a reference, with the box on and after it is removed at the end of August. A trek to Cape Town would be a stretch, but the MINI's range of more than 400km will lend itself nicely to the exploration of provinces slightly beyond Gauteng. A jaunt down the N3 to the Drakensberg region seems like a decent prospect, with the opportunity to use the fast-charging facilities on offer in Harrismith. Last month we got a sense of the MINI's long distance capabilities on a 425km round trip from Johannesburg to Wolmaransstad and back. Charging infrastructure was not an issue. The Countryman SE attracts curiosity with its swanky alloys, gleaming black coat and privacy glass, and the added Thule headwear captures attention even further. It has the vibe of a European alpine tourer. Image: Brenwin Naidu Interestingly, the international Thule press release photography for the Force 3 saw the use of a Countryman as the demonstrator on which the box was fitted. Its 400l capacity coupled with the 460l boot of the MINI means packing light will not be necessary. More on that in the next update. LONG-TERM UPDATE 5 | MINI Countryman SE ALL4 ODOMETER ON DELIVERY: 4,621km CURRENT ODOMETER: 7,500km PRAISES: The Countryman is billed as the most adventurous MINI. The Thule kit complements the persona. GRIPES: Accepting that keeping black paint clean in dusty, wintry Johannesburg is impossible.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Motoring expert says this 'impressive' used car blows all competition away
A used car expert has commented on a used car that won awards when new, but is now a popular model on the second hand vehicle market A used car expert has highlighted how impressive one popular small car, claiming that few rivals can match the vehicle. Motoring enthusiasts are often giving tips for people looking for new vehicles on what to aim for. Just recently, an expert claimed one used car is "the most reliable" in the world. But now another car has come to the fore – the Mini Cooper. The vehicle was reinvigorated as a brand and motor vehicle when it was revived by BMW in the early-2000s. Since the car was brought back to life, now as the MINI, it has become a hit among millions of drivers around the world. As a result, it has become a fan favourite on the used car market for it's smart handling and reliability. Discussing the car, Auto Express ' Richard Dredge praised the Anglo-German model. He said: 'In 2016 the MINI was crowned Best Premium Small Car at our New Car Awards for the third time in a row. It was our overall Car of the Year in 2014. Then and now, the MINI is up against some stiff competition, but we reckon that none of its rivals can match the ever-popular model's cheeky looks, efficient engines, engaging dynamics and low running costs.' On which version of the MINI people should buy, Richard said it all depended on what option packs you were after and whether one would be happy with a manual or automatic gearbox, but recommended the Cooper. He explained: 'Air-con had to be specified at the time of ordering as a no-cost option on the One/One D and Cooper/Cooper D models, so check it's fitted. The One is spartan, so we'd go for at least a Cooper. 'Pin down what options or option packs are included on any potential purchase; the list is extensive. The Pepper and Chili packs bring different features depending on the trim level.' He also noted it was "impressive" how high the MINI MK3 ranked in AutoExpress' survey among owners. Whilst the MINI as a brand may be strong in the UK, there is uncertainty over the future of its Oxford plant. Earlier this year, in February, it was announced that parent-company BMW had announced a decision to delay the reintroduction of electric car production at the facility. In a statement, they said: 'Plant Oxford is at the heart of Mini production, manufacturing and exporting a range of models, which are sought after in the UK and around the world. "However, given the multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry, the BMW Group is currently reviewing the timing for reintroducing battery-electric Mini production in Oxford. 'We have informed the UK government of our decision to review the timeline for reintroducing battery-electric production in Oxford. "As part of this discussion, we agreed not to take the previously announced grant, but we remain in close dialogue about our future plans."
ArabGT
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
How BMW's Sub-Brands Saved the Day in 2025
BMW has always stood tall as a beacon of German engineering, elegance, and automotive performance. Yet, the second-quarter 2025 results delivered a curveball that few anticipated. Contrary to what many might assume, it wasn't the core BMW brand that carried the Bavarian empire forward—it was the power of its sub-brands that injected new life into the group's performance. Leading this charge were BMW M, MINI, and Rolls-Royce, each carving out a unique path to customer loyalty and sales dominance. M Division: Where Performance Translates into Sales BMW M continues to be a force to reckon with, redefining how performance cars connect with the market. The M4, M3, and the recently introduced M2 have seen a notable surge in demand, driven by their ability to blend dynamic handling with cutting-edge technology. This sub-brand has transcended its traditional niche audience, becoming a desirable badge across demographics that value precision, speed, and digital sophistication. MINI: Compact, Iconic, and Electrified While many automakers chase bigger dimensions, MINI thrives by staying true to its roots—compact cars with bold personality. Its design heritage and the evolution into electrification, particularly with the MINI Cooper SE, have helped rejuvenate its global footprint. The latest generation, featuring sleek digital interiors and forward-thinking styling, has resonated with younger, urban buyers eager for both character and eco-friendliness. Rolls-Royce: Resilience in Ultra-Luxury Rolls-Royce remains untouched by economic tides. Despite premium pricing, models like the electric Spectre and the stately Cullinan continue to find eager buyers—especially across high-net-worth regions like the Middle East and North America. The brand's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and exclusivity ensures it remains a cornerstone of BMW Group's prestige and profit. The BMW Brand Stumbles—For Now In contrast, the core BMW brand experienced a mild decline in sales during the same quarter, sparking questions about its direction in an increasingly crowded premium market. Though it has introduced standout models such as the electric iX and the redesigned 5 Series, intense rivalry from Tesla, Audi, and Mercedes appears to be dampening momentum. Geographic Shifts: China Rises, Europe Retreats Regional dynamics paint an intriguing picture. Sales dropped sharply in Europe—where regulatory shifts and cost pressures drive consumers toward electric options—while China and North America offered bright spots. China, in particular, is proving to be a vital growth engine for the brand's EV offerings. EVs Quietly Fuel the Charge Electric vehicles are becoming the unsung heroes of BMW's evolving portfolio. Models like the iX1, iX3, and i4 have played a pivotal role in expanding the customer base, especially in markets where demand for cleaner, connected vehicles is growing rapidly. Collectively, EV sales surged by over 35% year-on-year—an indicator that the brand's electric strategy is gaining serious ground. Looking Ahead: A Strategic Turning Point What these results underline is a quiet shift in power dynamics within the BMW Group. Sub-brands are no longer secondary—they're becoming the key drivers of performance. Will BMW rethink its strategy to reflect this change? Could the next phase be led by the likes of MINI, M, and Rolls-Royce? Or does the core brand still hold a revolutionary EV ace up its sleeve?
Auto Express
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Return of the grant! Electric cars about to get a lot cheaper
Electric cars will soon be more accessible to buyers. The government has announced plans for huge investment in buyer subsidies in order to bring down prices, as well as improved EV charging infrastructure to make it easier to plug-in at home. With the full details set to be laid out on Tuesday, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told the BBC that 'We are going to be making some announcements later this week on how we make it more affordable for people to buy an electric vehicle.' Advertisement - Article continues below According to the Telegraph, the government is rumoured to have set aside over £640 million of taxpayer cash in order to help reduce down payments on electric cars – much like the original Plug-In Car Grant scheme that was discontinued in 2022 and awarded buyers £1,500 towards the price of a new EV. Interestingly, sources suggest that there will be a price ceiling, meaning more expensive EVs will not be eligible, while vehicles built within the UK will be given preferential treatment in this regard. The forthcoming Nissan Leaf electric SUV is set to be one of the biggest benefactors as it is set to be manufactured within the Japanese giant's plant in Sunderland and thus benefit from extra subsidies. The electric MINI Cooper, on the other hand, likely won't get the same treatment as the Nissan as unlike that car, it's built in China; MINI recently paused its plans to bring EV production to Oxford, citing slow sales. That's not all, however, as the government has also invested £25 million to aid private councils in installing cross-pavement charging solutions; these so-called 'gulleys' involve digging a small trench into the pavement in which a flap will be installed, allowing a charging cable to be draped across the road without becoming a trip hazard. Co-founder of cross-pavement charging solution firm, KerboCharge, Michael Goulden, said he was 'delighted by the news of the Government grant', stating that it 'demonstrates the Government's backing for cross-pavement charging and subsidising the cost for tens of thousands of UK households.' That £25 million comes as part of a larger £63 million lump sum towards building appropriate signage for EV charging stations, something founder of campaign group, FairFuel UK, Quentin Wilson, said was 'a very welcome development'. 'I'm overjoyed to see that finally non-EV drivers will see that there is a charging infrastructure to give them the confidence to switch,' Wilson explained. 'Years of not having any charging signage on our roads has helped stoke the myth 'there's no infrastructure'. Auto Express has contacted the Department for Transport and the Conservative Party opposition for further details and comment, but is yet to receive a response. Want the latest car news in your inbox? Sign up to the free Auto Express email newsletter. If you want to buy an electric car, we can help with that too...
