Latest news with #MiniCooperS
India Today
2 days ago
- Automotive
- India Today
Mini in Bollywood motion: Countryman sets the pace in this upcoming movie
Mini India is shifting gears into high-octane action as it collaborates with Yash Raj Films (YRF) for its upcoming movie, War 2. Set to release across India on August 14, 2025, the film stars Hrithik Roshan, NTR, and Kiara Advani, and features the Mini Countryman in a pivotal, high-speed chase sequence that adds flair and adrenaline to the cinematic by Ayan Mukerji, War 2 is the next chapter in the YRF Spy Universe and promises to deliver edge-of-the-seat action, scale, and storytelling. The Mini Countryman becomes an integral part of the narrative, showcased in a thrilling chase scene that perfectly aligns with the film's powered tone. Fans can get a glimpse of the action in the official trailer available on Pawah, President and CEO of BMW Group India, expressed his enthusiasm about the association. "Mini embodies spontaneity, bold design, and a go-kart feeling that makes every drive unforgettable. Our collaboration with War 2 brings these attributes to life on the big screen through a highadrenaline chase sequence that's as thrilling as it is stylish. This partnership seamlessly blends MINI's iconic character with cinematic scale and action, creating a compelling celebration of performance, creativity, and pure driving fun," he said. Echoing this sentiment, Manan Mehta, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Merchandising at Yash Raj Films, said, "War 2 will thrill audiences with some of the most ambitious and visually spectacular action sequences ever seen in Indian cinema. The MINI Countryman adds a bold and distinctive edge to the film's high-octane chase, seamlessly aligning with the scale and style of the narrative. From precision stunts to adrenaline-pumping moments, MINI played an integral role in making War 2 not just action-packed, but effortlessly cool. At YRF, we have always believed in crafting meaningful integrations that elevate storytelling and this collaboration with Mini is a perfect reflection of that commitment."War 2 also features actors Ashutosh Rana and Anil Kapoor in key roles. With a gripping story, breathtaking visuals, and the Mini Countryman leading the charge in one of its car used in the movie is the first-generation facelifted Countryman. Mini in India launched the new Mini Cooper S (fifth-gen) and the all-electric Mini Countryman (third-gen) in July, 2024, with the former priced at Rs 44.90 lakh (ex-showroom) and the latter available for Rs 54.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Both models entered the country as completely built-up units (CBUs). Powering the Mini Cooper S is a 2.0-litre Mini TwinPower Turbo petrol engine that delivers 204hp and 300Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch Steptronic transmission. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 242 km/ electric Mini Countryman features an electric motor producing 204hp and 250Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100kmph sprint in 8.6 seconds. The motor is powered by a 66.45kWh lithium-ion battery, offering a WLTP-certified range of up to 462km. Fast charging from 10% to 80% takes just 29 minutes with a 130kW DC charger, while a full charge using a 22kW AC charger takes approximately 3 hours and 35 to Auto Today Magazine- Ends
Irish Times
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Times
Mini Cooper S Convertible review: This soft-top proves that open air is better
I'm coming around to a new way of thinking. All cars should be convertibles. This has not been my way of thinking in the past. Previously, I was always a coupé kinda guy. I liked having a solid roof over my head, and coupes almost always look cooler and more elegant than their soft-top cousins. Don't believe me? Jaguar F-Type. That's the argument. However, I'm now – sort of – arguing with myself. I've been thinking that convertibles ought to be offered by the HSE on prescription. Feeling a bit blue? Here, take a bright red sports car for the weekend and see how you feel. Yes, I know, it rains a lot here and truly hot sunny days are rare, but then again, we also get plenty of dry, mild days, and those are perfect for convertible driving. Convertibles such as this new Mini Cooper S Convertible. It's perhaps not quite the cure-all for what ails you, but it's still sufficiently charming and engaging that it would certainly take your mind off a bad day. [ Mini Aceman EV review: this is one car you'll definitely want to take on the open road, but mind the range Opens in new window ] This week, there haven't been many bad days – weather-wise, at any rate, so the Mini's roof has been down a lot. In fact, thanks to the open-air timer function (yes, a real thing that tells you how long you've had your roof down for), I've racked up several hours of topless motoring. READ MORE This Mini Convertible is a bit of a hybrid, and I don't mean it has batteries. Quite the opposite. In fact, while it has been given the smoother bodywork and nicer interior of the new all-electric Mini, this Mini is actually the old Mini – it's still based on the old UKL1 front-wheel drive platform, and still built in Mini's traditional home of BMW's factory in Oxford, rather than in China, which is where the electric Mini hatch is built. Because this isn't the electric version, it means that you still get an old-fashioned petrol engine, which in this Mini Cooper S means a 201hp turbocharged 2.0-litre. You can sacrifice a bit of power and save yourself a bundle of cash by going for the basic Cooper C model, which uses a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine, with a still-respectable 163hp. Personally? I'd take the 40hp hit, not least because it would save you the guts of €7,000 on the basic price tag. Cars have been getting way too expensive in the past few years – some price tags are truly in the realm of the ridiculous now – but the Mini Convertible's pricing kind of bifurcates between its two models. The basic Cooper C, with the smaller engine, starts from €36,730, which is no one's idea of cheap, but neither is it wildly expensive for something small, sporty, and alfresco. This Cooper S is in a different pricing league, starting at €43,990, and our test car was optioned up to a massive €55,461, which is well and truly across the border of not being worth it. However, if the national health services can bargain hard with pharmaceutical suppliers to bring down the cost of a drug, then so too could they, I'm sure, wangle a discount out of Mini. And the results would be profound. Mini Cooper S Convertible Mini Cooper S Convertible Sit into the new Mini Convertible, and it's a bit like a Georgian house with a home cinema and solar panels – ancient underneath, but with mod-cons. The highlight of which is the big 9.5-inch OLED screen in the centre of the dash, which is the size and shape of a Goodfella's pizza. Normally, I'm no great lover of touchscreens, but this one has something that most others don't – charm. Its very circularity, a nod to the central speedo of the original 1959 Mini, gives it a refreshingly different look to any other screen, while the graphics are top notch and beautifully rendered. Is it too often too fiddly to use safely on the move? Yes, but it's far from the worst in that regard, and the way it integrates the likes of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is wonderful. Thankfully, our car had the optional driver's head-up display, which helps you to be less distracted by the big screen when you're driving. There's a little strip of physical buttons below the screen, which manage stereo volume, gear selection (no more manual Minis – booo!), driving modes (which Mini irritatingly calls 'Experiences' and which make annoying whoosh-y noises when you change them), and starting and stopping the engine, which you do by twisting a key-shaped switch, like an old ignition key. Which rather begs the question, why not just use an ignition key? Equally thankfully you can now use the screen to change the pattern of the LED rear lights, meaning you don't have to drive around with a Union flag on your backside any more, while the knitted covering for the dash – made from recycled plastics – looks and feels more welcoming than the black plastic of old. The roof powers up or down in around 18 seconds, at speeds of up to 30km/h, or you can leave it up and just open a sunroof-like portion at the front, which you can do at any speed. Fully-opened, the Mini really is a convertible, with no roof rails left in place, and a button which drops both door windows and the little quarterlights behind. The roof does sit slightly bunched up on the back of the car, but it's not too pram-like. Mini Cooper S Convertible Mini Cooper S Convertible Mini Cooper S Convertible Roof-up, the Mini Convertible is a bit too noisy and rattly for its own good, but roof-down it utterly transforms, or more accurately, you do. You become half-motorist, half-pedestrian, and more likely to give way to other road users because you too are out in the air, more vulnerable to the vicissitudes of life than other drivers. You can have fun in the Mini, although the steering isn't as responsive as it used to be, and the big 18-inch wheels tend to bobble and wiggle around too much in their arches. The ride is pretty dreadful, but on smoother stretches of open road, the engine makes a pleasant bark, and the whole idea of a convertible is to go a little slower to better enjoy the world around you. As an SUV-antidote, the Mini Convertible is near-perfect. The back seats and tiny boot may make it rather less than practical, but then, when was the last time you carried a full set of passengers? Too small for your precious golf clubs? Take up a more interesting hobby. This is a car that reminds you that driving can just be fun. Is it expensive? Yes, but then therapy always is. Lowdown: Mini Cooper S Convertible Power: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 201hp and 300Nm of torque driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. 0-100km/h: 6.9 secs. Emissions (motor tax): 150g/km (€270). Fuel consumption: 6.6l/100km (WLTP). Price: €55,461 as tested. Mini Convertible from €36,730.
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
25 Volkswagen Golf GTIs delivered to customers in Kerala
Volkswagen recently started the deliveries of the Golf GTI. (Instagram/ wheels_of_kerala_wok) Check Offers A Volkswagen dealership in Kerala has delivered 25 units of the Golf GTI to its customers. The reel was posted on the social media pages. The deliveries of the Golf GTI commenced recently, and this is the first mega delivery of the hot hatchback. Initially, Volkswagen intended to sell just 150 units of the Golf GTI. However, these 150 units were sold out prior to the announcement of the pricing. Considering this, the German manufacturer declared that it would introduce an additional 100 units of the sporty hatchback to India. What is the price of the Volkswagen Golf GTI? The first batch of the Volkswagen Golf GTI was priced at ₹ 53 lakh ex-showroom. However, this price was just introductory and it is expected that the second batch of the hot hatchback will be priced higher. Also watch: FIRST LOOK: Volkswagen Golf GTI For India | Specifications, Features, Interior, Launch How is the exterior of the Volkswagen Golf GTI? The Golf GTI upholds its legacy with distinctive design features, offering a classic yet dynamic appearance. The front is adorned with the iconic Volkswagen grille, prominently featuring the 'GTI' emblem. Additionally, it is equipped with matrix-LED headlights that improve visibility. The front bumper exhibits a bold design, defined by an intriguing honeycomb mesh pattern. At the rear, a sporty diffuser and dual exhausts emphasize the vehicle's performance-focused aesthetics. Furthermore, 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels will be situated on the sides. What are the engine specifications of the Volkswagen Golf GTI? The Volkswagen Golf GTI features a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This configuration produces 245 horsepower and achieves a maximum torque of 370 Nm. The engine transmits power solely to the front wheels. Also Read : Volkswagen Golf GTI First Drive Review - Dollops of fun but at a price What is the top speed and 0-100 kmph acceleration time of the Volkswagen Golf GTI? Volkswagen Golf GTI has a claimed top speed of 250 kmph. However, we tested the hot hatchback at the Natrax track, where it was able to hit 267 kmph. The Golf GTI can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.9 seconds. Also Read : Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Mini Cooper S vs Mercedes-AMG A 45 S: Which is the best value for money performance car? What are the features and how is the exterior of the Volkswagen Golf GTI? The Volkswagen Golf GTI boasts a refined all-black interior, complemented by an intuitive dashboard design. It comes with sports bucket seats that deliver exceptional support for passengers. The three-spoke steering wheel, embellished with the GTI emblem, enhances the vehicle's sporty look, which is further emphasized by metallic pedals and digital climate controls specifically designed for the GTI. At the heart of the interior is a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that facilitates smartphone integration and features cutting-edge automotive technologies. Additionally, the vehicle provides automatic climate control and wireless phone charging options to improve comfort and convenience. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 19 Jun 2025, 08:50 AM IST
GMA Network
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- GMA Network
12 smuggled cars from US intercepted by Customs in Manila port
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) over the weekend said it intercepted two shipments allegedly containing 12 smuggled motor vehicles from the United States that were misdeclared as 'assorted car accessories and supply' in the Port of Manila. According to the BOC, the two shipments contained four 2000 Honda Civic units, three 1998 Honda Civic units, one 1996 Acura Integra, one 1999 Honda Civic, one 2022 Honda S2000, one 2004 Honda S2000, and one 2007 Mini Cooper S. The BOC said the estimated value of the shipment is P10.8 million. The shipments which arrived at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) were consigned to Danesh Consumer Goods Trading from the United States, and were found to have 12 motor vehicles after being subjected to x-ray imaging after the BOC received information that these were misdeclared and undeclared items. 'We had solid information that these shipments may be smuggling motor vehicles into our country under the guise of importing car accessories and parts,' BOC deputy commissioner Juvymax Uy said in a statement. 'The bureau will file the appropriate cases and make sure that these organizations will be held responsible. The BOC is not beating around the bush. We have an all-hands-on-deck approach and we are ready to use all our resources — both technical and technology — to get to the bottom of these smuggling activities,' BOC commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said. The BOC — mandated to supervise and control the clearance of vessels and aircraft engaged in foreign commerce — is tasked to collect nearly P1.06 trillion this year. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/RF, GMA Integrated News
The Citizen
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
All-electric Mini Cooper SE rises above weight and price issues
Go-Kart experience, complete with fake sound and light show, turns hatch into a toy car. The new all-electric Mini Cooper SE does an excellent job of living up to the brand's ethos. Instant torque and enjoyable handling deliver the kind of fun experience the iconic Cooper S 3-door is known for. While the Mini Cooper SE is a lot bigger and more advanced than its Cooper S Mk1 forefather from the 1960s, there is number that is remarkably similar despite being separated by six decades on their birth certificates. Quite astonishingly, the power to weight ratio difference between the models are only 10kW/ton. The Mini Cooper SE has a power to weight ratio of 98kW/ton compared to the Mk1's 88kW/ton. Mini Cooper S an icon The Mk1 that famously won the Monte Carlo rally in the 1960s before and negotiated drainpipes and stairways in the original The Italian Job film was fitted with a 1 275cc engine kicking out a princely 57kW. But, a kerb weight of only 645kg gave it a very respectable power to weight ratio in a game where 100kW/ton was once the golden benchmark. The Mini Cooper SE's outputs of 160kW/330Nm produced by a single electric motor is actually more than its internal combustion sibling's 150kW/300Nm. But electric cars have a major weakness and that is the weight of its batteries, which in the SE's case is a 54.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Its kerb weight of 1 620kg therefore stand out like a sore tooth against the petrol engine model's 1 285kg. ALSO READ: New Mini Cooper S stays true to peppy and fun 'hot hatch' roots The resulting power to weight ratio of 98kW/ton drags the SE way down from the 116kW/ton ratio of its petrol-powered sibling. This leads right into the other sticky point. The price. The Mini Cooper SE costs R802 000, a R155 605 premium over the R646 395 Cooper S 3-door. As before, the Mini Cooper SE's taillights resemble the Union Jack. Picture: Charl Bosch Political shenanigans In a first world country with zero carbon emission targets, various incentives and subsidies are in place to ensure electric vehicle (EV) ownership is a viable option compared to cars powered by internal combustion engines. But we live at the southern tip of Africa ruled by a government that is likely reading the White Paper on proposed future policies of new energy vehicles upside down. Until they figure this thing out and relax taxation on EVs, cars like the Mini Cooper SE will stay expensive unfortunately. And even though charging at home will be much cheaper than filling a stank with petrol, you'll have to drive at least 120 000km before breaking even. This is a real pity. And by no fault of Mini or its owners BMW, even though GWM builds the electric version in China. The carmaker has come a long way since the days of the BMW i3, which compared the Mini Cooper SE, tragically lacked a soul. Knockout colour The SE is a great blend of modern technology with a fair bit of retro-ness which ranges from the driving straight through to the styling. The tester The Citizen Motoring drove in Sunny Side yellow paint with black roof and mirror caps was a real head-turner. Like the electric-only Mini Aceman, the Cooper SE's cabin is very simplistic. A variety of hard-wearing recycled fabrics feature all over the cabin clad in all sorts of funky colour combinations. The 9.4-inch OLED roundel infotainment system which controls most functions takes centre stage on the dashboard. Making up for the absence of an instrument cluster is a head-up display. What we liked is that there is still physical switchgear for some functions like side mirror adjustments and volume control. A key-like start switch features between a toggle switch gear selector and Experience selector, the latter becoming our go-to plaything. Go-Kart experience Instead of run-of-the-mill driving modes, the Experience mode selector allows you choose a mode like Vivid or Green that not only adjusts the driving dynamics, but also the look and feel of the cockpit in terms of screen design and ambient lightning. In our case, the preferred option was the Go-Kart Experience. The 9.4-inch roundel is clear and easy to use. Picture: Charl Bosch Flipping the switch into Go-Kart mode gets Mini Cooper SE as excited as the driver, with a loud 'woo hoo!' glaring from the speakers as soon as its activated. It unleashed a lightning quick throttle response, firms up an already stiff suspension and makes the feedback on the torque steering a lot more accentuated for a sportier feel. Better yet, it activates a sound akin to an arcade racing game. At might sound a tad to artificial at first, but once you become addicted it's hard to disengage Go-Kart. ALSO READ: Petrol and EV confirmed as BMW prices all-new Mini Cooper On smooth surfaces with little feedback from the suspension you don't really notice the SE's weigh too much. But on less than perfect roads you do get a feeling for the mass you are carrying as the firm suspension starts bouncing around a bit. That, and the fact that we suffered a tyre burst hitting a pothole forced us to abandon any plans of trying to emulate the 1960s icon and drive it down a staircase or two. Mini Cooper SE passes the test Like any fossil fuel-driven car, the harder you press the accelerator, the higher the consumption. Going about your business in a civilised manner will ensure power consumption of less than 20kWh which should get you just over 300km of range. But play too hard and you'll need to stop a lot more for charging. But Mini has made provisions for that too, as the Cooper SE supports DC charging of up to 95kW. Political shenanigans burdening the Mini Cooper SE aside, the hatch does an excellent job of upkeeping what Mini is within an electric persona. If more soulless electric cars can adopt personalities like this, maybe the future won't be all that boring.
