Even though it’s going to be officially unveiled tonight, MINI has released all the photos and information for the 2014 MINI Cooper Hardtop.
Even though it’s going to be officially unveiled tonight, MINI has released all the photos and information for the 2014 MINI Cooper Hardtop. The 2014 Cooper Hardtop marks the introduction of the third-generation, which is now built on a new platform that will also be used by future front-wheel-drive BMWs.
At a quick glance, the 2014 MINI Cooper doesn’t look that different from the outgoing model. From the front its face has been tweaked a bit, but it’s still the same familiar face that we’ve grown to love for the past decade. MINI says that the new Cooper is bigger, but it will probably take a side-by-side comparison to see it. Either way it is 4.5 inches longer, 1.7 inches wider and 0.3 inches higher than its predecessor. That translates into a slightly bigger interior and more cargo capacity, which has been increased by 3 cubic feet to 8.7 cubic feet.
Although the 2014 Cooper may not look that different on the outside, the bigger changes are what lies under thood. The 2014 Cooper will be offered with a 134-hp 1.5L three-cylinder and the Cooper S will get a new 189-hp 2.0L. Either engine can be mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The automatic also gets new technology that allows it to use the GPS system to see changing road conditions. It can then use this information to make sure it’s in the correct gear before it even reaches a curve or incline.
The new MINI Cooper reaches 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds, while its top speed is 130 mph. The Cooper S is faster at 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 146 mph.
The 2014 Cooper will also be the first car in its segment to have LED headlights. The bright white LED units provide the light source for both low and high beam. They are also surrounded by an LED daylight driving ring, the lower section of which reaches down to the white turn indicators. Inside the design is largely the same, but with upgraded materials and the window switches are now on the doors.
The 2014 MINI Cooper Hardtop will arrive in the U.S. in March.
Source: MINI
