Mini Sports to be Built by Magna Steyr

The rumors about BMW Group just announced that it has found a partner for an all-new project to round out its Mini brand lineup are indeed correct . Mini will be building a compact Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), and it will be assembled by Magna Steyr of Austria.

One of the biggest reasons why the production of the new SAV was outsourced was due to the issues of space at the original Mini factory in England. The Oxford plant is running at full capacity producing the regular Cooper, the Convertible and the new Clubman. There just wouldn't be enough room to accommodate another high-volume model. In the case of the SAV, it could result in as many as 80,000 units annually.

Currently, BMW has a major contract with Magna Steyr, which produces the BMW X3 in its Graz, Austria factories. However, with the current generation preparing to wind down after a successful run (estimated to take place in 2010 or 2011) and with production moving internally to BMW's Spartanburg South Carolina facility, there's plenty of space to build the upcoming mini-Mini SAV.

Seigfried Wolf, co-CEO of Magna International says that this is a "huge recognition of the work that Magna Steyr has achieved so far through its partnership with BMW Group. Above all, I'm delighted for our employees, as this will allow us to set another milestone in our long-running and successful cooperation with BMW Group. As we have done before, we will work on this vehicle program with our fullest commitment to ensure that we meet BMW Group's high expectations."

For those curious about the actual vehicle, it's been dubbed by the automotive world as "Monte", named after, we think, Monte Carlo, the rally circuit at which the original Mini Cooper raced and won. An alternative name for markets outside of North America could be “Colorado”.

Whatever the name, Mini's first Sport Activity Vehicle will be different from all other Minis in one big way, it'll be all wheel drive. Those who have spotted testing mules have spied the presence of rear driveshafts poking out from under the lifted body. Spy snappers have also noted that the car seems to be slightly longer than the Clubman, with an estimated length of 13 feet. Reportedly, to accommodate the new components, the rear suspension had to be completely redesigned. Make no mistake though, this won't be an off-roading vehicle.

This new Mini will undoubtedly be the talk of the town when it's launched. The combination of the Mini brand's cheeky character, the near infinite permutations of configurations have carved the brand a niche in the hatchback and convertible market place, but the combination of the future vehicle's compact size and added ride height will be sure to have customers flocking to the brand's showrooms.

2011 MINI Cooper Review

MINI Cooper 2011 it doesn’t look new. Then again, MINI hasn’t really come up with an original design since the ‘new’ Cooper debuted in 2001. And even then one could argue it was just a modern interpretation of the classic shape.

OK, so the 2011 model is just a mid-cycle refresh. That being said the Cooper, not to mention our more fun Cooper S test car, gets a long list of small upgrades in numerous areas that help add-on more of what the car does best. Unfortunately, MINI has done nothing to address the car’s few, albeit important, drawbacks.

Design wise, it’s barely worth noting the changes to the Cooper S with adjustments so minute it’s even hard to tell this year’s car apart from the 2010 model when parked side by side.

The 2011 Mini Cooper is uniquely styled, which some like, and others do not. The cargo area opens with doors that swing out rather than lift up, and a third door on the passenger side that has a reverse opening allows easier access to the back seat, but is unique. Standard features on the base model include dual power remote mirrors, rear window wipers, daytime running lights, and halogen headlights. Higher level trims (and optional features) include options like run flat tires, foglights, different choices for wheels, xenon headlights, rear parking assist, and a two-pane sunroof.

The interior of the 2011 MINI Cooper remains relatively unchanged. The base model includes air conditioning, leatherette upholstery, a CD player with auxiliary audio port, a trip computer, and cruise control. Upgraded trims and options include features like sport seats, cloth seats, automatic temperature control, leather seats, HD or satellite radio, an iPod connection, and upgraded speakers.

One of the primary reasons to choose the MINI Cooper over the MINI Cooper is the additional legroom in the back seat. There is plenty of headroom in both the front and rear. The current cargo area is usefully shaped, and the rear seat folds flat with a 50/50 split.

More, slightly less-insignificant changes have been made under the hood, with the turbocharged 4-cylinder now getting BMW’s Valvetronic variable valve timing technology, resulting in a bump in power of 9 ponies. The new total is 181-hp, delivering a 6.6 second 0-60 mph time. Like all MINIs, it feels much faster though, and with a curb weight of just under 2,700 lbs the thrust from the turbo will keep you excited well above anything remotely legal.

Adding to the enjoyment, MINI has enhanced the popping sound from the engine when under deceleration or when you lift off the throttle. From a technical standpoint, it’s completely irrelevant, but from an ownership perspective its value is huge. Not only adding to the uniqueness of the car, it speaks to a level of performance well beyond the cutesy shape. Every pop tells those around you that this is not a “chick car” and that, when asked, it can mess with some pretty serious metal.

Cooper have a firm ride that can be a little bumpy with the run-flat tires installed. These tires do not perform as well in the snow. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual, although a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is available as an option.

As for the drive, it’s as fun as they come, delivering incredible balance, tight and responsive steering, plus the ability to speed through corners well above what you thought was possible. The suspension is a bit stiff though – MINI did nothing about that. The cabin is airy and spacious, which is always surprising for such a small car. It’s also ‘airy’ in another way, with a significant amount of wind noise generated by that upright windshield. One small feature we love is the hill-start assist, something every manual transmission car could use.

The price for the Cooper seems reasonable at first for $23,700 but that number is rather misleading. That harmon kardon audio system, paired with a sunroof and automatic climate control in the Premium Package adds on $1,750; with $1,000 for MINI Connected ($1,750 with Navigation); plus an additional $1,000 (or more) for leather. And while unique, the leather just looks and feels low grade – all for something that’s going to cost roughly $30,000.

New Mini Cooper 2010 Sporty

Behind the sporty front grille is a 118-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. This small motor provides plenty of zip, and zaps his power through a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. All together, the Mini Cooper powertrain provides fuel economy ratings in the city and 25-28 mpg 34-37 mpg on the highway. Significantly lower power, but fuel economy is much higher, compared to competitors such as Mitsubishi Eclipse, Volkswagen Beetle and BMW's 1 Series.

A unique, icons, out in style compact hatchback or convertible benefits from one program that can be modified to build many factories. Celebrate your heritage with the British Union Jack on the roof, or add some racing line to let everyone know who will win a trip to the grocery store. Inside, a large measuring both easy to view and visually appealing. Interior room is good, with front and rear headroom and beat them metrics in Eos Volkswagen and Mitsubishi Eclipse. Luggage capacity behind the rear seat a bit, but using the rear seats for storage and you get 24 cubic feet.

Premium Package adds dual pane panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon audio system. To-engineering are also fun, Sport Package includes an electronic-locking differential, sport seats, 16-inch alloy wheels and fog lamps. Bluetooth connectivity, 17-inch alloy wheels and the 50th anniversary of the appearance of the Mini upgrades are also available. To smile and laugh, Camden package including Mission Control System, which is equipped with a trio of voices that can provide advice and encouragement to drive.

Safety is a mighty high for the Mini. anti-lock disc brakes Four-wheel with electronic brake-force distribution gives a very good braking power, and Dynamic Stability Control Mini Cooper keep calm in situations of low-grip, so you that you do not have to find out for yourself that this car reaches Four - and Star crash test rating of Five in government testing.Retro yet modern style, fuel efficiency and remarkable-the-fun design package to ensure smiles for miles in the 2010 Mini Cooper.