The MINI Goes Maxi with More Power

Subtle Styling and Interior Updates for 2005 MINI

Now in just past its second birthday and approaching a total production of 500,000 units and more than 5,000 sold in Canada alone, the one and only MINI will be mildly

After hitting its 2nd birthday not long ago, BMW AG has announced that the popular MINI will be mildly improved for model year 2005. (Photo: MINI Canada)

improved for model year 2005. Changes to BMW AG's smallest and only front-wheel driven car are quite minor, although they're spread evenly throughout the model range from the brand new convertible to the lowly Cooper Classic, and then back to the top with the Cooper S.

The first changes affect the car's exterior, and apply only to the Europe-only One and global Cooper models. These include redesigned front and rear bumpers with repositioned rubbing strips, fog lamps and reverse lights. The Cooper and One D (diesel is in Europe only) keep their current running gear. Headlights have been tweaked with new lenses that improve visibility. The optional xenon headlamps have been modified too, and include an additional ring of light spots for brighter illumination.

Redesigned front and rear bumpers with repositioned rubbing strips, fog lamps and reverse lights are the main exterior changes. (Photo: MINI Canada)

In the rear, the MINI's reversing lights have been integrated into the redesigned taillight clusters for a cleaner appearance.

"Clearly we did not want to change a winning formula - customers love the friendly face and retro interior of the MINI," stated Trevor Houghton-Berry, general manager MINI UK. "This model update is merely a few subtle tweaks to make the MINI even more desirable than it already is."

All Cooper engines have been fettled with slightly to produce extra output. While the horsepower rating of the Cooper remains the same, torque is up slightly. This, in addition to the new Getrag five-speed manual gearbox, improves acceleration to 100 km/h by 0.1 seconds to 9.1. Acceleration in final gear from 80 to 120 km/h has dropped by a full second, taking just 13.5 seconds to accomplish.