Yes, I wrote about this brand not long ago and wanted to take a break for a while…but I just couldn’t because their latest launches have come with so many enticing and exciting changes. As agility has become a core value for many organizations, it’s no surprise to see MINI jump up on the bandwagon.
The brand is taking a bold step, having abandoned the classic Clubman model to build up on its Cooper, Aceman, and Countryman—all in entirely new design, with clear segmentation. Most notably, this entire range is fully electric. However, the brand also offers the full ICE model—the MINI Countryman John Cooper Works imported from Germany.
But that’s not all. This is MINI’s real big move; it’s the first time we see MINI vehicles manufactured in China which has never happened before. Previously, MINI full-electric models were produced in the UK. So, today we can see MINI cars at really competitive prices.
Starting at just 1.69 million baht for the Cooper SE; the price could shock even the MINI sales team. The larger model, Aceman, costs even lower for just little over 2 million baht. The dramatic price drop has led to nearly a hundred test drive bookings at the branch where I went to check, not to mention other branches.
The enthusiasm toward the Aceman went through the roof and it only made sense, given the car’s perfect balanced between appearance and size. However, the Cooper is nothing short of pleasant surprises either.
This is the first time I feel that the Cooper is not as small as it used to be. It has slightly larger dimensions and a wider wheelbase, resulting in more spacious interior. The seats can comfortably accommodate luggage when folded, making it suitable for a long trip.
However, the new Cooper’s rear lights are now vertical triangular shapes, inspired by the Union Jack flag. This is a significant change that loyal MINI fans might need some time to get used to it.
The overall design of the all-new MINI models looks much more refined, especially the Countryman, which no longer looks as rugged as before. Even though some might joke that the new headlights resemble those of a Swift, I believe MINI fans will still come to terms with it and would rather focus on the interior, which is absolutely fantastic.
The MINI legacy continues with the OLED round display developed in collaboration with Samsung—clear, vibrant, and smooth. The interface is magnificent and customizable with 7 modes. You can even display selfies with your pet cat as soon as you connect to Apple CarPlay. The entire process works seamlessly as it transfers your smartphone screen to the car’s display with stunning clarity.
In terms of driving modes, you can adjust them, along with the interior lighting, sound, and ambience that will change accordingly, creating an immersive experience. The headlights come with three adjustable settings, which are matched by the rear lights. The interior materials are entirely vegan leather; chic and stylish, crafted to enhance the driving experience. With a driving range of up to 402 kilometers as advertised, and in real-world conditions, it’s expected to reach around 330-350 kilometers—much more than the previous Cooper version. It’s clear that MINI is not just testing the waters but is here to stay in the full electric arena.
All these factors; performance, price, value, and especially the brand itself, will certainly continue to give MINI a big competitive edge.
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