Limited to 500 examples, the 60 Years Edition features special paint, exclusive wheels and lots and lots of 60 Years badges - so you don't forget...
Callum Alexander | Callum on Cars | CrackersCal
MINI has launched a commemorative Hatch as its 60-year birthday present, to themselves.
Unsurprisingly, it’s called the 60 Years Edition – it’s the car equivalent of a music artist releasing a Greatest Hits album. Essentially it is the same modern interpretation of the retro legend hatch, but MINI has sought to hail this momentous hallmark with a flourishing of cosmetic changes, to separate the similarities it has to the rest of the model range.
The special Cooper Hatch will be available in a 3 or 5 door body style with four different engines to choose from: two petrol and two diesels. Power output ranges from 136bhp to 192bhp depending on whether you choose a ‘standard’ Cooper or the sportier Cooper S.
MINI 3-door Hatch Cooper S 60 Years Edition
Price: £29,990
Engine: 1998cc 4 cylinder, 192bhp, 207Ib ft
Transmission: paddle shift auto, FWD
Performance: 0-62mph in 6.7secs, 146mph
Economy: 42.8mpg, 127g/km CO2
Weight: 1640kg
The main differences are the changes to the Cooper Hatch’s visual aesthetics; the exterior has a selection of paint finishes to splash the 60 Year Edition in. That includes British Racing Green – little bit ironic considering that BMW have owned the British brand in one form or another since 1994. Whatever colour you choose, it can be contrasted in the trademark MINI two-tone style in either white or black, that lacquers the roof and exterior mirror fasciae. Cool, no? Plus, the bonnet stripes get an anniversary stickering and a swanky new set of 17 inch, 60 Years Spoke 2-tone alloy wheels complete the main apparel overhaul.
But, just in case you forget that you are driving the 60 Years Edition Hatch, MINI have kindly stamped a 60 Years logo in every conceivable place. On the outside, you’ll find it on the left bonnet stripe, side scuttles of the indicators and sills plates. On the inside, it is embroidered onto the head rests and stuck on the steering wheel; like a memo reassuring you and everyone else of its exclusivity. The driver’s door sill logo illuminates, just to be sure it has your attention.
The interior has a wardrobe-filled choice of 60 Year Edition upholstery tailoring options to saddle the seats with and spend hours prevaricating over. An equipment package curiously called 60 Years Chili spices the trim level up with a sporty flavour consisting of added technology and comfort options. A snapshot of them are: rear park distance control, cruise control with brake function and MINI driving modes, featuring Sport, Mid and Green settings. As well, the MINI Excitement Package featuring an ambient lighting system completes the host of youth targeting gimmicks.
Patriots can rejoice in LED rear lights aligned in unison to the Union Jack flag; funny when you think about it, cause with Germanic BMW ownership, this MINI is about as British as the Royal Family. The front head and fog lights are also LED, I know you were desperate for that confirmation.
The reletive performance capabilities correlate to the model selection. For the Cooper S 60 Years Edition, that means 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 146mph, sourced from the 2.0 litre 4 cylinder engine. All that power is fed through paddle shift automatic transmission to the front wheels.
The reconditioning of the MINI brand has been revolutionary in transforming its image. The Cooper has a desirable, classy feel, that the 60 Year Edition tries hard to capitalise on. The birthday package accompanying the celebratory Cooper does cliché the modern icon it is. Yet it’s still a cool hatch that has a trendy vibe and is considered more of a fashion accessory than a car. It has presence and intrigue, but would you take one over a Ford Fiesta ST?
The 60 Year Edition MINI does come at a premium though: prices start from £29,990.
Callum Alexander | Callum on Cars | CrackersCal
Photos: MINI
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