MINI 2021 facelift: subtle updates, bigger impact

Each new stage in the MINI’s evolution tends to be cautious. Even so, when you park the 2001 car next to the model arriving in spring 2021, it becomes clear that-as with so many things in life-the whole ends up bigger than the sum of its parts. In other words, the accumulated change over two decades looks like it must have come from far larger individual updates than it actually did.

For the 2021 update, the current generation receives a freshened face. Up front, the hexagonal radiator grille grows and is now outlined by a black surround. The previous daytime running lights have been replaced by vertical air inlets positioned at the outer edges of the nose. Meanwhile, the central section of the bumper (where the number plate sits) is now painted in the body colour rather than black, as before.

At the rear, the centrally positioned fog lamp has been built into the apron as a slim LED element, and there is now a black horizontal strip running across above the bumper.

Contrasting roof colours remain part of the MINI’s calling card. However, a new painting technique has been introduced that blends several shades, applied while still wet during the manufacturing process, to deliver a distinctive finish (Spray Tech) that varies from car to car.

As Oliver Heilmer, the design director of the British brand under BMW Group ownership, explains: “This multi-tone roof takes personalisation to new levels and, because each finish is genuinely unique, it is worth taking a closer look at the car”.

More black, less chrome

The signature round headlights now feature a black internal finish instead of chrome. A circular band handles the daytime running light and indicator (“piscas”) functions, while dipped and main beams are now LED for improved illumination. New lighting features are also available (cornering lights, Matrix and bad-weather modes).

At the back, the Union flag-style graphic in the rear lamps becomes standard across all MINI 2021 versions: three-door, five-door and Cabrio.

Inside, MINI introduces fresh patterns and trim materials, and-mirroring the exterior-cuts down the amount of metallic-looking detailing. The outer air vents are framed by black panels, the central vents have been reshaped, and they now sit flush with the dashboard.

The familiar round central display is now always 8.8” (previously it was 6.5”, with the larger screen an optional extra). Gloss black surfaces also become standard, and the system is paired with a new “operating system” that MINI says is designed to be more intuitive to use.

At the same time, the hazard-light switch and the driver-assistance controls have been repositioned within the circular control unit. The car also gains more contemporary graphics and additional functions within the available apps.

A newly styled steering wheel is fitted, and higher-spec versions add a 5” colour digital instrument display that shows the key information for the driver (in the electric MINI, this is where charging data is displayed).

Several ambient lighting choices are offered, and even the two dashboard screens can adopt the colour themes of Lounge (between turquoise and petrol blue) and Sport (red and anthracite).

Engine line-up remains unchanged

The MINI 2021 engine range carries over unchanged: a 1,5 l three-cylinder with 75 cv, 102 cv and 136 cv, plus a 2,0 l four-cylinder in the Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW) producing 178 cv and 231 cv respectively. And, of course, there is the 100% electric version with 184 cv, whose 32,6 kWh battery provides a range between 203 km and 234 km.

All versions come with a six-speed manual gearbox, or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic on the two most powerful 1.5 engines, and an eight-speed automatic (torque converter) on the JCW.

Improved comfort

While it’s true that MINIs have been regarded for two decades as the most entertaining compact cars to drive, it’s also well known that some buyers find the suspension, in general terms, too firm on certain road surfaces.

That is why MINI 2021 introduces an adaptive suspension system which, according to the brand, strikes a better balance between handling sharpness (often likened to a go-kart) and ride quality (in the sense of improved comfort).

Engineers say the key to the set-up (which cannot be fitted to the MINI One or the electric Cooper SE) is continuous, frequency-selective damping. It uses an additional valve to smooth sudden pressure spikes inside the damper and, depending on driving conditions and the road, can cut damping forces by up to 50%.

With the market launch scheduled for spring, prices for the refreshed MINI 2021 have not yet been announced.