Old looks, new tech in the 2014 Mini Cooper hatchback (pictures)
Mini released photos and details of its new Mini Cooper hatchback ahead of its debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Mini made few changes to its Cooper hatchback after the introduction of the current generation in 2001. Now, the model gets a major update, with a whole new platform and engine tech.
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Style changes are modest. Mini preserved the look of the model that reintroduced the brand around the world.
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Under the skin, the Cooper hatchback can be had with performance tech such as an electronic limited slip differential and adaptive dampers on the suspension.
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Mini will make LED headlights available on the Cooper hatchback.
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The Cooper S model gets a direct injection, turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine, good for 192 horsepower.
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The base Cooper's engine also uses a turbo and direct injection, but 1.5 liters and three cylinders mean only 136 horsepower.
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Mini loses the center "dinner plate" speedometer, using the circular enclosure for the car's LCD.
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With electric power steering, Mini can include features such as a sport steering setting and automated parallel parking.
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Similar to the current generation, Mini will offer the Cooper with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
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The instrument cluster now carries a dual gauge, with vehicle and engine speed.
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A head-up display option shows on a translucent panel behind the windshield.
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The cabin tech interface uses the same type of controller as found in newer BMW models.
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Mini refined the graphics, but retained the basic menu structure, for its cabin electronics.
