Since the global relaunch of the brand, the MINI has not only developed into a premium vehicle but has also reinvented itself time and again without neglecting its own origins and tradition.
The constant development and the ability to regularly set new trends have established a large fan base for MINI worldwide and in Brunei.
The official launching ceremony was held at the MINI showroom in Beribi yesterday.
Acting British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Catherine Pochkhanavala-Cleeve officiated the launch as the guest of honour with QAF Brunei Group Chief Executive Officer Albert Lau and QAF Auto General Manager Alisa Khoo.
With the official launching, MINI officially presents two of its most important models – the all-new MINI Cooper and the all-new MINI Countryman.
The all-new MINI Cooper will be available with all-electric drivetrains – a first for the MINI Cooper – as well as innovative and efficient petrol engines.
“MINI is entering a new era in the Sultanate,” said Alisa Khoo. “And for the first time in Brunei, the MINI Cooper will be available in an all-electric drivetrain, enabling drivers to enjoy sustainable motoring in style.”
The hallmark MINI creative use of space offers maximum flexibility and enables a high degree of variability in terms of interior design. The round OLED display and the MINI interaction unit are both an instrument cluster and the centre of experiences and comfort. Textile surfaces revolutionise the aesthetic appeal of the interior by reducing it to the essentials and adding a new level of well-being and warmth.
The new MINI family shares a purist design that takes equal account of the urban character of MINI and the innovative spirit of the MINI community.
Short overhangs, a short bonnet, a long wheelbase, and big wheels – the proportions of the new model generation are what make a typical MINI. The visual three-part division into the vehicle body, the surrounding window area, and the contrasting roof ensures the new MINI models are instantly recognisable.
The surfaces of the MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman look exciting thanks to the integrative treatment of details. Flush door handles, the absence of fender flares and side scuttles underline the clear and modern overall impression in the all-electric MINI Cooper. The front end of the all-new MINI Cooper and the all-new MINI Countryman is defined by the expressive contour of the new octagonal front grille.
The new MINI aesthetic also gives the rear section a new, contemporary feel, featuring clear surfaces, and flush rear lights. The vertical light clusters quote the classic MINI lights and can be switched to different modes in the same way as the front headlights. The third brake light and rear fog light are integrated flush into the rear design, emphasising the high quality of the sculptured modern rear section. A defined shoulder section produces a particularly powerful look.
In the interior, the design of the front section harks back to the elegantly minimalist design of the classic MINI.
A round instrument cluster in the centre and a characteristic toggle bar below combine with the steering to structure the interior with its maximum purist design.
Underneath the dashboard, the design of the all-new MINI Countryman is tidy in appearance and steeped in history. The design of the newly configured toggle bar quotes the various functions with five individually designed toggle switches.
This makes the most important driving functions directly accessible. It eliminates the gear selector in the centre console generating space for practical and spacious storage options.
In line with the consistent reduction in the interior, the new contemporary colour and material concept is deliberately minimalist too.
The dashboard and door panels with knitted surfaces made of recycled polyester create a pleasant atmosphere while at the same time setting specific accentuations with their two-tone design.
The favoured trim gives the new MINI its own distinct character. The new charismatic simplicity design language is also reflected in the aesthetic of the user interface, which brings together functional and emotional elements.
The reduced design uses new graphics to create an extremely modern look. Static and dynamic elements blend naturally into the circular form of the OLED display, following a clear structure.
Micro-animations enhance the already extremely intuitive interaction between the driver and central instrument and underscore the digital character of the new MINI family. The new MINI family is available for viewing at MINI showroom at QAF Centre in Beribi Industrial Area. – Adib Noor
