Winnipeg Mini Blog

New model broader, more muscular
By: Myron Love (Updated: March 2 at 02:00 AM CST)

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/subscriber/autos/story/3897368p-4507328c.html

SUBTLE changes characterize the ‘07 Mini Cooper and Cooper S models which arrived at MINI Winnipeg’s showroom at the beginning of the week.

“The original design was very successful,” says MINI Winnipeg sales rep Patrick Hasselmann. “The designers did everything right with the original design so there was not a lot to change in the new model.”

The new model has broader, more muscular-looking shoulders, wrap-around windows that gives the roof a floating image, a cascade effect in the rear and chrome surrounds on the tail lights that accentuate the Cooper’s vertical lines.

Hasselmann reports that the model has an all new 1.6L, 16V engine, increased horsepower – 118 hp at 6,000rpm (172 hp for the Cooper S model), some changes in the suspension and new twin-scroll technology that almost completely eliminates turbo lag.

“Our new Cooper models have more standard equipment, more safety features, more power, better fuel economy and a more luxurious interior,” Hasselmann says.

MINI Winnipeg and Birchwood BMW (which share the same building) are in the process of redesigning the dealership’s customer lounge. The lounge used to be in the centre of the building between sales reps’ offices.

Management has relocated the lounge to the corner near the entrance where it is in a more open area with more natural lighting. Also new is a flat screen television. The renovations began in early December.