A Mini Legend’s View of the BMW Mini. by Bob Holden.
I was very pleased that BMW had not lost the plot and stayed too far from the original concept of the “Mini” as we know it. I was afraid, especially from the photographs we have seen, that it appeared quite large, however, you will be pleased to know that it is possibly as small as it could be and still be useful, using the big wheels also helps, looks wise. I took the accompanying photos during a visit to BMW headquarters.
The thing that worried me most, was that they may have felt that the interior space may be too small and put a boot on it, fortunately not, and what they have is back to the original concept of a box (suitably rounded) with a wheel in each corner. The fact that they have managed to do all this and be up to date with airbags front and side, ABS brakes etc, is quite amazing.
Interior wise the trim is good, the top of the line car will be available with leather trim. There seems to be lots of dials, switches etc, much more than any of us had in the old days. The speedometer is even in the middle, however that may have to be moved back to be in front of the driver, to keep in line with the A.D.R.
The colour combinations seem like the ones we are used to, Red / White, Silver / Black, Black / White etc. The engine bay is as expected, very full with lots of black boxes and all sorts of interesting things, to look after the emissions etc. I will be interested to see how they fit the supercharger in the S model.
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to drive the car as they were ready to go to the Melbourne Motor Show when I saw them. Immediately after the show 2 had to go to Tokyo for a show and the other 3 back to Europe, however I am really looking forward to getting that opportunity.
All in all, from what I saw and heard at the show and at Albert Park during the Australian Grand Prix, the reaction was very positive apart from the potential price. I think most people thought more of it than the V.W. concept of the dak dak body on a Golf floor pan and mechanicals.
March 2001
