MINI Changes. Big Impact. MINI facelift officially launched in Malaysia!

July 18, 2018 benautobahn Off BenAutobahn's Top Tens, MINI,

MINI Malaysia recently launched the updated MINI range in Malaysia! Available first in warm Cooper S and hot John Cooper Works variant, prices (on-the-road without insurance) of the facelifted MINI range is as follows:

MINI Cooper S 3 Door – RM 226,888.00
MINI Cooper S 5 Door – RM 236,888.00
MINI JCW hatch – RM 283,888.00

Ever since this generation came to our shores four years ago, MINI Malaysia has delivered over 1500 units of them. Four years on and the current MINI range still looks pretty fresh, but this mid-life update brings the range that one step further into 2018.

Bumper changes are minimal but the headlights and tail lights are where the most obvious changes can be spotted, with the former featuring Bi-LED headlights surrounded by a full-circle LED DRLs while the rear LED lights now features the Union Jack design which is sure to catch people’s attention.

Powering the Cooper S range is the updated 2.0 liter 4-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo engine from BMW that now produces 192hp and 280 Nm of torque that brings them to a top speed of 235km/h. The hotter JCW variant on the other hand is powered by the same engine but with a higher output of 231hp and 320Nm that will drive it up to 246km/h.

In terms of 0 – 100km/h time for the Cooper S 3 Door, 5 Door, and JCW 3 Door, it’s 6.7 seconds, 6.8 seconds, and 6.1 seconds respectively. Another thing to note is that the Cooper S range will be fitted with a new 7-Speed dual clutch transmission while the JCW will have the 8-Speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

During the launch, MINI was proud to mention the weight reductions they have made for the new MINI range that includes the engine which is up to eight kilos lighter than before, and more notably the engine cover that is now 13% lighter thanks to it being now made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).

Customization is a huge part of MINI ownership and the updated range brings it to another level. For the first time in South East Asia, MINI Malaysia is now offering the MINI Yours Customized Accessories.

This means customers could visit www.yours-customised.mini website to personalize and order their own MINI components such as side scuttles, cockpit facia, LED door sills finishers and LED door projectors. Not only could one choose from a variety of colors and designs, but also adding personalized texts as well.

Let’s see how far people will go with this.

So what do you think? Does the new MINI appeal to you or would you rather take the Golf GTI route? Click here to read our thoughts when we tested the limited production, Malaysia-exclusive MINI Urbanite edition!