► 2018 Mini range facelift
► Small tweaks to keep it fresh
► Applies to hatch and convertible
Mini has announced a new special edition model to celebrate 60 years of the dinky British icon. Along with anniversary-spec bonnet stripes and bespoke alloy wheel designs. There are 60th anniversary accents on the door sills, headlights and projected graphics on the puddle lights. Dark Maroon sports leather seats are available exclusively here, too.
The news comes not long after the John Cooper Works edition models joining the facelifted Mini hatch and convertible range, with some tweaks to the powertrain.
Oddly, Mini is pointing first of all to the fact the 228bhp 2.0-litre turbo is Euro-6d Temp approved and from March 2019 will come with a petrol particulate filter.
Your gearbox choices are a six-speed manual or the eight-speed ‘Steptronic’ auto that was introduced with the facelift in January 2018. The 0-62mph sprint is over with in 6.3sec for the hatch and 6.6sec for the convertible.
Keep reading for more info on the updated Mini hatch and drop-top.
It’s nip/tuck time for the Mini hatchback and convertible for the 2018 model year, although we’d forgive you if you couldn’t tell the difference.
The overall shape and style of the retro hatch remain the same, but a few choice tweaks to the exterior, interior and under the skin help keep it fresh.
Headlines? Along with some new paint colours like Solaris Orange and Starlight Blue (both pictured) and some fresh alloy wheel designs, all UK cars come with LED headlights as standard with the option to step up to dazzle-free Matrix LED ones.
The most noticeable visual difference, though, is the set of Union Jack rear lights – sure to please unionists and patriots across Blighty no end. It’s the first time the rear light design has made it onto a production car with the Superleggera, JCW GP and Electric concept cars all featuring the design first.
What’s new inside the latest 2018 Mini range?
More leather trims and dashboard panels can be specced inside but it’s the Yours Customised scheme that steals the show. Laser-engraved or 3D-printed inserts can be retrofitted to your Mini’s dashboard to add your own personal touch.
Other interior updates include a revised steering wheel, plus wireless charging and Mini Connected Services with real-time traffic, Apple CarPlay and a concierge service available as options.
Engine-wise, the basic Mini One’s 1.2-litre engine has been ditched for a larger 1.5-litre turbo producing 101bhp and 140lb ft but the diesel, Cooper and Cooper S engines remain the same. A new seven-speed dual-clutch box replaces the old eight-speeder (read our review here) and the start/stop system now uses navigation data to better know when to deactivate the engine.
Check out our Mini reviews