2004 Model Year, Rumours and Facts Aplenty!

Well, it appears the 2004 anticipation is reaching it’s climax with only 1 month to go before the 2004 model year MINI starts rolling down the line at the MINI production plant in Oxford, UK.

MINI UK were first of the mark recently with a full press release of confirmed changed as of 1st September production, and now MINI USA have revealed a price increase for both Cooper S and Cooper models of a mere $24 usd, a full rundown of MINI official releases and information will follow.

To follow the latest gossip and facts on the upcoming model year, visit the MINI Forums, and specifically, the following conversation:

The GREAT 2004 Model Year Rumour Mill…

Standard equipment:

All MINIs will benefit from the following improved functions:

• Follow me home lights (headlights will stay on for
40 seconds once the car has been locked in order to illuminate
the path ahead)
• Additional digital speed readout in the rev counter
*
• Indicators flash once when MINI is locked
• Indicators flash twice when MINI unlocked
• MINI re-locks after two minutes if unlocked doors
are not physically opened during this time, providing additional
car security
• Below 2mph windscreen wipers will automatically change
from slow mode to interval mode.

A new hubcap design will be introduced for MINI One and MINI One D.

There is no price increase for any of these enhancements.

* Rev counter is an option for MINI One and is priced at
£50.

Paintwork and Upholstery:
Pepper White will be made available as a paint option for the MINI Cooper S (previously only available on MINI One, MINI One D and MINI Cooper). Velvet Red Metallic will be deleted as a paintwork option on all MINIs.

Cordoba Beige leather will be available for all MINIs with sports seats including MINI Cooper S. Previously Cordoba Beige was only available on standard seats and not at all on MINI Cooper S.

There have also been improvements in the levels of optional equipment offered on MINI:

MINI Cooper S perforated leather steering wheel Previously only available on MINI Cooper S, the perforated leather steering wheel will now be included as standard on all cars specified with cloth/leather and leather upholsteries for MINI One, MINI One D and MINI Cooper. It is also included as standard in the PEPPER pack for MINI One MINI One D and MINI Cooper and as part of the CHILI pack for the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S.

Rear spoiler:Just like the MINI One, a rear spoiler will be made available for the MINI One D priced at £100.

On-board computer: From September, the on-board computer option will have the additional feature of instantaneous fuel consumption readout. The price of £100 remains the same. The on–board computer will also be included as standard within the SALT, PEPPER and CHILI Packs for all models.

Several specification changes for 2004 are below:
* Due to popular demand, Pepper White will be available for
the MINI Cooper S
* A new style 3-spoke leather sport steering wheel is now
available for both models
* A rear power socket will return as a standard item
* Sport seats in Cordoba Beige Leather are also available
due to customer demand
* The electronic display under the tachometer now includes
a digital speed readout
* The On board computer now includes an instantaneous fuel
consumption function

Several options and package prices have also been adjusted for 2004. Sport and Premium packages are up only $50 from 2003 as is the optional leather interior and CVT transmission.

Links:

PDF
of MINI USA Prices
PDF
of MINI USA Package options