MINI have announced a new Satellite Navigation option Today for those who chose not to opt for the rather cool OEM integrated navigation option from the factory.

The new MINI Portable satellite navigation system is based on the highly rated Garmin nüvi 360 system, heavily customised for neat and really quite clever integration with the MINI Cooper (or any MINI for that matter).

Instead of mounting on the windscreen glass as a conventional aftermarket system most commonly would, the MINI Portable unit mounts besides the tachometer on the dash of your MINI.  The wiring is also concealed providing a neat and integrated appearance.

As with the integrated navigation system, the screen displays the MINI logo when your power up your MINI.  The icons and display have also been tweaked for MINI owners, including MINI dealer listings as well as around 6 million additional points of interest.  As with most navigation units available now, you can also chose between 2D and 3D displays.

The MINI Portable Navigation unit charges when the cars electrical system is in operation and when fully charged has enough juice to work away from the vehicle for up to six hours, if you fancy a trek out into uncharted territory without your trusty MINI stead.  It also features Bluetooth technology enabling the unit to act as a hands free device for a compatible Bluetooth handset.

A unique, and personal, touch with the MINI system is your location may be identified on the map with a MINI graphic, which can be personalised to match your own car (shown in picture).

A full set of features of the Garmin 360 unit on which the MINI Portable is based are available on the Garmin website.  The MINI Portable comes loaded (in Germany at least) with complete maps of Europe.

The recommended price for the German market €527  euro, including value added tax plus the installation costs.