1st April 2008 the new MINI Cherished website will go live, improved and upgraded to help would be used MINI purchasers in their quest for the ideal ride.
According to a MINI press release, sales of used MINIs via the official MINI Cherished scheme have rocketed recently, and the revamped website is part of their response to ever increasing demand for used MINIs.
The stats speak for themselves, in February 2007 there were 518,018 searches for Cherished MINIs, February 2008 saw an increase of over 90% to 992,269 searches. Sales are also up over 25%, January 2007 saw 2178 Cherished MINIs leave dealer forecourts, and the same month in 2008 saw 2580 used MINIs purchased.
Thanks to the manufacturer-backed scheme, with every Cherished MINI coming with the following range of benefits:
Minimum 12 months MINI Warranty
Minimum 12 months MINI Emergency Service Cover across the UK and Continental Europe
Minimum 12 month MOT and MOT Cover
Full Service History
Independent vehicle history and mileage checks
Finance and Insurance available through MINI Financial Services
We’ve had this book for a while and read it pretty quickly, so apologies to Rob for the late review. This book is the latest instalment in the Mini/MINI story from Rob Golding, who has been writing about the Mini since his 1979 book entitled simply “Mini”.
In simple terms, MINI: 50 Years is one of the best Mini books we’ve ever had the pleasure to read. It’s a fantastic mix of new and old, of story telling and fact. Even if you’re not the most ardent of MINI anoraks you’ll find something to enjoy as Rob takes not only a technical and statistical approach to his books, but also gives a fascinating insight into the people behind the scenes, both from MINI/BMW and from the wider MINI scene worldwide.
There are possibly more complete encyclopaedia of MINI knowledge out there, and if you’re looking for advice on buying, selling, restoring or modifying your MINI then there is also probably better options, but if you want a really good yarn about the MINI (and Mini, although this book is aimed primarily at the “new MINI”) then you cant get much more complete, and more enjoyable to read and look at than Golding’s latest publication.
The book has a clever hardback design and is well illustrated with many interesting Mini and MINI photos. Perfect for those who know little about the Mini and its history as well as those who are just hungry for MINI stories, this is book that no serious MINI fan should be without.
For those who like to buy online, here’s a link to Amazon (and Amazon UK). So why not treat yourself (or the one you love, hey, it’s almost Christmas you know!).
Big thank you to MINI2 member wimsaab for bringing this fantastic achievement to our attention. MINI in Thailand held MINI Phenomenon 2007 and smashed the previous World Record for most Mini/MINIs in a convoy with an incredible 444 MINI/Minis joining together in celebration of their King.
This is the last time we’ll review a new first generation MINI, and the Sidewalk limited editions are a sort of “final hurrah” from MINI for the Convertible range, a special edition to see it through until it’s replaced by the second generation Convertible.
We doubt they’ve sold too many this summer in the UK though, and not because savvy buyers are holding out for the new more powerful, more economical make over that’s already happened across the rest of the range. No, it’s just been a pretty terrible summer here in Britain, and as I sit here writing this review, rain beating against the window outside, I need no further reminder of the blessed life I live, which was highlighted by a full week of unbroken good weather that coincided perfectly with our time with the MINI Convertible.
The heavens were certainly shining on us during our week with the Sidewalk, and when the sun is out and and you’re driving along, the wind in your hair, the supercharger whining ahead and the exhaust burbling away merrily behind it’s hard to imagine why anyone would want any other MINI than a Cooper S Convertible. It’s only when you get your head back out from the clouds you begin to appreciate the drawbacks and compromises the soft top MINI undoubtedly presents it’s owners.
We’ve reviewed the MINI Convertible many times before, and we really do have a soft spot for the soft top. But it has to be said, when the roof is up, it is dark, it is noisy, and while the handling is brilliant it’s all a bit wobbly compared to the steel topped siblings. So, thank goodness we had a week with the roof down.
What did we learn from our time with the Cooper S? Quite a lot actually. The seats in the Sidewalk certainly divided opinion. My mother-in-law thought they looked great, a co-worker commented they looked like, well, lets not go there, the brownish tone wasn’t a winner with everyone for sure. But to actually sit on them was far from a delight. We’ve never experienced a problem with any MINI seats, until now. Even a relatively short 80 mile round trip left us feeling quite uncomfortable, and even a little sore. Compared to the leather sports seats in our own MINI Cooper S these more “plush” seats didn’t feel right at all, and no amount of adjustment changed that.
As for the rest of the style of the Black Sidewalk? We loved it, from the wheels to the paint finish to the dash, it all fitted together well and looked stunning. The MINI Convertible certainly still proved to be a head turner, which was a real surprise considering how long this car has been about now, and a credit to the MINIs continuing appeal.
The best thing about the Convertible Cooper S though is actually driving the car. Our favourite places quickly became tree lined country lanes, underpasses, bridges and just any enclosed spaces. When entering such places, try as we might the urge to play with the throttle to induce whines, pops and burbles (and accompanying childish grin) was just too much to resist. This car is just one big giggle. Forget the pose factor, the “coolness” of the MINI brand. Hurtling around in the Cooper S Convertible is what motoring is all about. Fun!
So are the sacrifices in boot space, rearward vision, sound deadening and comfort really worth it for the thrill of the open topped open roads? Well, we’ve never been able to justify it, not when sat in the comfort of a warm home considering the pros and cons of a soft top versus a hard top MINI. But if you’re the impulsive type, and you really, really enjoy driving, the the Cooper S Convertible is a great place to spend your time on the roads, and the Sidewalk, with it’s unique trim, upholstery and wheels will no doubt appeal to many. The Cooper S version certainly provides unparalleled aural pleasure for the price. If only the seats weren’t so uncomfortable.
The BMW Group has transferred its shares in Tritec Motors Limitada to DaimlerChrysler’s Chrysler Group effective as of July 11, 2007.
The companies - who each held half of the shares in the Brazilian engine plant - have agreed not to divulge the details of the transaction, which is subject to administrative registration and regulatory approval.
Chrysler Group has assumed the responsibility for exploring long-term options for the Tritec operations whereby all possible alternatives for continuing the business for the long run are under analysis. This may include a sale of the facility to a third-party.
Tritec Motors was founded in 1997 by the BMW Group and the Chrysler Group for the production of 1.4 and 1.6 litre four-cylinder petrol engines. The engine plant is located in the town of Campo Largo in the region of Curitiba, in the Federal State of Paraná, southern Brazil. Large-scale series production started in January 2000; the plant’s annual production capacity is around 250,000 units.
Cars.com have listed the MINI Cooper S featured in the Italian Job movie at number 10 in their “Top 10 Movie Cars” rankings for the second consecutive year.
Of the MINI Cooper S Cars.com say:
The Mini Cooper holds the No. 10 spot on the list for the second year in a row likely due to its slender physique, which allows the vehicle to escape captors on congested streets, parks and subway tunnels. Computer-rigged signals aid the getaway, stopping cross traffic at red lights. Larger cars could not have achieved the maneuverability demonstrated by the Mini as it weaves through traffic, drives down stairs and speeds along sidewalks.
The top ten list has been voted for by readers of Cars who rank the time travelling DeLorean DMC-12 from “Back to the Future” as their number one Movie Star Car.
We’ve not noticed this new MINI Cooper S trailer we found posted on YouTube before. It’s a stylish and slick presentation that shows the MINI zipping about the country on amazing roads and heading through town to a rather swanky looking establishment, where “Mr Cool” exits the vehicle to meet with his date. It’s a very smart advert which makes the new Cooper S look very cool indeed.
Compare that, however, with this MINI UK advert, originally from 2002. Instead of “Mr Cool”, we have “Mr and Mrs Nakedoldpeople”, and instead of trashing around town to a posh bar, they’re cruising the countryside, well, you’ll see.
Both very good commercials for MINI in their own right, but thought the comparison just begged to be made. (The eagle eyed among you may notice the exterior of the MINI has been “face-lifted” with CGI, whereas the interior is “original”.
Has it really been six years? Maybe not for all of us, but it’s six years to the day since the new MINI went on sale in it’s home market in Great Britain.
In May 2001, MINI2 attended the international media launch of the new MINI Cooper, and concluded that
In summary I believe the MINI is a superb package, put together with style and a surprising number of little touches that just cap it all off nicely.There is very little to fault, as hard as I tried to find something to grumble about. The Cooper should be great both around town, on country lanes and on the open road. With less horses under the bonnet, the One will be more of a city car, and when it arrives the Cooper ‘S’ should simply be out of this world.
But MINI2 were not the only ones brimming over with enthusiasm ahead of the official launch on Saturday the 7th July 2001. Media reviews at the time were also incredibly positive. The only question the assembled journalists kept asking at the launch was “how can they possibly make money on this”? The answer was success. BMW originally forecast “as many as” 100,000 MINIs to be produced per year. That now seems ridiculously conservative, as the MINI continues to break it’s own sales records month after month, with over 1 million MINIs now in the hands of customers.
The buzz at the time was quite remarkable. MINI UK had invited club representatives to a track day the week before launch to get to grips with the new car, and the reception at launch was just as enthusiastic. I doubt anyone would have predicted the global success of the MINI back then, but long may it continue!
One of the ways in which they’re marking this milestone is by listing several top 25 lists under headings such as “25 Stocks you should have bought” and “25 Top musical milestones”. The MINI Cooper has been listed at number 15 in their 25 “Cars That Made a Difference” category.
The panel of judges stated
The 2002 MINI Cooper was proof you can sell a small car for a big price if you have the look and the legacy.
According to the report the USA TODAY auto team “wrangled mightily over which belonged on the list. But finally, a rough consensus emerged”.
While the MINI being listed at number 15 is without doubt an achievement, especially from a US publication, coming in after the likes of the Toyota Rav4 (Number 10), and Hummer H2 (14) and even the highly ranked Hyundai Excel (5) does take the shine off somewhat.
Then again, the same publications lists “There’s Something About Mary” and “Cable Guy” in their 25 “Movies with Real Impact“, while some more obvious choices, such as Schindler’s List don’t even get a look in.
What’s more limited than a limited edition MINI? How about a limited edition laser etched glass block with a (your) John Cooper Works GP captured inside it?
That’s what MINI2 member Tonyt3 has managed to come up with, and he’s making them available as a truly one off collectable item for GP owners, people looking to buy GP owners a unique and personal gift, in fact any MINI enthusiast who fancies something out of the ordinary in their collection.
Subcribe to MINI2 News by email