Automotive

Mini channels the Austin Seven with new special edition

Mini channels the Austin Seven with new special edition
Mini says the Seven retains what it calls its "hallmark brand go-kart feeling"
Mini says the Seven retains what it calls its "hallmark brand go-kart feeling"
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Mini says the Seven retains what it calls its "hallmark brand go-kart feeling"
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Mini says the Seven retains what it calls its "hallmark brand go-kart feeling"
The Mini Seven celebrates the original Austin Seven that began production in 1959
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The Mini Seven celebrates the original Austin Seven that began production in 1959
There are three-door and five-door models available, 3,821-mm (150.4-in) and 3,982-mm (156.8-in) long respectively
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There are three-door and five-door models available, 3,821-mm (150.4-in) and 3,982-mm (156.8-in) long respectively
The Mini Seven is 1,727-mm (68-in) wide
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The Mini Seven is 1,727-mm (68-in) wide
The Mini Seven is available in a choice of four paint colors
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The Mini Seven is available in a choice of four paint colors
There are four engine variants available, kicking out from 85-141 kW (116-192 hp) and top speeds from 202-235 km/h (126-146 mph).
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There are four engine variants available, kicking out from 85-141 kW (116-192 hp) and top speeds from 202-235 km/h (126-146 mph).
The Mini Seven is available with optional silver bonnet stripes with brown surrounds
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The Mini Seven is available with optional silver bonnet stripes with brown surrounds
The Mini Seven sits on double-spoke 17-inch light alloy wheels
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The Mini Seven sits on double-spoke 17-inch light alloy wheels
The Mini Seven logo on the side of the car
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The Mini Seven logo on the side of the car
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The dashboard is mounted on the steering column with instruments behind the steering wheel and there's an optional central console color display
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The dashboard is mounted on the steering column with instruments behind the steering wheel and there's an optional central console color display
The optional display can be up to 8.8-in in size
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The optional display can be up to 8.8-in in size
The Mini Seven's interior surfaces are black and the seats are finished in fabric and leather
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The Mini Seven's interior surfaces are black and the seats are finished in fabric and leather
View gallery - 15 images

Mini's recently unveiled high-performance John Cooper Works Convertible is about as flamboyant as you'll get from the BMW-owned marque. Today, it's back in more familiar territory, with a special edition that celebrates the original Austin Seven that began production in 1959.

The new Mini Seven is aimed at combining the tradition of the Mini, its British origins and its character, with the quality and features that are available today. There are three-door and five-door models available, 3,821-mm (150.4-in) and 3,982-mm (156.8-in) long respectively and both 1,727-mm (68-in) wide. Four engine variants kick out from 85-141 kW (116-192 hp) and top speeds from 202-235 km/h (126-146 mph).

Mini says the Seven retains what it calls its "hallmark brand go-kart feeling," by way of suspension tailored to each model, along with weight- and stiffness-optimized design. The ride can be further tweaked with optional sports suspension and Dynamic Camper Control.

The car sits on double-spoke 17-inch light alloy wheels. There are four paint colors from which to choose, as well as optional silver bonnet stripes with brown surrounds. Inside, the surfaces are black and the seats are finished in fabric and leather. The dashboard is mounted on the steering column, with instruments behind the steering wheel, and there's an optional central console color display up to 8.8-in in size via which navigation, entertainment, telephone and other vehicle functions can be controlled.

The dashboard is mounted on the steering column with instruments behind the steering wheel and there's an optional central console color display
The dashboard is mounted on the steering column with instruments behind the steering wheel and there's an optional central console color display

The Mini Seven Chili package offers a host of other optional extras. It includes LED headlights and fog lamps, white direction indicators, automatic air conditioning, an on-board computer, a sports leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and rain sensors with automatic driving lights control, among other things.

Driver assistance systems include a head-up-display, parking assistant, rear view camera, camera-based active cruise control, collision and pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high beam assistant and road sign detection. Other safety features include six airbags, three-point automatic belts, child seat mountings and tyre pressure display for each individual wheel.

The Mini Seven will be available worldwide from July. Prices for the three-door model start from €22,490 (which converts to around US$25,700) and for the five door from €23,400 (about $26,700).

Source: Mini

View gallery - 15 images
3 comments
3 comments
Gizmowiz
While orange and blue schemes is nice if your a Broncos fan what would be much cooler would be the Cooper Convertible with an EV powertrain, AWD, and at least 500 hp on tap. Pocket Rocket redefined!
DavidJenkins
The original Austin 7 was first produced in 1922... you're talking about the original Mini that was called an "Austin 7" - i.e. a fake, just like this one.
icykel
DavidJenkins is quite right. My first car was a baby 1934 Austin Seven which I had in partnership with my older brother. We drove the little 'Grey Nurse' (our name as it was grey and had previously been owned by a district nurse) over many miles of New Zealand's gravel roads. I remember it lost oil from the rear crank bearing almost as fast as you poured it. I should hope this new 'fake' version retains its oil and is considerably more economical to run.