{"id":3860,"date":"2021-04-04T01:58:08","date_gmt":"2021-04-04T05:58:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/?p=3860"},"modified":"2021-04-04T01:59:35","modified_gmt":"2021-04-04T05:59:35","slug":"mini-chooses-radical-mid-cycle-makeover-for-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/mini-chooses-radical-mid-cycle-makeover-for-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"Mini chooses radical mid-cycle makeover for 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"2022
Mini is giving its 2022 3-Door, 5-Door and Convertible models a big update for 2022, and not without controversy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

New Mini Hatch and Convertible models are on the way, and while change is good, not everyone will like what they see.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve had the current Mini design with us for nearly eight years now, so a redesign is long overdue. Still, we\u2019ll only get a mid-cycle refresh for the 2022 model year, with a thorough ground-up redesign expected at some point in the next few years. Then again, Mini might have you questioning your beliefs if you\u2019re currently thinking major updates only happen when a car gets completely revamped.<\/p>\n

\"2022
The new Cooper S’ front end certainly looks more aggressive.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Like so many other model updates in recent years, the new 2022 Mini Hatch and Convertible have grown their grille size, the result easier to see on more basic Cooper and Cooper S trims than with the brand\u2019s much sportier John Cooper Works (JCW) iteration, because the more affordable models feature a big body-colour bumper section within their grilles, and the top-tier version gets a completely blacked-out mesh grille insert, plus a much more intimidating lower front fascia, which is also finished in matte black.<\/p>\n

Another visual departure replaces the cars\u2019 classic round fog lights with narrow vertical creases, modernizing the Mini look yet not paying homage to its storied past, an unusual move for a retrospective brand. These appear like brake ducts instead of anything to house lighting elements, while the headlamp clusters now integrate the fog lights. The aforementioned JCW now grows out these corner vent\/brake ducts, and could be said to look all the better for it.<\/p>\n

\"2022
The roomy 5-Door model gets all the updates too.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It’s nevertheless unlikely Mini\u2019s risky new forward-thinking design language will be all that acceptable to long-time fans of the brand, despite a press release attesting to the new design\u2019s \u201cpurist look\u201d. Those two words are referring to a grille surround that\u2019s a bit closer to the original car\u2019s shape than anything offered since the brand\u2019s 2001 remake, but other than this loosely hexagonal borderline, the ovoid headlamp clusters to each side, and the car\u2019s curvy shape overall, very little pulls from Mini\u2019s storied past.<\/p>\n

\"2022
Changes to the sides and rear are much less noticeable.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It’s difficult to say now, but it\u2019s possible Mini\u2019s new front fascia may become just as controversial as the tall, vertical \u201ctwin kidney\u201d grille found on the front of BMW\u2019s new 3 and 4 Series models. BMW, which owns and produces Mini, has created just a hubbub of discontent amongst its diehard ownership base, that aftermarket producers are already creating replacement front fascias with arguably better looking (smaller and more discreet) grille openings, which means the German automaker could inadvertently be creating a secondary market for its Mini line as well.<\/p>\n

No doubt it has been difficult for Mini\u2019s various design teams to update its lineup over the decades, being that it\u2019s such an iconic brand. Volkswagen had similar challenges with its Beetle, no doubt, but they chose subtle changes that worked well, at least until they recently canceled the nameplate. Up until now, Mini has risen to the challenge admirably, but it\u2019s possible, in a quest to expand the brand to a larger group of potentially new buyers, they\u2019ve gone too far with the latest update.<\/p>\n

\"2022
Changes to the 2022 Mini interiors are minor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Where the new Mini\u2019s frontal design shows most of the changes, the car\u2019s side profile and rear styling look more akin to the outgoing model, with updates to the former including \u201cside scuttle\u201d fender garnishes now featuring thin LED light strips for turn signal repeaters, and the latter portion only getting a revised bumper cap that no longer includes rear fog lamps or reflectors. Mini is also offering an optional Multitone Roof, which features a stylish gradient effect mixing Soul Blue, Pearly Aqua and Jet Black.<\/p>\n

\"2022
A new digital instrument cluster modernizes the driving experience.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A new standard digital instrument cluster is the only noticeable update inside. It was first seen on the Mini Cooper SE plug-in hybrid and sportiest John Cooper Works GP model. The steering wheel is new as well, and warmer thanks to a heated rim. Additionally, the car\u2019s centre air vents have now been better integrated within the dash panel.<\/p>\n

An 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen now comes standard in every new Mini Hatch and Convertible too. It provides modernized graphics and enhanced features, such as standard satellite radio and Apple CarPlay, although the more popular Google Android smartphone platform has yet to get full device integration through its Android Auto system. Fortunately, lane-departure warning will be standard for 2022, while the car\u2019s adaptive cruise control system will include stop-and-go capability. Finally, Mini has reworked the interior\u2019s ambient lighting system.<\/p>\n

\"2022
An updated infotainment enhance interior livability.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As for under-the-hood mechanicals, Mini Canada continues forward with a standard six-speed manual gearbox for 2022, while its fast-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox remains optional, with steering wheel paddles of course.<\/p>\n

Likewise, engine output is once again rated at 134 horsepower and 164 lb-ft of torque for Mini Canada\u2019s base Cooper model, this strong for an efficient 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder. The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder in the Cooper S moves into 2022 unchanged too, continuing to make 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, while the same engine in the JCW puts out 228 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. Lastly, the plug-in SE once again boasts 181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque.<\/p>\n

\"2022
We think the new Mini John Cooper Works looks best.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2022 model year pricing hasn\u2019t been announced yet, but production started last month so we should receive details soon. If we were to venture a guess, all of the just-noted improvements to standard trims will likely increase base prices modestly.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, those that take a look at the new 2022 Mini and instead want a 2021 version<\/a>, or perhaps even a new 2020 model<\/a> if you can still find the colour and features you want, should take note that the British carmaker is currently offering up to $1,500 in additional incentives for the former<\/a> and $3,000 from the latter<\/a>, as per our 2021 Mini 3 Door Canada Prices page<\/a> and 2020 Mini 3 Door Canada Prices page<\/a>, while average CarCostCanada member savings equals a sizeable $10,000<\/a>. Similarly, Mini is offering up to $1,500 in additional incentives from 2021<\/a> and 2020 Convertibles<\/a>, and up to $2,500 in incentives on 2021<\/a> and 2020 5-Door models<\/a>.<\/p>\n

CarCostCanada members can access key information about all the latest factory rebates, manufacturer financing and leasing rates, plus best of all, dealer invoice pricing that can save you thousands during negotiations. Be sure to learn how a CarCostCanada membership can save you money<\/a>, and remember to download the free CarCostCanada app<\/a> from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.<\/p>\n

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann<\/p>\n

Photo credits: Mini<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

New Mini Hatch and Convertible models are on the way, and while change is good, not everyone will like what they see. We\u2019ve had the current Mini design with us for nearly eight years now, so a redesign is long overdue. Still, we\u2019ll only get a mid-cycle refresh for the 2022 model year, with a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3861,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-container-style":"default","site-container-layout":"default","site-sidebar-layout":"default","disable-article-header":"default","disable-site-header":"default","disable-site-footer":"default","disable-content-area-spacing":"default","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[632,679,358,681,53,441,34,219,43,306,307,99,678,680],"class_list":["post-3860","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-carcostcanada","tag-632","tag-3-door","tag-5-door","tag-changes","tag-convertible","tag-cooper","tag-hybrid","tag-mini","tag-plug-in","tag-redesign","tag-refresh","tag-s","tag-se","tag-updates"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3860","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3860"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3860\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3875,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3860\/revisions\/3875"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3861"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3860"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3860"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3860"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}