Mini adds spice to its range with the arrival of two new high-specification Chilli models coinciding with the first update for Mini brand since its launch under BMW's ownership.

As two models become four, a change in specification for the core Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S models means sharper retail prices.

Entry to the sporty, fun world of agile handling, zippy performance, instantly recognisable design and personalised customisation now begins at $29,500.

Responding to customer demand for high-value features, two all new models are added to the Mini family: Mini Cooper Chilli and Mini Cooper S Chilli. Both add around $5,000 of extra equipment for only $3,000.

Additional Mini Cooper models are expected to raise still further the brand’s exceptional conquest rate of 80 percent of owners drawn from outside the BMW Group Australia family.

The Chilli models also give existing owners a reason to choose a replacement Mini Cooper as their next car, fitted with more features than before and now able to choose from a wider selection of tempting optional equipment.

The Chilli specification level adds sought after items such as larger alloy wheels, cloth/leather sports seats and a new three-spoke multi-function steering wheel. Premium features for the top-of-the-range Mini Cooper S Chilli include Xenon headlights, climate control and harman/kardon brand hi-fi sound system.

The Chilli designation fits the Mini brand perfectly. It is exciting and unique and adds a dash of spice to core models.

The arrival of the Chilli models coincides with the first update of the Mini range since launch in March 2002, bringing valuable performance-related feature improvements.

The most notable mechanical change is a new supercharger for the Mini Cooper S.

This boosts performance of the 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine even higher; with peak power now 125 kW (up 5 kW) at 6,000 rpm and torque maxing out at 220 Nm at 4,000 rpm (up 10 Nm).

The Mini Cooper S makes full use of this extra urge with revised ratios fitted to its slick shifting double-cone synchromesh six-speed manual gearbox.

The Mini Cooper S now delivers even quicker performance figures all round, from off-the line charging to in-gear acceleration and a higher top speed (222 km/h).

It races to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds (previously 7.4 seconds), while fifth gear 80-120 km/h acceleration takes 7.7 seconds, a full second less than before.

The aural experience has improved as well, with a new design exhaust system tuned to deliver a deep, bass rumble coupled with a satisfying overrun burble.

For the Mini Cooper, a new five-speed Getrag-sourced manual gearbox with revised ratios offers even slicker shifting and makes more of the feisty 85 kW 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine’s output.

Torque rises to 150 Nm at 4,500 rpm, and in-gear acceleration times fall, improving mid-range response. The 80-120km/h acceleration run in fifth gear is a full one-second faster at 13.5 seconds, or just 10.5 seconds in fourth gear. The 0-100 km/h run takes 9.1 seconds (previously 9.2).

These mechanical changes serve to highlight Mini’s cheeky, fun-to-drive experience, while its highly praised precise steering and sure-footed handling continue to impress.

The enhanced performance makes full use of the Mini’s advanced, secure and lightweight chassis layout. At the rear this comprises a compact multi-arm axle that keeps the wheels glued to the road, irrespective of changes in road surface curvature.

Front and rear anti-roll bars teamed with a sports suspension set-up give drivers confidence in corners while state-of-the-art EHPAS electrohydraulic power steering delivers direct turn-in and excellent feel.

The EHPAS system uses a pump driven by a small electric motor rather than directly off the engine.

All Mini Cooper models are highly-equipped with standard safety features including four discs backed by Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) to ensure the car pulls up quickly, under control and in a straight line.

Standard fit on Mini Cooper S and optional on Mini Cooper, Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) prevents the front (driven) wheels from spinning when pulling away under spirited acceleration.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) optionally available on all Mini Cooper models incorporates AST+C and cuts engine power and applies individual wheel braking to maintain control in adverse conditions.

All Mini models also feature six airbags, including head airbags as well as occupant protecting reinforced panels, three point seatbelts with belt force limiters and belt tensioners, as well as impact absorbing bumpers to reduce the potential for injury in a crash.

Standard features for all Mini models continue to include air conditioning, light alloy wheels, electric windows, sports suspension, leather steering wheel, on-board trip computer and a six-speaker CD/radio.

Every model in the Mini range includes standard equipment in line with the premium position of the Mini brand:

• Multi-link rear suspension.
• Equal length front drive shafts.
• Anti-roll bars front and rear.
• Runflat tyre indicator.
• Chrome-plated exterior door handles.
• Frameless windows with automatic sealing.
• Toggle switches in centre console.
• Programmable car memory functions (such as automatic central locking at 16 km/h, and headlight follow-me-home function).
• Windscreen wipers switch to intermittent mode at standstill.
• Microfilter for air conditioning.
• Speed-dependent stereo volume control.
• Leather steering wheel.
• Interior light system with soft on/off, ambient lighting in roof lining and door handles, front footwell lights, door puddle lamps and illuminated vanity mirrors.
• Air-conditioned glove box.

All updated Mini Cooper models feature a new grille design housing three horizontal chrome bars in place of four as previously. New clear-glass design headlamp and new-look taillights offer a subtly fresher appearance. The Mini Cooper has revised bumper designs front and rear.

Inside, all update models gain wider door armrests and two new stowage cubbies set into the lower centre console section.

A three-piece facia replaces the previous five-piece design and a passenger grab handle is set into the roof lining. The driver’s sun visor has an extra flap to better protect against side-on dazzle while the glove box gains a lock. A new ignition/door key has separate lock and unlock buttons, as well as a boot release and remote opening of the windows and optional sunroof.

Due to a specification revision of trim and wheel selections, entry to Mini motoring becomes even more attractive.

The new starting price for the Mini Cooper is $29,500, complete with 15-inch ‘Rocket’ light alloy wheels. Standard seats are fitted in place of sports seats. Chrome Line trim on the front and rear bumpers as fitted to the previous Mini Cooper is replaced by body colour trim.

The Mini Cooper Automatic, featuring the six-step CVT gearbox complete with steering wheel mounted switches adds $2,200.

The new Mini Cooper Chilli adds 16-inch ‘5-Star’ alloy wheels shod with runflat tyres, exterior Chrome Line trim on the bumpers, front fog lights, rear spoiler, cloth/leather upholstery, sports seats, sports multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, front seat lumbar adjustment, passenger seat height adjustment and floor mats.

The Mini Cooper Chilli adds in excess of $5000 worth of extra equipment and is priced at $32,500. The Mini Cooper Chilli Automatic is priced at $34,700.

The Mini Cooper S now features the more powerful 125 kW supercharged 1.6-litre engine and six-speed manual gearbox. The seats are now finished in ‘Space’ cloth upholstery in place of cloth/leather. The change in upholstery allows pricing to now start at $38,500 for the Mini Cooper S.

Standard equipment on Mini Cooper S includes Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T), Sports Plus suspension, 16-inch ‘X-lite’ alloy wheels, central dual exhaust pipes, chrome-plated fuel filler cap & side grille, front fog lights, rear spoiler, alloy patina dashboard & door finish, stainless steel pedals, sports seats and cruise control.

The new top-of-the-range Mini Cooper S Chilli is expected to be extremely popular with its swag of hot features fitted as standard. These include: 17-inch ‘S-Spoke’ alloy wheels, Xenon headlights, cloth/leather upholstery, sports multi-function steering wheel, climate control air conditioning, harman/kardon eight-speaker Hi-Fi, front seat lumbar adjustment, passenger seat height adjustment and floor mats.

The Xenon headlamps are restyled compared with earlier optional Xenon lamps, with the main lamps ringed by small satellite lamps for an individual and highly attractive visual appearance when illuminated.

The Mini Cooper S Chilli adds over $5000 worth of extra equipment and is priced at $41,500.

Across the range changes include new exterior colours and upholstery fabrics, and more scope for personalisation.

Personalisation is a key purchase consideration for many Mini owners. No other car in this price segment offers the choice of colours, upholsteries and options. Statistically, you are more likely to be hit by lightening (one in 1.6 million chance in Australia) than see two identical Mini Coopers.

There are 10 exterior colour choices, including two unique colours for Mini Cooper and two unique colours for Mini Cooper S. New exterior colours include Black-Eye Purple metallic, Astro Black metallic for Mini Cooper models and Hyper Blue metallic for Mini Cooper S models. Together with the choice of white, black or body coloured roof and mirrors, there is a choice of 26 exterior colour combinations.

Uniquely, the Mini Cooper S dashboard facia and door trims can now be colour-matched to four exterior paint schemes, as a $200 option.

A further interior option expected to be popular is the $350 Cockpit Chrono Pack which places three circular gauges and extra warning lights in the main central dash area, displacing the rev counter to the steering column alongside the speedo.

A heated mirrors & heated front screen washer jets option pack also allows the mirrors to fold electrically against the door for added safety in tight parking spaces or in narrow lanes, and is priced at $490.

Further optional features include a wood-rimmed steering wheel at $360, Chrome Line interior kit (for instrument, fresh-air vent, cup holder and gear shifter plinth surrounds) for $250 and an anthracite interior roof lining at $300.

The updated and enlarged Mini range arrives at Australia’s 24 Mini dealers in mid-September.

Prices exclude the traditional add-ons.

Mini Cooper Chilli