Mini positions itself as a fun-to-drive premium brand with an expressive personality. Beyond that, customization is core to Mini’s appeal with U.S. customers. The wide selection of powertrains, paint colors, wheel choices, body graphics, interior materials, and accessories ensures that few Minis are exactly alike.
Special editions are also a part of Mini’s DNA. And for 2021, Mini has announced two new ones that deliver serious value.
The 2021 Mini Cooper 1499 GT is an affordable, limited-production version of the Hardtop 2-door. Mini says the 1969 Cooper 1275 GT inspired this new special edition, a car advertised as a “cheap thrill” in its day. It derived its name from its engine size (1,275 cc), and the new Cooper 1499 GT uses the same approach, as it has the Hardtop’s standard 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine.
To make this special edition special, Mini pulls details from the John Cooper Works (JCW) model to alter the exterior appearance. The bumpers, lower body kit, and spoiler all come from the racy JCW, and Mini paints the result black with gold lower body stripes. Gloss black exterior trim and 17-inch black aluminum wheels complete the look.
Inside, the Mini Cooper 1499 GT has JCW sports seats in cloth and Dinamica suede, a JCW steering wheel, and a dark gray headliner. Aluminum pedals and gear selector trim provide additional character. Mini says just 30 of the U.S.-bound 1499 GT models will have a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the other 120 will have a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Standard equipment includes digital instrumentation, a 6.5-inch infotainment screen with navigation and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Mini Active Driving Assistant safety technology. The price is $27,040, plus an $850 destination charge.
Minis are made in Oxford, England, home of Oxford University. Historically, Mini sold the Oxford Edition only to college students and recent graduates, available at a discount in exchange for proof of their pursuit of higher education. Now, Mini applies the Oxford Edition treatment to its Countryman SUV. And anyone can buy it.
The 2021 Mini Countryman Oxford Edition builds on Classic trim with 18-inch wheels in a black or silver finish, metallic paint, a dark gray headliner, a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, and heated front seats. Buyers can choose a body-color, black, or white roof treatment.
According to Mini, this collection of features would normally bring the Countryman’s price to $32,100. But, it can be yours for a no-haggle $26,500, plus an $850 destination charge. You can install Mini’s ALL4 all-wheel-drive system for another two grand.
Both new special-edition models arrive at Mini’s 117 U.S. dealerships by the end of 2020.
Mini is the source of information for this article. It was accurate on October 22, 2020, but it may have changed since that date.
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