In its time, many variations of the Mini were created, providing simple and affordable transport. One variation, though not promoted as part of the Mini range, was the MOKE. Designed in the 1960s by Sir Alec Issigonis, the father of the original Mini, it shared components (suspension and chassis) with the Mini.
Perhaps it was not promoted commercially initially because it was first intended for military use. So it was engineered to be robust enough for deployment behind enemy lines after being transported by aeroplane. However, the armed forces found the small wheels and low ground clearance to be unsuitable in the sort of terrain they would operate in. Although its exceptionally light weight may have been advantageous on soft ground, it didn’t even have 4×4 to help it in more difficult areas.
A cult car of the 1960s
Instead, the MOKE, as it came to be known, was then promoted as a civilian vehicle and it became a cult car like the dune buggy of the 1960s. It was popular transport for the inhabitants of the most exclusive coastal resorts in Europe, the Caribbean, USA and Asia. Many are still in use up till today at seaside resort and recreational facilities.
Some 50,000 units were produced at factories in the UK (1964 – 1968), Australia (1966 – 1981) and Portugal (1980 – 1993). The final production in Portugal was done by Cagiva, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer, which had acquired the ‘MOKE’ name.
Bringing back the MOKE
Now a company known as MOKE International Limited, which has owned the original ‘MOKE’ trademark since 2015, is offering – only to the UK market – a strictly limited run of 56 cars. The number has significance: it refers to the number of years since the original Mini MOKE was launched.
Customers have a choice of 14 body colours and the Limited Edition ‘MOKE 56’ comes with the front grille and windscreen rails in chrome, a discrete Union Jack badge on the front wings, and a numbered plaque on the bonnet. Indicative ex-factory pricing starts at £20,000 (about RM107,000) and the company says that interest is high from resorts and private buyers.
Modernised version
MOKE International will also be making the vehicles for the Caribbean market and will launch additional models across Europe, the USA and other markets in 2021. All MOKE bodies will be engineered and sub-assembled in Britain and then shipped to a factory in France for final assembly.
Naturally, the engineering has been updated to meet regulations that never existed in the 1960s. Besides a new 4-cylinder, EFI DOHC 1083 cc engine, there is uprated suspension, an updated brake system and the option for either automatic or manual transmission.
The modern MOKE is also slightly larger to provide more cabin space. Features previously viewed as a luxury like power steering and heated windscreen will come as standard.
As far back as 2010, MINI was already at quite an advanced stage in electric vehicle technology. It was able to build a fleet of demonstrator units – known as the MINI E – that were essentially modified Cooper models and part of BMW’s Project i. Trials were conducted in many countries, including China, and the cars were also loaned for official use during the 2012 Olympics in London.
In time for 61st birthday
However, while the EV technology developed was used extensively by BMW, MINI did not produce an all-electric model, and offered a plug-in hybrid instead. Last year, the company confirmed that it would finally make a production MINI with all all-electric powertrain and it made its appearance today in Malaysia on the 61st birthday of the little car.
Known as the MINI Electric and priced from RM218,380.78 (excluding insurance), this new model offers Malaysians another alternative if they are looking for an all-electric model. With charging stations steadily increasing around the country, the discouraging factor of how to get a battery pack recharged when not at home is diminishing.
When recharging at a DC charging station, the MINI Electric requires approximately 36 minutes to go from zero to 80% charge. The MINI Wallbox Plus offers an 80% charge in 2.5 hours, similar to recharging at a public charging station. At home, charging to 80% can be done in 12 hours using the household electricity supply.
184 hp/270 Nm powertrain
Under the bonnet is the latest version of the synchronous electric motor developed by the BMW Group – a front-axle electric engine capable of 135kw (184 hp) with peak torque of 270 Nm. The motor is powered by energy from a battery pack with a net capacity of 28.9 kWh. Consuming 16.8 – 14.8 kWh per 100km of travel, the claimed range is given as between 234 kms and 270 kms, with a maximum speed of 150 km/h possible.
The 12 packs of lithium-ion cells are arranged in a T-shape in the floor area between the front seats and below the rear seats. One advantage of this arrangement is that the battery pack does not eat into boot space – which remains at 211 litres, expanding to 731 litres with the rear backrests folded down. Another advantage is the lower level of the battery packs brings down the car’s centre of gravity by 30 mm.
Identical in size to the MINI Cooper S, the MINI Electric can readily be identified with its different appearance, especially the youthful Energetic Yellow theme (a grey theme is also available). It has an exclusive bumper and the grille design closes off the front end since a radiator is actually unnecessary.
With the Lights package, the 3-door hatchback is equipped with Matrix LED headlights and LED rear lights featuring the iconic Union Jack design. Along the sides, the features include adapted spats geometry, the E-Badge on the side scuttle, as well as aero-optimised mirror caps in either Black or Energetic Yellow.
Exterior colour choices are White Silver with Energetic Yellow pairing, British Racing Green, and Chili Red.
Maintaining the go-kart character
Part of the characteristic driving experience in the MINI Electric is the single-pedal drive that also contributes to brake energy recovery. The electric motor functions as a generator during coasting mode, transforming kinetic energy into electric power – which then feeds back into the high-voltage battery pack.
There are four driving modes: Sport, Mid, Green and the new Green+ mode which increases the electric range by limiting selected comfort functions. There is also an actuator-contiguous wheel slip limiter function which significantly improves traction by providing faster control. The function also reduces power understeering that usually occurs with front-wheel drive vehicles.
The rear axle is configured to the front axle, which features electric-specific steering knuckles. This enables an electric-specific suspension setting in combination with the body-mounted wheelhouse liners.
Exclusive interior
The interior design language has been themed appropriately for an electric car. Features include the Electric Cockpit Fascia, Start/Stop button in Yellow, velour floor mats, an electronic selector lever as well as the brake energy recuperation toggle. A Head Up Display allows the driver to keep his or her attention focussed on the road ahead at all times.
All the comforts of a typical MINI are provided with the Leather Cross Punch seats finished in Carbon Black and 12-colour Illuminated ambient lighting. The multifunction sport leather-wrapped steering wheel and raised centre console with integrated electric parking brake are also fitted as standard.
Route guidance is presented via an 8.8-inch MINI Navigation System. This is integrated with the full MINI Connected suite which includes Teleservices, Remote Services, Intelligent Emergency Call, MINI Online and Apple Carplay. For entertainment, there is a 12-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System and a wireless charging pad is available for those with compatible mobilephones.
For the very first time in a MINI vehicle, a Digital Instrument Cluster is installed. This can present the driver with a greater variety of information, especially regarding the operation of the electric powertrain.
First MINI with Driving Assistant
The MINI Electric is also the first MINI model in Malaysia to be equipped with the Driving Assistant system. This camera-based driving assistance system package consists of the Speed Limit information, as well as the digital high-beam assistant which automatically activates at speeds of 50 km/h and higher, or when there is insufficient exterior lighting.
The Driving Assistant system is also equipped with the person warning with light city braking function and the approach control warning with light city braking function.
Book online for RM1,000
The MINI Electric is available at all authorised MINI dealerships nationwide from today and if you make up your mind to get one after reaching home, you don’t have to go back to the showroom again. You can book via the MINI Online Shop with a fee of RM1,000. BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia offers financing packages from RM2,421 a month (terms and conditions apply).
It’s our nation’s Merdeka again soon and to celebrate the 63rd year of independence, MINI Malaysia has started its ‘Add Independence’ campaign. It consists of specially curated programmes which relate to the Countryman model, with different variants to choose from.
The campaign, which runs till September 30, 2020, has a range of attractive offers for selected and limited units while stocks last. Customers can enjoy interest-free H-P loans, monthly instalment plans starting from RM2,315, instalment support up to RM5,000, and cash rebates up to RM22,000.
Brand’s largest model
The Countryman is the brand’s largest model and now in its second generation. While it takes its name from the original model sold in the 1960s, it is classified as a crossover SUV. Compared to a 5-door MINI, it is 294 mm longer, 95 mm wider and 132 mm taller.
Its size provides generous cabin space and comfortable accommodation for 5 persons and their holiday or recreational gear. The low bootlid can serve as a picnic bench while also make for easier access into the cargo space which can be expanded up to 1,390 litres.
4 variants, 3 powertrain choices
MINI Malaysia offers four variants of the Countryman with three powertrain choices, one of which is a plug-in hybrid. The most powerful version with a 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine has claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.
As would be expected of a car with the character of a MINI, customers have a variety of colours to choose from. Prices for the 2020 model year Countryman start from RM220,741, after deducting the sales tax (exemption applicable only till the end of this year).
More information and location of showrooms in Malaysia can be found at www.mini.my.
MINI Malaysia celebrates the original 2007 Sidewalk Edition of the first generation of the MINI Convertible with a 2020 version, with only 20 units available for the Malaysian market. With sales tax exemption, the price of the new MINI Convertible Sidewalk Edition is RM285,899.47 (excluding insurance premium).
Painted in the youthful Deep Laguna metallic colour, the exclusive version provides a fresh interpretation of rgw MINI’s charm and style with a nod to its rich heritage. Individual side scuttles in the design further enhance the variant’s extroverted appearance as well.
Topless in 18 seconds
The MINI Yours Soft-top offers protection against rain and sun when in closed position. At the touch of a button, it opens electrically within 18 seconds even with the car moving at up to 30 km/h. The black soft-top roof features an interwoven ‘Sidewalk’ pattern in Titanium Grey.
The sporty bonnet stripes, embellished with a geometric pattern, put an individual spin while the 17-inch light-alloy Scissor Spoke 2-tone wheels are also a specific design feature of this exclusive edition.
Brisk performance, frugal consumption
The powerful 2-litre 4-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo engine, paired with a 7-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, produces up to 192 bhp/280 Nm to allow the driver to fully enjoy the kart-like dynamics which the Mini is famous for. The 0 to 100 km/h time is claimed to be 7.1 seconds while the maximum speed is 230 km/h. And in spite of this brisk performance character, fuel consumption is as good as 17.5 kms/litre.
Sung cabin for four
Inside, the snug cabin has exclusive MINI Yours Leather Lounge Sidewalk seats in anthracite, combined with contrasting seams in Petrol and Energetic Yellow. The Petrol paint effect also embellishes the door trims, with doormats in matching dark Petrol surrounds contrasted by Energetic Yellow seams.
The sports steering wheel bearing the Sidewalk logo and contract seams in Petrol further accentuate the sportiness of the New MINI Convertible Sidewalk Edition, along with the stylishly decorative cockpit trim in Petrol finish.
Feature-rich environment
Standard features include LED headlamps, LED front and rear foglamps, an interior lighting package with 12-colour ambient lighting, as well as the MINI Driving Modes, automatic air conditioning, a height-adjustable front passenger seat, wireless charger and a storage compartment package.
To add to its exclusivity, there is the range-topping Wired Package that consists of the 8.8-inch MINI Visual Boost with Navigation System. This can be operated via the intuitive touchscreen, the MINI controller or even via Voice Control.
Additionally, with Apple CarPlay, owners can connect their iPhone to the infotainment system and use the MINI Visual Boost to access apps on the phone. Music selections from the phone can be heard through the Harman Kardon 12-speaker sound system tuned to deliver high-quality reproduction even with the top down.
Connected with 4G SIM technology
With MINI Connected, there’s built-in 4G SIM technology, allowing Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic detection of the car’s location and accident severity. This will help rescue teams to locate the car faster in the event of an accident.
MINI Online and MINI TeleServices can also be accessed and the current update of the MINI Connected App offers an exceptionally wide range of digital services such as sending navigation destinations from smartphone to vehicle and receiving information regarding the ideal departure time, as well as Remote Services.
As with all cars purchased from authorised MINI dealerships in Malaysia, the MINI Convertible Sidewalk Edition is covered by a 5-year Roadside Assistance programme. This has a comprehensive list of services that include a 24-hour/365 days-a-year Accident and Help on the Phone and On the Spot Hotline, free towing services when needed (over 200 kms from residential home), replacement vehicle, seamless mobility, accommodation, mobility services solutions as well as repatriation services.
Purchasers can choose Balloon Financing from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia. Based on a 5-year tenure with 80% financing, ownership of the MINI Convertible Sidewalk Edition starts from RM 3,266.00 per month (terms and conditions apply).
Bookings for the limited number of units can be made at selected authorised MINI dealerships as well as the MINI Online Shop from today.
Visit MINI.MY to know more about other models available in Malaysia.
The BMW dealership in Tebrau, Johor, which was taken over by Auto Bavaria, will commence operations from July 15, 2020. As a 4S centre, it will offer the full range of services and systems for the BMW, BMW Motorrad, and MINI brands, as well as and BMW Premium Selection (pre-owned vehicles).
The Auto Bavaria Tebrau dealership (formerly managed by a unit of Wearnes) has a large built-up space of 63,000 square feet, capable of displaying up to 10 units of BMW and BMW Motorrad vehicles, six MINI cars as well as 8 vehicles from the BMW Premium Selection portfolio.
It will start off with a dedicated staff count of over 80 to serve customers of the various brands. As with other dealerships, there will be a Customer Lounge, Isetta Bar, BMW Lifestyle & Accessories, Handover Area and RATC (reception at the car) Service.
The Dealer Principal of Auto Bavaria Tebrau, Andy Tian, said: “A new journey is ahead of us in the southern region to deliver the premium ownership experience to more customers here. We continue to stay true to our promise of providing not only the best in customer service, but to exceed expectations in delivering what BMW has always stood for – providing Sheer Driving Pleasure.”
Auto Bavaria, a unit of Sime Darby Motors, was previously the importer and distributor for BMW vehicles, having taken over from BMW Concessionaires in 1988. It steadily developed the brand in the years that followed until BMW Group Malaysia was established in 2003 to manage assembly, marketing and distribution activities for the various brands. Nevertheless, Auto Bavaria, part of the Sime Darby Motors group, has continued to be the leading dealer chain representing BMW and Mini.
Sime Darby Motors has a wide range of brands in its retail and distribution portfolio for the Malaysian market. These Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Hyundai, BMW, MINI, Motorrad and Volvo. To cater to the needs of corporate clients, the company is having an ‘Unbelievable Deals’ campaign. a corporate programme providing special privileges with very attractive cost of ownership and exceptional benefits.
This campaign is applicable across all the brands to suit different requirements. “This programme is specially curated to reward our loyal customers across Sime Darby Motors Malaysia. As exhilarating as it is rewarding, we aim to offer our customers with irresistible deals whilst ensuring their sales and aftersales needs are cared for by our passionate professionals who are dedicated in providing world-class services that exceed expectations,” said Jeffrey Gan, MD of Retail & Distribution, Malaysia.
“The automotive industry is moving towards a more digital environment to fit with the needs of our consumers. Our operating units are continuously innovating to find new ways of digitalising the car-buying process; from digital showrooms and door-step test drives to contactless servicing and eventually delivering customers’ cars to their doorsteps. The digital transformation in the automotive industry is certainly opening up new opportunities for us,” he explained.
On the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Gan said the company takes the current situation very seriously. “We stand guided by the government’s policy, with the safety and health of our employees, customers and business partners being our utmost priority,” he explained.
More information on the corporate programme is available at the individual websites of the respective brands.
BMW Group Malaysia has been a driving force in electrified vehicles for many years. This mirrors its global electrification initiatives not just in products but also in related activities such as battery pack manufacturing. It’s therefore not surprising that many of the BMWs on the roads are electrified, with plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The cost of battery packs replacement has been a concern of many owners who buy hybrids and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Though designed to last a long time, the battery packs might have problems and the cost of replacement can be high as they are specialised and sophisticated units, not like the common small lead-acid battery in the engine bay.
To provide peace of mind to owners, the BMW and MINI brands in Malaysia now offer an extended PHEV battery warranty programme. This new programme extends – by an additional 2 years or 60,000 kms – the existing programme to 8 years or a maximum of 160,000 kms.
The New Battery Warranty Programme is also available as an extension via the BMW and MINI Aftersales Upgrade Programmes for the BMW 330e, BMW X5 xDrive 40e, BMW 530e and MINI Countryman PHEV at RM2,200 as well as for the BMW 740Le at RM7,600.
However, this PHEV Battery Warranty Programme is available only from now until December 31, 2020.
When people started buying hybrids and electric vehicles, the issue of battery pack costs was not so apparent. Perhaps it was due to having used batteries in conventional cars which could last a few years and replaced periodically at a relatively low cost. However, the battery pack in an electrified vehicle (hybrid/EV) is different from the typical 12V battery in millions of vehicles. While the small battery in the engine bay provides electricity to start the engine primarily, the battery pack in an electrified vehicle actually powers the vehicle.
Due to the need to store large amounts of electrical energy, the battery packs have to be bigger and use more advanced technologies and materials. Conventional 12V batteries have typically used a lead-acid combination and though improved over the years, their process of generating electricity through chemical reaction has not changed.
Because battery pack technology is still evolving as storage capacity increases, the cost of the new technology is still high, not to mention the economies of scale are still lower than for conventional lead-acid batteries. This means they cost much more and for the early owners of electrified vehicles, there was the sudden shock of discovering that the cost of replacement was very high.
In Malaysia, depending on the model, the price was RM7,000 upwards. This led to reduced appeal for electrified vehicles and in order to provide peace of mind, the companies selling such vehicles began to offer a separate warranty on the battery pack which was longer than the factory warranty for the vehicle.
The prices have come down a bit and the battery pack for some Honda models sold in Malaysia is around RM5,500. Like those 12V batteries, the battery pack can last a while though there is no specific service life promised. Extreme operating conditions or rare system problems can shorten the life which is why the warranty is useful. But this does have an effect on resale value since the next owner would have to consider the added cost of replacement at some point in time.
To address this key concern for electrified vehicle ownership, BMW’s high-voltage battery presents solutions to concerns around repair and maintenance by developing their batteries where single modules are replaceable. In the case of a lithium-ion battery pack (increasingly used) that houses multiple modules, there are multiple cells.
In most cases, if a battery pack starts to have problems or has reached the end of its service life, the whole unit has to be replaced – at considerable cost. However, the high-voltage battery pack used in BMWs does not necessarily require this expensive approach.
In the 530e M Sport, for example, the battery pack gas up to 6 cell modules. Should one of the modules be faulty, it does not mean the whole battery pack needs to be replace. Just that module can be changed and the cost is RM5,000 per cell. Although built to last the lifetime of the vehicle, BMW Group Malaysia still offers a comprehensive warranty coverage of 6 years/100,000 kms for the battery packs in its vehicles which should give peace of mind to owners.
The lightweight battery pack is capable of storing a great deal of energy, giving the 530e M Sport a maximum output of 83 kW which can get it to a maximum speed of 120 km/h in full electric driving. Recharging time is dependent on the type of system used but said to be under 3 hours with the BMW i Wallbox, with a fully charged battery pack giving an all-electric range of up to 40 kms.
BMW’s high-voltage battery technology is available in the plug-in hybrid variants of the 5-Series, 7-Series, as well as the all-electric i3s and the MINI Plug-In Hybrid.
This is a serious and challenging time and many must be getting increasingly stressed with lockdowns and fear of getting infected by the COVID-19 coronavirus. That’s understandable but hopefully, being able to laugh is not lost yet because it can be therapeutic and provide some relief, if just for a while.
April Fool’s Day, an annual date on the calendar when people and companies have a bit of fun playing pranks, passed rather quietly this year. Perhaps few were in the mood for pranks. So MINI USA decided to compile some of the brand’s most memorable and humorous past April Fools’ moments over the past 18 years the modern MINI has been sold in America.
MINI had fun on April Fools’ Day with unique models, concepts and accessories that were never intended to make it to reality. While most were simply ideas to celebrate a day dedicated to jokes and pranks that dates back to the 1500s, MINI did go as far to create one and launch it at a major international autoshow in 2012.
“MINI has always had the ability to make people smile, whether through our humorous advertising and guerrilla marketing stunts, or simply by the appearance of the familiar, smiling face that people see in the front grille of a MINI.” said Andrew Cutler, Head of Corporate Communications, MINI USA. “We hope that during these difficult times, reminiscing about some of our past April Fools’ Day moments will make people smile. It’s an important part of helping us all get through this together.”
2004: 8-speed gearbox introduced. MINI’s forward thinking added more fun with 2 speeds in reverse. Remember it was 2004 so 8 speeds was still unique and MINI engineers felt that 2 extra speeds in reverse would give owners ‘more fun going backwards’.
2005: The flexible transportation initiative. MINI cars, already known for cornering as if they were on rails, offered a special edition that will actually corner on rails. Considering the growing problem of gridlock and rush-hour traffic, this special model was adapted to ride on all rail lines throughout North America.
2006: Build your own MINI program. Virtual reality for consumers was still many years away but MINI USA was already able to offer customers a program that gave them hands-on experience to build their own car. All of the car’s components could be ordered online and the parts, including the chassis and engine, would delivered in instalments. It was to take about 6 weeks to complete the car and customers would also receive a can of spraypaint each week.
2009: Perpetual motion magnetic propulsion system. Announced on April 1, MINI USA looked set to take a world lead in fuel efficiency with the announcement of a revolutionary magnetic propulsion system that will allow its cars to drive to several hundred, possibly even thousands of kilometres with little charge and no need for fuel. Professor Lirpa Loof, who led the development team, explained that a series of magnets in the wheel hubs would both pull and push the wheels in the desired direction, exploiting the magnets’ natural tendency to attract and repel.
2010: A new level of automobile personalisation. A revolutionary paint system for the Clubman allowed owners to change the exterior colour of their car as often as they changed their mood. With the new, innovative range of MINIMagic paint finishes, all a customer has to do to activate an on-demand colour change was quick wipe over the painted surfaces with the patented MINIMagic paint polish. In minutes, the transformation – from Light Coffee to Cosmic Blue, for example – would be completed.