Mini plugs into green goals

Mini has announced its next-generation models, which are due to arrive in New Zealand next year, will showcase the marque’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

The pledge comes after sales of Mini’s plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV) from January to October this year jumped by 6.6 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Mini says the design philosophy for its next-generation vehicles “incorporates the circularity principle of RE:think, RE:duce, RE:use and RE:cycle”. 

As a result, 99 per cent of all material waste generated during production is recycled with certain components featuring a 40 per cent recycled aluminium mix. 

The upcoming Mini Countryman will feature light-alloy cast wheels made from 70 per cent secondary aluminum, which results in an 80 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared with conventional production methods when combined with 100 per cent green energy. 

Mini adds it will also go leather-free and chrome-free with the introduction of the new model launches from 2024 onwards. 

It claims the shift from leather to 100 per cent vegan interiors, coupled with using raw and recycled materials, will result in up to 98 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.  

The new Mini Cooper will offer two electric variants – E and SE, pictured, – with the latter featuring higher output and extended range.

The next version of the Countryman S, which Mini New Zealand showcased at a recent event in Auckland, will offer an additional 6cm in height and 13cm in length compared to its predecessor. 

Other features of the marque’s next-generation models are a central OLED display, a range of experience modes that bring the dashboard to life through light projections surrounding the instrument cluster, customisable user interface and new engine sounds. 

There is also a Mini intelligent personal assistant and the new hardware is supported by an operating system that offers cloud-based navigation with 5G capability.