WE THINK IT MAY BE a case of COVID-stir crazy, but the number of Mini (or MINI) limited editions shows no signs of slowing.
Two new limited-edition variants have been launched in Australia. With sleek dark treatment, the Mini Nightfall Edition 3-door Hatch and Convertible are both strikingly bold and (according to Mini) “confidently understated”.
These latest special editions are based on the Mini John Cooper Works 3-Door Hatch and Mini John Cooper Works Convertible, both powered by tuned-up 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engines developing 170kW and 320Nm, driving the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic.
The fixed roof model completes the 0-100km/h sprint in just 6.1 seconds, and if you want that with wind in your hair, the same process takes just 0.4 seconds more in the convertible.
Exteriors are finished in a deep Enigmatic Black Metallic, and all chrome surfaces such as the headlight covers, door handles and waistline finishers on the Hatch have been re-treated in Piano Black.
Both cars also feature a number of John Cooper Works upgrades, including a carbon fibre bonnet scoop, a John Cooper Works Sports Brake System upgrade, 17-inch Track spoke wheels finished in black and John Cooper Works tailpipe surrounds.
Edition specific badging and special blacked-out Mini logos complete the dark and bold exterior treatments to both Nightfall Edition variants.
Inside, dark themes are extended on both cars with an Anthracite headlining (3-door Hatch only), piano black interior surfaces and carbon black Dinamica/Leather combination John Cooper Works sports seats.
John Cooper Works upgrades continue inside, and here drivers receive a tactile treat thanks to a John Cooper Works steering wheel finished in alcantara, as well as a John Cooper Works handbrake finished in carbon fibre.
Mini’s latest suite of interior technologies are showcased in both cars. Behind the steering wheel, a five-inch digital screen replaces the traditional instrument binnacle, while the latest in infotainment, including wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity (although we note that there’s no Android Auto, even as an option), are shown in an 8.8-inch touchscreen monitor in the centre console.
“We’ve seen our highest-ever rates of John Cooper Works sales in Australia this year, and these new Nightfall Editions are sure to up the ante. We’ve packed a massive amount of additional John Cooper Works upgrades into both cars, and we expect both cars to deliver heart-pounding thrills on both road and race track,” commented Brett Waudby, General Manager for Mini in Australia and New Zealand.
The Mini Nightfall Edition John Cooper Works 3-door Hatch is priced at $70,990 (driveaway), and the Mini Nightfall Edition John Cooper Works Convertible is priced at $75,290 (driveaway).
Key highlights of the MINI Nightfall Edition John Cooper Works 3-door Hatch and Convertible:
- Enigmatic Black Metallic Exterior Paint
- Piano Black Exterior
- Piano Black MINI badges and Edition-specific badging
- John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Bonnet Scoop
- John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Tailpipe Surrounds
- John Cooper Works 17-inch Track Spoke alloy wheels Finished in Black
- John Cooper Works Sports Brake System
- John Cooper Works Carbon Black Leather/Dinamica Sports Seats
- John Cooper Works PRO Steering wheel in Alcantara
- John Cooper Works PRO Handbrake in Carbon Fibre
- Panorama Sunroof
- Piano Black Interior
- Anthracite Headliner (3-door Hatch only)
- MINI Navigation system with Real Time Traffic Information and 8.8 touchscreen monitor
- Adaptive LED headlights incl. Union Jack tail lights
- Adaptive cruise control
- Comfort Access
- Reversing Camera
- Wireless Phone Charging in armrest
- MINI Connected Drive Services
- Apple CarPlay
- Emergency call and Teleservices
- Harman Kardon HiFi Sound System with 12 speakers (410 Watt) and 8-ch digital amplifier
Technical Specifications:
| Model | Engine | Power / Torque | 0-100km/h | Fuel Use | CO2 |
| MINI John Cooper Works 3-door Hatch | 4-cylinder petrol 1998cc | 170kW/320Nm |
6.1s
|
6.0 L/100 km
|
137 g/km
|
| MINI John Cooper Works Convertible | 4-cylinder petrol 1998cc | 170kW/320Nm | 6.5s | 6.3 L/100 km
|
144 g/km
|
Once we have tested and assessed the new Mini Nightfall Limited edition models, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.