2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible

A minor refresh for MINI One, MINI One D, MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S.

From July 2004, the MINI hatchback range will receive an enhanced interior and exterior look. In addition, modifications to the transmission will increase engine flexibility in the mid range. Trevor Houghton-Berry, general manager MINI UK said: "Clearly we did not want to change a winning formula - customers love the friendly face and retro interior of the MINI. This model update is merely a few subtle tweaks to make the MINI even more desirable than it already is."

New transmission

A new five-speed 'Getrag' gearbox with modified gear ratios will feature in all MINI One and MINI Cooper models. The modification results in improved acceleration for both models. The MINI One now accelerates in fourth gear from 50-75mph in 11.9 seconds (previously 12.8 seconds).

Torque on the MINI Cooper has been increased from 149Nm at 4,500rpm to 150Nm at 4,500rpm. This minor improvement helps the MINI Cooper knock 0.1 of a second off its 0-62mph acceleration sprint to record a time of 9.1 seconds (previously 9.2 seconds). Acceleration in fifth gear from 50-75mph takes 13.5 seconds, an improvement of one second.

MINI One and MINI Cooper engine power remain the same at 90bhp and 115bhp respectively but the Cooper S posts a 7bhp increase in performance taking its maximum output to 170bhp at 6,000rpm. Top speed is increased by 3mph to 138mph and the all-important 0-62mph is achieved in just 7.2 seconds, a reduction of 0.2 seconds. Also, torque has been increased by ten Newton metres, peaking at 220Nm at 4,000rpm.

The exterior

All MINI models receive new clear glass headlights that provide brighter illumination. The optional xenon headlights have also been modified to include an additional ring of light spots for increased visibility.

The MINI One and MINI Cooper also get a re-designed front and rear bumper. At the front, the bumper has been lowered, while at the rear, the rubbing strip has been split with the fog light re-positioned neatly between the two halves (previously the rubbing strip was a single unit with the fog light above). Reversing lights are now integrated into the newly designed rear light clusters.

Two new metallic exterior paint colours will be introduced from July - Astro Black (replaces Cosmos Black) and Black-Eyed Purple (replaces Indi Blue). Another new metallic colour, Hyper Blue, will be reserved for Cooper S models. Electric Blue will be extended as a colour option on all models with the exception of the MINI Convertible range. This means that there is a choice of ten exterior colours for every MINI in the range.

The interior