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2021 Mini Cooper S Sidewalk Edition priced just under $40,000

Earlier this year, Mini announced the return of the Sidewalk Edition visual package for the 2021 Mini Convertible, one that appeared way back in 2007 with the first drop-top Mini. Now pricing has been announced at a base price of $39,250, and it will arrive at dealer lots in April. While the number of examples is limited in some markets, 150 in the U.K. for example, Mini hasn't announced a cap for American sales. Part of the high price is due to the fact that the special edition is only being offered on the Cooper S trim level, whereas in Europe, it will be available on various trims down to the entry-level Mini One. That means the U.S. version comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four making 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It will come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, but a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic will be available for an additional $1,500, pushing the price past the $40,000 mark. The package is available with either a dark metallic blue or a black paint job with a dark gray top. European models get a few more color options. All models come with custom wheels, badging and a leather interior to match the top. It also includes several optional features as standard including a heads-up display, 8.8-inch infotainment system, heated seats, automatic climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, upgraded sound system, LED headlights and fog lights and proximity locking and unlocking. Related Video:

Mini recalls select 2015 Cooper Hardtops over seats

The new Mini Cooper Hardtop only recently reached the market, but already BMW is having to recall a limited number of the hatchbacks. The problem revolves around the front seats, whose adjustment mechanism may not fully lock into place. In the event of an accident, that could lead to the seatback folding unexpectedly, which carries with it an increased risk of injury for the driver and front passenger. The issue only affects the new 2015 Mini Cooper, specifically two-door Hardtop models manufactured in the short window between August 12 and September 2, 2014. That amounts to only 846 units, according to the notice posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which you can read below. Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified to bring their Minis into their local dealership to have the seatback adjustment mechanisms realligned and tightened to remedy the problem. RECALL Subject : Seatback may Fold in Rear Impact Crash Report Receipt Date: NOV 10, 2014 NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V721000 Component(s): SEATS Potential Number of Units Affected: 846 Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC SUMMARY: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door vehicles manufactured August 12, 2014, to September 2, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the driver and front passenger seatback adjustment mechanism may not be fully engaged. CONSEQUENCE: If the seatback adjustment mechanism is not fully engaged, the seatback may fold during a rear impact collision, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant. REMEDY: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will re-align and re-tighten the seatback adjustment mechanisms, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2014. Owners can contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Mini lineup could expand to include up to 10 models, still no hope for Rocketman

During an event in Ponce, Puerto Rico last week where Mini introduced members of the media to the 2013 Paceman and John Cooper Works GP, product planners discussed that the brand's lineup could expand to eventually include up to 10 bodystyles. Currently, the Mini range consists of seven models: the Hardtop, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupe, Roadster and Paceman.
Speaking to members of the media, David Duncan, Mini USA sales manager, said that these new models could fall into a range of niches - "any segment that makes sense for a small car." No specific vehicle classes were discussed, but Duncan stated that the possibilities are endless, "as long as we're the smallest player in any segment."
Well, nearly endless. We've been hoping that Mini would re-think its decision to nix plans to create a vehicle smaller than the Hardtop - a notion previewed by the excellent Rocketman concept (shown above) from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show - but the automaker once again stated that this is absolutely off the table. In order to create a vehicle of the Rocketman's size, a completely new platform would have to be engineered (that's expensive), and while Mini has looked into acquiring existing architecture from another brand, parent company BMW has reportedly put the kibosh on such an act. If a Rocketman is ever to be born, BMW/Mini will do it on its own, and right now, that simply isn't in the cards.