For all 2022 model 12 months fashions, MINI ditched the handbook transmission within the U.S. market. Provide chain restrictions, as a result of varied worldwide market points, triggered MINI to drop a number of choices, in addition to trim ranges and particular version fashions, from its lineup and the handbook was the most important casualty. Many shoppers had been upset, as handbook transmissions are type of synonymous with the MINI model and among the many greatest the explanation why its clients select it over a few of its opponents. Now, although, for 2023, MINI is bringing the handbook transmission again to the U.S. market.
There’s a little bit of a catch, although. The row-your-own gearbox is barely obtainable on MINI 2-Door Hardtop fashions. So if you’d like the 4-Door, the Clubman, or the Convertible, you’re nonetheless caught with the automated. Nevertheless, for these 2-Door Hardtop clients, a handbook transmission will probably be obtainable as a standalone choice for all post-November construct vehicles. It’s additionally obtainable throughout the 2-Door Hardtop’s lineup: the Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works.
Some new paint choices will hit the MINI lineup, too. There’s Melting Silver III, which will probably be obtainable throughout your complete model’s lineup and Nanuq White, which is able to solely be obtainable on Hardtop fashions. Each of that are no-cost choices. Conversely, there will probably be some paint choices that gained’t be obtainable after October: Pepper White, White Silver, and Moonwalk Gray.
The bottom model MINI 2-Door Hardtop in Signature 2.0 trim (which is complicated as a result of the “2.0” doesn’t denote its engine, it’s nonetheless a 1.5-liter three-cylinder) begins at $28,600 and comes with a really wholesome suite of as-standard equipment. With out including any price to the automobile, you possibly can choose from 5 totally different colours, select from two totally different wheel choices, choose both a handbook or computerized transmission, and two totally different inside trims. If you’d like a heated steering wheel, it’s solely a further $250. So for below $30,000, you possibly can have a brand-new MINI in nearly any shade you need with a six-speed handbook gearbox, a high-definition infotainment system, black wheels, and a heated steering wheel. Not too shabby.
Although, I believe followers are simply joyful that the handbook is again. MINI will probably be changing this era of 2-Door Hardtop fairly quickly, so when you like this era of automobile however had been ready on a six-speed, now’s your likelihood.
