MINIUSA Officially Announces 2006 Updates

Sections: Official News | R50 (Coupe) | R52 (Conv.) | R53 (Coupe) Aug 5th, 2005

MINIUSA has finally released it’s official 2006 press release to the public this morning. This news release comes a couple weeks after we leaked all of the official 2006 details so there really aren’t any surprises here. Nevertheless, it’s a nice summary of all the changes we’ve been talking about at MotoringFile for the past couple of weeks:

MINI USA enhances its 2006 model line up with new packages and optional features, including most notably a new Checkmate package and new factory-installed John Cooper Works package. In addition, MINI USA holds the line on 2006 MSRP pricing for the MINI Cooper, the MINI Cooper Convertible and the MINI Cooper S Convertible. The MINI Cooper S hardtop increases by $200.

John Cooper Works Kit Now Factory-Installed
MINI has now made the popular John Cooper Works performance upgrade available as a 2006 factory-installed option. In addition to the engine performance upgrade, the factory installation adds the John Cooper Works sport brake kit and a limited-slip differential. Along with the expanded line of John Cooper Works tuner accessories, MINI USA will continue to offer the dealer-installed John Cooper Works engine performance kit. The factory-installed package will retail for $6,300.

Checkmate Package Highlights New 2006 Options
For 2006, MINI USA now offers even more ways for owners to individualize their MINI. Available on the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S hardtop models, the Checkmate package features an exclusive exterior appearance with special Checkmate side decals, a rear spoiler and bonnet stripes. The custom Checkmate interior offers uniquely patterned cloth/leather sport seats, leather wrapped wheel and a high-gloss, specially patterned dash panel. An exclusive performance wheel and tire package, Dynamic Stability Control and font fog lamps round out the package’s sporty orientation.

MINI USA also expands its line of optional equipment for 2006. New interior options include English Leather upholstery, a MINI “Seven” high-gloss black dash panel and a MINI “Park Lane” dash. Exterior options include roof, mirror caps and bonnet stripes now available in silver, new paint colors including Solar Red, Royal Grey and Space Blue and two new 15″ no-cost wheel packages for the MINI Cooper.

2006 Pricing
As the definitive premium small car, MINI offers an ideal combination of value, fun and performance. By holding prices for three out of four models and offering more options and features, MINI increases the value equation for 2006. The 2006 MINI Cooper holds at $17,500 and the MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper S Convertible hold at $22,000 and $25,400 respectively. All MSRP pricing include a $550 destination charge.

Select package and option prices have been incrementally adjusted for 2006; Sport and Premium packages have increased by $50, metallic paint has increased by $30 and the body color dash is now optional at $200.

[ 2006 MINIUSA Pricing/JCW Option Info ] MotoringFile

[ Factory JCW Kit Confirmed ] MotoringFile

[ 2006 US Market Color Changes ] MotoringFile

[ The US Checkmate Special Options Package ] MotoringFile

Written By: Gabe

25 Comments

Ian Aug 5th, 2005 Link

Gabe, I put the pdf pricing documents up on GBMINI.net, in case anyone wants to read them line by line ;)

Damon Aug 5th, 2005 Link

I really like the new bonnet stripes graphic. Will it be available for retrofit? It looks like the bonnet scoop must be molded the matching stripe color. There would be no way to apply a decal on such a complex shape so that would mean replacing the scoop to retrofit to earlier models.

I’m thinking those stripes in black would look good on my Pepper White but it will be pricey if you have to buy a new scoop

Grace Aug 5th, 2005 Link

thought I had missed the pricing and package sheets. but now I got them all. Thanks a lot :D

Gabe Aug 5th, 2005 Link

Actually the last four pages in the official pricing sheets were the key ones (describing what options are available for each car, colors etc) and I had to unfortunately take them down this morning.

Your dealer may have the info however.

Mike (The Office Maven) Aug 5th, 2005 Link

Actually the last four pages in the official pricing sheets were the key ones (describing what options are available for each car, colors etc) and I had to unfortunately take them down this morning.

Gabe,

Why did MINI USA ask you to take them down? Was it a case of them not wanting the public to have the specs before the dealers got their acts together?

Mike (The Office Maven) Aug 5th, 2005 Link

BTW… I’ve seen them and there doesn’t appear to be anything special in the last four pages to me (i.e. nothing that hasn’t already been reported here on MF.

Gabe Aug 5th, 2005 Link

Why did MINI USA ask you to take them down? Was it a case of them not wanting the public to have the specs before the dealers got their acts together?

Well not really. The dealers got this info awhile back - they should have their acts together by now. Actually I’ve been holding off on releasing these for two weeks in an effort to wait for the info to officially become public (which it did today). However it appears that they still would rather not see these PDFs out there. They are proprietary and confidential and they politely asked me to take them down.

BTW… I’ve seen them and there doesn’t appear to be anything special in the last four pages to me (i.e. nothing that hasn’t already been reported here on MF.

Yeah that’s a good point Mike. There’s really nothing in the PDF period that hasn’t been reported here already ;) I guess that’s why this really isn’t an issue.

Edge Aug 5th, 2005 Link

This is one way to confirm that MINIUSA pays attention to MF! :)

matt Aug 5th, 2005 Link

“This is one way to confirm that MINIUSA pays attention to MF!” - Edge

that and the big banner ad in the header.

Ralph Aug 5th, 2005 Link

“By holding prices for three out of four models and offering more options and features, MINI increases the value equation for 2006. The 2006 MINI Cooper holds at $17,500 and the MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper S Convertible hold at $22,000 and $25,400 respectively. All MSRP pricing include a $550 destination charge.”

======================================

$25,400 for a MCS?! That’s NOT holding the price down. You can get a base MCS currently for $20,400 + $550 Des. charge. How can a price increase of $5,400 be “holding prices”?

IMO 25k+ is way to much for a base MCS, and a price increase of 5k+ is outrageous. Once you start adding options (even limited options), Tax, Lic, etc it can easily cost more than 33k. No way. I like my 04′ Mini’s but before I’ll spend 30k+ I’d look at other vehicles. Low value of dollar vs Euro or not (and the Euro is starting to sink) a 5k increase is crazy. Seems BMW is doing the same thing to the MINI as they did for the 3 series - price gouge!

rpM Aug 5th, 2005 Link

thats 25,400 for a MCSc

Robert Aug 5th, 2005 Link

“$25400 for a MCS?!”

Ummm, That’s the convertible. No change from last year.

Ralph Aug 5th, 2005 Link

$25,400 for a MCS?! That’s NOT holding the price down. You can get a base MCS currently for $20,400 + $550 Des. charge. How can a price increase of $5,400 be “holding prices”?

OOPS! :-) boy my eyes are failing me today. Sorry about that just re-read it and that price of 25,4K is for a MCS convert and not a MCS. My appologies. Think I need to go relax and take a drive my MINI.

Still, 25K for convertible seems a bit high. Oh well. Once again sorry for the miss read and post.

Micah Aug 5th, 2005 Link

Just to confirm, the USA Checkmate package will not include a LSD, correct? So I should account for an additional $500 over and above the Checkmate package for a LSD.

The UK version of Checkmate (as posted on Mini2) states that LSD comes with the package:

http://www.mini2.com/news/news306.html

Gabe Aug 5th, 2005 Link

Yes the US Checkmate Options Package doesn’t include it.

One thing to remember though.. the UK Checkmate is a limited edition car that comes pre-specced… in the US we get the flexibility of just having it all as a package.

Micah Aug 5th, 2005 Link

Thanks for the confirmation Gabe.

blalor Aug 5th, 2005 Link

This is one way to confirm that MINIUSA pays attention to MF! :)

Gabe, maybe it’s time to start an article and monster comment thread about the crappy software they’ve stuck us with! I’d hate for them to think even one car did not have that stupid cold-start-stumble…

Heh. Just noticed that you updated The Fine Print with my Markdown mention verbatim. Cool. ;-)

Gabe Aug 5th, 2005 Link

Heh. Just noticed that you updated The Fine Print with my Markdown mention verbatim. Cool. ;-)

Yeah - it was easier to find the time to do it when it was already written :)

MiniMe Aug 5th, 2005 Link

Can we still order an ‘05? I am freaking out right now as I intended to spec out an E-Blue S.

revwillie Aug 6th, 2005 Link

Maybe someone who has seen the price list can answer this: Can the checkmate package be ordered without the checkered flag decals (side scuttle as the mini.com web side calls them)? Is there an a-la-carte option for the special interior or does it only come with the CM package?

J Aug 6th, 2005 Link

i wouldnt mind seeing a “carbon fiber” design bonnet stripe similar to the one shown above (checkmate package?). i think that wwould look cool with all the jcw accsessories like the hood scoop

d-mini-ero Aug 7th, 2005 Link

Base price for a base MCS Coupe is $21,150
destination included)

Peace,
D

Johnny Aug 7th, 2005 Link

One can only get Space Blue and Royal Grey with Body color or silver roofs - disappointing.

Jen Aug 7th, 2005 Link

Are those going to be the new stripes??? For all colors? I went to a dealership, and the salesman told me it was only going to be like that for silver only…. but here in the pic, it’s white!!! YIKES!! I like the old ones! DARN!

Mark Smith Aug 9th, 2005 Link

“One can only get Space Blue and Royal Grey with Body color or silver roofs - disappointing.”

That is incorrect. The silver roof is available with Purple Haze, Astro Black, Dark Silver, and Hyper Blue as well. A very good selection.

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