MINI USA’s ’10 Model Year Changes Trickle In
While MINI USA hasn’t released anything official yet, we are starting to hear of some info about 2010 options. So let’s talk details.
– As we broke a few months back, MINI will be bring to market an entirely new upgraded stereo created by Harman (the maker of all premium MINI stereos since 2001). The new system is to be branded Harmon/Kardon and should make its way into production builds by December.
– The always important multi-function steering wheel will be standard on the MCS starting in 2010
– The Camden and Mayfair models will be coming to the US as special edition models and not as standalone packages as was once thought. So that means unlike the special editions models released in 2006, you won’t be able to order any of the unique trim or exterior colors found on the models.
– After almost eight years Dark Silver will finally become available on the Cooper in the US.
– As previously announced on MF, Interchange yellow will go from a unique Convertible color to a available across the model range effectively replacing Mellow yellow. A shame in our eyes.
Look for other surprises around the 2010 model year in the coming weeks. And remember, for all those considering ordering over the next year, the life-cycle refresh is right around the corner in 2010. We’ll have more on that and the 2010 model year changes in the days ahead.
Thanks everyone for sending this in.
<p>Crossing fingers for the chrome delete / blackout trim & headlights option.</p>
<p>i seriously think mini should offer to let people pay like 250$ or a discount for those of us who bought the “hi-fi” on the r56 and have a retrofit because what the sold us was JUNK!</p>
<p>Heck at this point, I would just be happy with a retrofit option for those of us that spent the cash the first go around.</p>
<p>do you know how the base MSRP for Cooper S will change for 2010?</p>
<p>Yeah, I’m so disappointed in the hi-fi in my r55. Sounds like a 1982 Dodge. I’ve never been the type to get aftermarket audio work done, but this is the first car that I’ve owned that’s actually needed it. If the new audio system can be retrofitted by the dealer, I would certainly check that out.</p>
<p>I would love to see Matte British Racing Green. The shiny does not do the trick for me. Please let me have a true BRG!!!</p>
<p>I saw an Interchange Yellow MINI Cooper convertible at the new MINI of Pensacola last Saturday. It’s an acquired taste, for sure. It’s very reminiscent of an MGB color called ‘Limeflower’.</p>
<p>So does that mean no more White Silver available on a non-Camden Cooper S?</p>
<p>The Camden interior would have been a slick option. Darth Vader black exterior with a Stormtrooper interior. Sorry…my geek is showing…</p>
<p>“considering ordering over the next year, the life-cycle refresh is right around the corner in 2011” – sounds like a pitch to never order, since there’s always something coming later!</p>
<p>So does that means they will keep the lsd as an option??</p>
<p>To those complaining about the current HI-FI stereo system…. Sorry you bought what you bought when you bought it. It was no secret since the R56 came out in early ’07 that the upgrade stereo was junk.</p>
<p>MINI, like any other manufacturer, reserves the right to make changes to equipment specs and pricing without prior notice.</p>
<p>So in other words, good luck getting $250 bonuses and refunds from MINI. You wanted the car when you got it, now you are owned!</p>
<p>@<a href="#comment-266034" rel="nofollow">Ian C.</a>:</p>
<p>With MINI I have learned my lesson… Let the “first kids on the block” get their cars first and do all the beta/qc testing for them. three years later, give or take, order the perfected product they way it should have been from the get go.</p>
<p>That was the case in 2005 with the mid life refresh of the R53. The car was so much better it wasn’t even funny.</p>
<blockquote>The always important multi-function steering wheel will be standard on the MCS starting in 2010</blockquote>
<p>Sounds great…until we see the price hike. Be gentle on us, MINI. Please. Pretty please.</p>
<p>Didn’t you say in a recent previous article that the life-cycle refresh will be in March 2010 with details slipping out in Mid February?
Now you are saying that it will be in 2011.
(Confused)???</p>
<blockquote>With MINI I have learned my lesson… Let the “first kids on the block†get their cars first and do all the beta/qc testing for them. three years later, give or take, order the perfected product they way it should have been from the get go.
</blockquote>
<p>From what I’ve seen, this is true of almost every manufacturer. It isn’t just MINI, although I understand you do like to smear MINI every chance you get. Products generaly evolve as time goes on. This helps maintain demand. If they did not improve cars, then people would have no reason to trade in after 3-4 years. Also, contrary to what some people like to think, MINI does listen to feed back about product design and they will make changes where appropriate, to improve various aspects of their products.</p>
<p>Multifunction steering wheel is part of the AC/Sunroof option. So, if it’s standard on the MCS, does that mean you’ll pay the same price for that package and just get less now? Or will the package be cheaper on the S modesl?</p>
<p>@Hoover, to add to your geek, try searching for “Darth Cooper” on Google images. Gotta admit that rear side window is pretty neat. :)</p>
<p>The 07′ Mini is not bad at all when compared to the problems/features of the 1st Gen Mini’s launch. This is coming from a happy owner.</p>
<p>Remember, some things you can’t get anymore coming 2010, like the LSD.
Which is why I ordered my car last week (last of the 09’s)
I really want to know how the EDLC handles in the snow, if it is like driving with the DSC on. Any information will be appreciated, or any input from someone that has experienced it. Thats pretty much the only reason I got an 09 instead of waiting. Anyone??
Snow driving is important, I drive in the snow alot.</p>
<p>@<a href="#comment-266067" rel="nofollow">CraigE</a>:</p>
<p>I am a paying customer. I have put over $100K worth of MINI products in my driveway. Smearing? Nah. That sounds too fanboyish.</p>