2022 model sneak peek

[bldxyz]

To be fair the cheapest level of Minis only come in black vinyl. To me I love heat but look for shade when driving others. When we cannot we just open the roof and windows.

As a parent only wealthy who can afford regular detailing would get light interiors

Our 2012 Acura TSX has a light colored leather interior. The leather hasn't worn poorly at all.

 

[Lainey]

Our 2012 Acura TSX has a light colored leather interior. The leather hasn't worn poorly at all.

My car before my Mini was light colored leather from Honda. Never again - denim (what we wear most in winter) stained. Even the car seats left marks (no eating in the car ever). Made the mistake once. I'll live with a couple degrees hotter vs that again.

 

[Puppethead]

To be fair Mini uses preconditioning as a term too.

Wow, that must be the Android app. iPhone app is "climatize" everywhere. But notice it's qualified: "interior preconditioning". Shame on them! I wonder what terminology the new app (if it ever comes out) will use.

 

[Lainey]

Wow, that must be the Android app. iPhone app is "climatize" everywhere. But notice it's qualified: "interior preconditioning". Shame on them! I wonder what terminology the new app (if it ever comes out) will use.

It's climatize most places except for that one area. Mostly just pointing out we say what we see not to argue semantics.

 

[Texas22Step]

On the fob. It's called "Convenient Opening" where you hold the unlock button to open the windows and sunroof. It is amazing what heat escapes in 10 seconds or so of doing that before entering.

Thank you from here in Texas. I will definitely use that feature this coming summer!

 

[bldxyz]

My car before my Mini was light colored leather from Honda. Never again - denim (what we wear most in winter) stained. Even the car seats left marks (no eating in the car ever). Made the mistake once. I'll live with a couple degrees hotter vs that again.

Maybe there is a quality difference between Honda and Acura’s leather? I don’t know how else to explain that our denim wearing family, car seats and all, didn’t leave stains or lasting marks.
Or maybe there is no better time to say, “your mileage may vary”?

 

[GvilleGuy]

Maybe there is a quality difference between Honda and Acura’s leather? I don’t know how else to explain that our denim wearing family, car seats and all, didn’t leave stains or lasting marks.
Or maybe there is no better time to say, “your mileage may vary”?

It must depend on the quality/type. My current Hyundai Santa Fe (2014) with light tan leather has weathered well over 7 years.

 

[GetOffYourGas]

On the fob. It's called "Convenient Opening" where you hold the unlock button to open the windows and sunroof. It is amazing what heat escapes in 10 seconds or so of doing that before entering.

I worry about doing that by mistake. If I did that right now, the roof would dump several inches of snow on the front seats!

 

[Puppethead]

I worry about doing that by mistake. If I did that right now, the roof would dump several inches of snow on the front seats!

I can't describe how many times I've gotten into my SE only to be warned the trunk is open because the open hatch button gets pressed in my pocket when I get in the car. It is infuriating. At least with the windows you have to hold the button down for about 10-15 seconds before it starts.

 

[Lainey]

I worry about doing that by mistake. If I did that right now, the roof would dump several inches of snow on the front seats!

I never had an issue with my other car. It takes a few to get it going. Not sure it would be easy to do by mistake.

My car is sidelined today with snow too. Considering calling the dealer to see what they have in stock or ones they can get soonish.

 

[Lainey]

Maybe there is a quality difference between Honda and Acura’s leather? I don’t know how else to explain that our denim wearing family, car seats and all, didn’t leave stains or lasting marks.
Or maybe there is no better time to say, “your mileage may vary”?

I could also wear much deeper color denim. I stopped even carrying a super nice tan leather bag because of the rub.

I just know it is much harder to keep clean. I'm not hard on my interiors either as we don't allow eating or drinking inside. It was my first light interior after black and I never want to go back. Plus to be real, it wasn't really cooler than my black of the other car we had at the same time. At least not enough.

 

[bldxyz]

Getting back to the Island Blue color and the SE.

I'm noticing something on the pictures of the SE in Island Blue that I do not see on any of the other 2022 models photographed. I'm going to call it "electrical lead homage", for the shape and outline of it.

If you look at the lower left car, the SE, you can see a faint, rounded-corner, thickly outlined rectangular shape on either side of the hood scoop:

Notice that this is not visible on the three other cars, none of which are the SE.

I had previously overlooked this as I thought it was a lighting effect.

A closer look at the "electrical lead homage":

And, for contrast, a solid look at the 5-door with the bonnet stripes in Island Blue, but no electrical lead homage:

So I think it is safe to say this is not an artifact of the color, but it is specific to the SE. It also lines up with what someone above said about bonnet stripes not being available on the SE, since it would really look odd if you had them and this faint electrical lead homage. It may be an intentional differentiation. It may only exist in Island Blue on the SE (anyone see any photos of a 2022 SE that is not in Island Blue for comparison?)

What do y'all think?

 

[GvilleGuy]

I, too, want to know what is going on. The press pack photos also have a few shots showing a similar design on the side.

https://eminiman.com/2022/

 

[Lainey]

Honestly too early to know for me. The SE was never available to easily order bonnet stripes, and yet my dealership had it done before the car made it to their lot. I actually would be quite annoyed if those things were the only option as they aren't noticeable enough for me. Though as long as they are removable, it's not the end of the world. I think we will have to wait to see what they do. But just know that saying "no bonnet stripes for the SE" doesn't mean much since the dealerships couldn't put them on the purchase order ever even for 2020 or 2021s

 

[bldxyz]

I, too, want to know what is going on. The press pack photos also have a few shots showing a similar design on the side.

Good catch! I hadn't noticed that there, either. I'm pretty convinced now that it is a distinguishing characteristic of the paint job or an overlay like Bonnet Stripes. Want to see how they present this when the Configuration Tool goes live.

 

[Lainey]

Good catch! I hadn't noticed that there, either. I'm pretty convinced now that it is a distinguishing characteristic of the paint job or an overlay like Bonnet Stripes. Want to see how they present this when the Configuration Tool goes live.

I'll wager it's not paint, but an overlay. Why? Because in the closer look of the bonnet, it seems like there is an edge just like stripes get. I can see the paint doing the roof different but the sides like that? Doubt it's paint. Interested to see what comes up with the US site or if it is a real option at all.

 

[MichaelC]

I'll wager it's not paint, but an overlay. Why? Because in the closer look of the bonnet, it seems like there is an edge just like stripes get. I can see the paint doing the roof different but the sides like that? Doubt it's paint. Interested to see what comes up with the US site or if it is a real option at all.

I did some poking around on the German MINI SE Models & Options page, and the the Island Blue color is only available on the trim level they call the "MINI Electric Collection 2021". (Don't ask me why it's named 2021 and not 2022 - I am not a marketing genius.)

The (translated into English) summary:

Be inspired by the new MINI Electric Collection 2021 with Multitone Roof, paint finish in Island Blue, accents in Piano Black and subtle, graphic design elements on the bonnet, on the side and aluminum door sill with logo.

It also shows this:

HOOD STRIPES

• Bonnet strips are available regardless of trim

Stepping through the configurator, I didn't see any options for selecting bonnet stripes of any kind. <shrug>

 

[insightman]

My car before my Mini was light colored leather from Honda. Never again - denim (what we wear most in winter) stained. Even the car seats left marks (no eating in the car ever). Made the mistake once. I'll live with a couple degrees hotter vs that again.

I declined to accept an expensive interior/exterior protection package offered by my late, lamented MINI dealership (it's now a used car lot). Despite this, my excellent and experienced saleslady had my Satellite Grey leather seats treated before delivery (for free), telling me later that it was necessary to protect them from blue jeans. I'm happy to report my new jeans haven't left any evidence, for which I'm very grateful. I agree that light seats marked by blue bottoms would not be a good thing.

 

[Puppethead]

MINI to stop offering leather upholstery in future models.

 

[insightman]

My 1st-gen Honda Insights (2000 & 2006) had seats made from recycled pop bottles. I trust MINI will come up with a more durable eco-fabric.