EVER since the Mini took on its new role as a luxury people mover, instead of an affordable moving box, it has not lacked in creating cars with expressive design and strange names. The latest of these iterations of the Mini is called the Resolute. The car, launched in Europe late last year is now available in North America and will be released in other markets, including the Philippines later this year.
Bringing what its makers call “inspirational driving fun, premium quality and individual style,” the Mini Resolute is a 3-door hatch that combines a “classic body concept and the brand’s fascinating tradition.” It captures the very essence of this unique combination with its exclusive design and equipment features, it offers a modern re-interpretation of the authentic qualities embraced by the Mini 3-door.
The Mini Cooper S 3-door in the Resolute Edition, is a prime example of traditional sporty flair. Its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with Mini TwinPower Turbo Technology has a peak output of 131 kW/178 hp and a maximum torque of 280 Nm. With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, this highly spirited small car sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. When fitted with the optional 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch, it moves a touch faster — in this case the standard sprint takes just 6.7 seconds. The car’s top speed is measured at 235 km/h.
Painted Rebel Green, a variant of British racing green, the standard livery for racing cars with the Union Jack, the Resolute echoes the brand’s early motor racing career. The color expresses the sporting spirit of this premium small car. This finish was previously exclusive to the top athlete Mini John Cooper Works but has since been released from that exclusivity. When combined with a finish in Pepper White or black for the roof and exterior mirror caps and bonnet stripes with parallel lines in light and dark gold tones a true sense of athleticism is achieved.
Along with exclusive 18-inch light alloy wheels in Pulse Spoke Black round off the sporty appearance of the edition vehicle. 17-inch alloy wheels are also available in the Tentacle Spoke Black variant as an alternative.
Hallmark design features are finished in exclusive Resolute Bronze. This includes the headlight surrounds, the radiator grille and rear lights, the side scuttles on the front side panels, the door and tailgate handles, the air intakes in the front apron and the fuel filler cap.
An attractive contrast is provided by the brand logos and model inscriptions, which like the inner frame and crossbar of the radiator grille and the tailpipe trim of the exhaust system are finished in Piano Black. A clear commitment to the brand’s historic roots is also signaled by the “RESOLUTE” inscription on the bonnet stripes and door sill finishers.
This athleticism continues in the inside where Mini is wrapped first with the anthracite-colored roof liner and sports seats in exclusive Black Pearl/Light checkered fabric/leatherette, which are combined with black armrests and knee rolls.
There is an option called the “Mini Yours Leather Lounge” in Carbon Black with particularly striking stitching and piping as well as a perforated Union Jack motif on the headrests. The range of standard equipment also includes the Nappa sports leather steering wheel. An edition emblem is featured on the bottom spoke of the Nappa sports leather steering wheel and on the floor mats.
The high-quality and authentic style of the Mini Cooper S-3 door in the Resolute Edition is further highlighted by means of distinctive interior surfaces. Against the black background of these surfaces, parallel and evenly curved lines in a light golden tone form an exquisite pinstripe pattern, also echoing the structure of the bonnet stripes.
The design features of the Edition are atmospherically showcased by the lighting package, with LED units that provide targeted interior illumination, as well as by the Ambient Light, which additionally includes such features as a laser-engraved ring for the central instrument and also light piping in the doors and cockpit area, as well as illuminated door handles and door entry areas. The Mini Driving Modes likewise form part of the equipment package for the Mini Cooper 3-door in the Resolute Edition. A toggle switch can be used to activate more strikingly sporty characteristics in the vehicle’s drive and suspension systems.
