FastMotoring Motor News In Speed
If you’ve been eyeing off a brand-new MINI Cooper and you are living in Australia but without the budget, likely you are in luck now. BMW-owned brand – MINI Australia today announced the introduction of a sub-$30,000 drive-away MINI.
Due to pricing and serious product competitions from other automakers like Audi, Alfa Romeo and Fiat, the MINI Ray will become the first model to cost less than $30,000 since the niche brand burst on to the Australian automotive scene in 2002. According to the automaker, MINI sales down by 23% compared to this time last year. Therefore, now the MINI Ray arrives.
The MINI Ray is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 72kW of power and 153Nm of torque – making it less powerful than the existing entry-level Cooper (90kW/160Nm). The Ray is also available only with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Fuel consumption for the Ray is listed at 5.4 l/100km, and MINI claims that the MINI Ray takes 10.5 seconds from 0-100km/h.
Based on the MINI ONE we anticipate strong interest in the MINI RAY which has already proven highly-popular in Europe, MINI Australia National Manager David Woollcott said.
There are many MINI-lovers who, until now, may have felt MINI was out of their price range. The MINI RAY appeals to both the heart and the head, with only 300 cars available initially, the privilege will be limited to just a lucky few, he said.
Folks in Malaysia, the only thing that we can do are to wish that BMW Malaysia wisely consider distributing the 2011 MINI Ray in Malaysia.
Photo Gallery: 2011 MINI Ray
