Performance MINI April/May 2021

With the last issue technically going on sale right at the end of 2020, let me welcome you to the first issue of 2021. The new year may not have started quite the way we would have liked with yet another lockdown, but despite what the coronavirus might throw at us, I’ve got a feeling this is going to be an exciting year for modern MINI fans. For starters, 2021 marks the 20th birthday for the reborn British icon, and we’ve got a special issue coming up next time to celebrate this important milestone. We’ve also got loads of fantastic feature cars and plenty more feature ideas in the pipeline too, all waiting to be photographed just as soon as lockdown is lifted and we can get out more. But there’s always room…

INTRO WELCOME With the last issue technically going on sale right at the end of 2020, let me welcome you to the first issue of 2021. The new year may not have started quite the way we would have liked with yet another lockdown, but despite what the coronavirus might throw at us, I’ve got a feeling this is going to be an exciting year for modern MINI fans. For starters, 2021 marks the 20th birthday for the reborn British icon, and we’ve got a special issue coming up next time to celebrate this important milestone. We’ve also got loads of fantastic feature cars and plenty more feature ideas in the pipeline too, all waiting to be photographed just as soon as lockdown is lifted and we can get out…

MINI WINS DAKAR The X-Raid MINI JCW team has secured victory on the gruelling Dakar rally for a second consecutive year. Building on the success enjoyed by Carlos Sainz last year, French legend Stéphane Peterhansel kept main rival Nasser Al-Attiyah’s Toyota in sight on the final stages in Saudi Arabia to wrap up a record 14th Dakar Rally victory – 30 years after his first one. The Frenchman won the event by 13 minutes and 51 seconds, while last year’s winner, Sainz, was just over an hour behind in another MINI after 4751 miles of demanding action. The result marks Peterhansel’s third car victory in a MINI, and ‘Mr Dakar’ now stands alone as the biggest winner in a single category with eight car wins, after previously sharing the record with Vladimir Chagin…

UK MINI buyers can now order the latest Clubman and Countryman models as an exclusive UK-only Shadow Edition. Based on the Sport trim but boasting a higher level of standard specification, as well an exclusive bonnet design and decals, the Shadow Edition combines Midnight Black metallic paint with contrasting Silver roof and Piano Black exterior trim. The 19in Circuit Spoke alloys are taken from the JCW range, along with the aero kit, JCW spoiler, and LED front and rear lights. Inside, the Shadow Edition has Anthracite headlining and a Piano Black trim and both the dash trim and tread plates also feature additional graphics. The model also has JCW sport seats and a sports leather steering wheel with contrast stitching in Chili Red. Prices start from £26,805 for the Clubman and £28,755 for…

NEWS MINI WINS DAKAR The X-Raid MINI JCW team has secured victory on the gruelling Dakar rally for a second consecutive year. Building on the success enjoyed by Carlos Sainz last year, French legend Stéphane Peterhansel kept main rival Nasser Al-Attiyah’s Toyota in sight on the final stages in Saudi Arabia to wrap up a record 14th Dakar Rally victory – 30 years after his first one. The Frenchman won the event by 13 minutes and 51 seconds, while last year’s winner, Sainz, was just over an hour behind in another MINI after 4751 miles of demanding action. The result marks Peterhansel’s third car victory in a MINI, and ‘Mr Dakar’ now stands alone as the biggest winner in a single category with eight car wins, after previously sharing the…