The new Mini Seven is the first limited-edition spin-off of the latest-generation Hardtop.
Mini has always a premium on customization, so it’s no surprise to see the British maker unveil its first special edition from the latest generation of Mini vehicles.
For those who haven’t been steeped in the brand’s heritage, the name, Mini Seven, harkens back to August 1959, when two very similar models, the Austin Seven and Morris Mini Minor made their debut, both crafted by legendary designer Alec Issigonis.
This special version of the newest Mini Hardtop, the 2017 Mini Seven will make its formal debut in U.S. showrooms late this summer in both two and four-door versions. Like the stock Mini Hardtop, the Seven will be available in both Cooper and Cooper S variants.
The Mini Seven will introduce a new Lapisluxury Blue paint finish, something the maker suggests is the “blue of kings.” Three other colors will be available as options. There’s also contrasting silver caps on the mirrors and roof.
A distinctive badge spells it out.
Adds Mini, “The exclusive bonnet stripes of the new MINI Seven are designed to harmonize with the coloring of the roof and exterior mirror caps. The bonnet stripes, also in Melting Silver, each feature a surround in the color Malt Brown on the outside.”
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The special edition gets unique 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels, both featuring a distinctive two-tone finish.
For those who might miss those unique touches, Mini caps the exterior revisions with twin surrounds on the car’s side scuttles. They bear the special edition’s logo and both the number “7,” and the word, “seven,” spelled out.
Inside, special sport seats have been finished in Diamond Malt Brown upholstery, created exclusively for the Mini Seven. But buyers can opt for several alternative fabric and leather finishes.
Additional interior accents distinguish the Mini Seven from standard versions of the newest Mini Hardtop.
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As with the stock model, the Mini Seven can be ordered in both two and four-door body configurations.
Inside the new Mini Seven.
The base Mini Seven Cooper will be powered by a 134-horsepower 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine, with the Cooper S bumping things up to 189 horsepower from a TwinPower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powerplant.
Both powerplants can be paired with either a 6-speed Steptronic or a 6-speed manual gearbox, power being directed to the front wheels.
The very first Mini to roll out of the factory in Longbridge, England on April 4, 1959 was the Austin Seven. It was nearly identical to the Morris Mini Minor that followed, but for subtle details like the radiator grille and hub caps.
Mini plans to release pricing for the new Seven closer to its on-sale date.
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