Redressing the Chilli factor

MINI hoses down pricing for its popular Chilli option
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A MINI Cooper S with a dash of Chilli now costs a bit less, after a pricing realignment that sees around 75 per cent chopped off the price of the popular option.

Available on MINI Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper D and Cabrio and Clubman versions, the package – which varies in content depending on the model – is priced 75 per cent lower than previously.

The manufacturer's recommended list price for a Chilli equipped Cooper S is now $41,600, or $900 above the basic Cooper S price.

In the Cooper S hatch, the Chilli package brings goodies such as upgraded, conical-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-Xenon headlights with washers, sports seats with cloth/leather trim, a Harmon Kardon audio system and climate-control air-conditioning - all of which, according to the MINI team, adds up to a total value of more than $5500. Chilli specification for the Cooper S Clubman version varies from the S hatch only with the adoption of 17-inch two-piece web-spoke alloy wheels.

Standard Cooper S specification includes stability control, cornering brake control, sport button, onboard computer, Bluetooth and USB audio interface.

The Chilli pack in regular Cooper hatch variants, including the turbodiesel D version, includes 16-inch alloys, "Chrome line" exterior, sports seats with cloth/leather trim, climate-control and Harmon Kardon audio.

In Clubman form, the Chilli pack includes 17-inch alloys, "Chrome line" exterior, sports seats with cloth/leather trim, climate-control and Harmon Kardon audio.

According to MINI's national manager David Woollcott, "Our customers demonstrate their appreciation of MINI's vast customisation options. The Chilli package has always proven extremely popular."

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