MINI to Highlight British-Themed Special Editions at Geneva Auto Show

BEDFORD, N.H., March 8, 2013 — As one of the most iconic British brands, MINI already conjures images from across the pond for many American buyers, but the marque will be showcasing three particularly brilliant UK-themed models at the Geneva Auto Show this month. Taking the spotlight will be the debut of the new MINI Clubman Bond Street, which is styled to evoke the posh shopping district of the same name in London, while the MINI Hyde Park and MINI Highgate special editions will also be on display.

Set apart by a Midnight Black body contrasted by Cool Champagne on its roof, mirror caps, bonnet stripes and lower C-pillars, the Bond Street special edition will bring an extra dose of sophistication to the extended-wheelbase MINI Clubman when it goes on sale later this month. That upscale theme continues inside, with exclusive Carbon Black Lounge Leather sport seats featuring Deep Champagne accents, a leather-covered instrument panel and a custom color-coordinated floor.

"From its cheeky marketing campaigns to its classic styling, MINI is an undeniably British auto brand, and the Clubman Bond Street will allow U.S. buyers to take home a sleeker model that reflects the dignified style of London," said Gary King, general manager of MINI of Bedford, a New Hampshire MINI dealer. "We've already seen the designs of the special-edition MINI Hyde Park and MINI Highgate resonate with New England customers, and we expect the same from the Clubman Bond Street when it arrives in our showroom."

Named for the historic outdoor green space in London, the MINI Hyde Park now sports a Pepper White body with the same contrasting Cool Champagne color as the Clubman Bond Street, and it is available in MINI or MINI Clubman guises. Meanwhile, the MINI Highgate is based on the MINI Convertible but receives brown and black bonnet stripes with blue pinstripe trim, commemorative side scuttles and brushed alloy interior trim, nodding to the detailed architecture and landscaping of London's Highgate neighborhood.

MINI's London-inspired special editions won't be the only models highlighted in Geneva, as the upcoming John Cooper Works performance trim of the all-new MINI Paceman will also take to the show platform. Churning out 208 horsepower channeled through a standard six-speed manual gearbox, the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman's extra output is harnessed by a lowered sports suspension, an aerodynamic kit and a standard ALL4 all-wheel-drive system.

"The Paceman was already designed as a sportier, two-door version of the MINI Countryman compact crossover, but its John Cooper Works model will take things up a notch when it arrives later this month," added King. "The fact that John Cooper Works trims are available across the entire MINI lineup means that buyers not only have a range of style options to meet their unique tastes, but also as much performance as they desire."

About MINI of Bedford:
MINI of Bedford is the first and only MINI dealership in New Hampshire, and their team is excited to be bringing motoring fun to Granite State drivers. Shoppers who visit MINI of Bedford online at www.minibedford.com, or in person at 209 S. River Road in Bedford, NH, will find a huge selection of new and used MINI models. Plus, the arrival of MINI to New Hampshire means that convenient MINI service is just around the corner. For more information or to schedule a test-drive, their friendly staff can be reached at 603-637-2900, and those looking for the latest dealership news can visit MINI of Bedford on Facebook at www.facebook.com/miniofbedford.