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Suspension |
The front axle of the MINI is based on the McPherson suspension strut principle, which offers weight and packaging advantages compared with other chassis systems.
In the MINI, this system has been improved through the addition of a drive shaft bearing, screwed to the engine block, that allows the front axle shafts to be of equal length. This design is normally associated with front-drive vehicles in much higher classes; it provides symmetrical feedback during cornering, accelerating and braking. Normally, small cars have drive shafts of different lengths so that the feedback effect on the side with the shorter drive shaft is greater, which creates a feeling of instability when driving.
The MINI's multi-link rear suspension is unique in this segment. Its geometry is designed in such a way that the wheels always adjust to the best possible angle in relation to the road. The
tires are therefore always in full contact with the tarmac. Changes in the camber of the road have no effect on steering or the car's traction. The multi-link suspension allows good use of space and creates a luggage compartment with a low wide floor between the shock absorbers. These are important characteristics in view of the position of the axle, which is close to the MINI's tail.
Both MINI One and MINI Cooper have an anti-roll bar on the front axle, reinforced on MINI Cooper. In addition, MINI Cooper has an additional anti-roll bar on the rear axle, a sporty chassis and Sports suspension. It is also lower by 8 mm. MINI Cooper can also be specified with a Sport Plus suspension system for the real enthusiast.
Both MINI's are fitted with electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering (EHPAS), which is both accurate and direct, giving the pin-point steering sensation and excellent agility so typical of the classic Mini. The steering wheel only needs to be turned 2.5 times lock to lock. The EHPAS system works on the principle of rack and pinion steering. Whilst conventional steering systems use hydraulic pumps that are continuously driven by the engine, the steering pump in the MINI is operated by a small electric motor that works independently of the car's engine.
Since the power steering is not in use all the time, the engine can switch back into a more economical standby mode if no assistance is required for steering, producing a small cut in fuel consumption.
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