2017 MINI Seven special edition references a bit of MINI history you may not know

By Stephen Edelstein Published May 11, 2016

MINI has been busy creating new variants from its latest BMW Group UKL platform, launching everything from a convertible to the four-door Clubman wagon. Having apparently run out of body styles, MINI is now turning its attention to special editions.

The 2017 MINI Seven is the first special edition based on the current-generation MINI. It’s a retro throwback meant to recall the original BMC Mini (as if the stock version’s styling didn’t already do that). The name is a reference to one of the two names that the much smaller Mini wore when it launched in 1959: Austin Seven and Morris Mini Minor.

The car shown here is painted in the available Lapisluxury Blue, which MINI claims is the “most intensive blue tone” every applied to the body of one of its cars. It gets a special paint process to ensure “striking brilliance, intensity, and depth,” and is normally available only through the MINI Yours customization program. If blue isn’t your color, you can have Pepper White, Midnight Black metallic, or British Racing Green metallic.

Read more: 2015 MINI Cooper S Hardtop review

Regardless of the exterior color, the MINI Seven’s roof and mirror caps are finished in Melting Silver, and the model gets racing stripes in that color as well. Other exterior touches include model-specific 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels, and “Seven” badging on the little turn signal pockets on the front fenders.

On the inside, the MINI Seven gets sport seats upholstered in a combination of fabric and leather, in a Diamond Malt Brown scheme. Various trim bits are pulled from the MINI Yours program as well, and the MINI Connected infotainment system and 6.5-inch touchscreen are standard. An 8.8-inch screen with navigation is optional, along with a Harman Kardon audio system.

The MINI Seven is available as both a Hardtop 2-Door and 4-Door hatchback, in base Cooper or Cooper S form. The Cooper uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The Cooper S boasts a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, with 189 hp and 207 lb-ft. All versions are front-wheel drive, with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The MINI Seven goes on sale this summer; pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.

Stephen Edelstein

Former Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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