- Excellent dynamics
- Sensitive, precise steering
- Body feels solid and rigid
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Cramped rear seat
- Limited boot space
- Road noise on coarse-chip roads
- Engines susceptible to premature timing chain tensioner wear
Overview
Released in April 2011, the Mini R56 Ray was a small, three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Cowley, England, the front-wheel drive Ray was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Engine
The 1.6-litre ‘Prince’ petrol engine had a cast aluminium cylinder block, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve lift (based on BMW’s ‘Valvetronic’) and a compression ratio of 11.0:1.
Dimensions and suspension
Positioned below the R56 Cooper on which it was based, the R56 Ray was 3723 mm long, 1683 mm wide, 1407 mm tall and had a 2467 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the R56 Ray had single-joint MacPherson spring strut front axle and a rear Z-axle with longitudinal struts and centrally-pivoted control arms; the R56 Ray also had electro-hydraulic power steering.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Ray | 1.6-litre petrol I4 | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
72 kW at 6000 rpm | 153 Nm at 3000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Mini Ray included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control with corner braking control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , the R56 Cooper received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 32.51 out of 37. In the frontal offset impact test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver. In the side impact test, there was a moderate risk of serious chest injury for the driver.
Features
Standard features for the Mini Ray included a six speaker sound system with an MP3 player, air conditioning, split and folding rear seats, rear fog lights, remote central locking, power mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring and an immobiliser.
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