With the new and improved MINI Connected app, drivers will now have access to more comprehensive features and functions. The new version will be available to download from mid-August.

Ever since the early 2010s, in-car connectivity has been on the rise in the automotive industry, with giants such as BMW leading the way. And since MINI drivers certainly don’t want to feel left behind, they’ll now have access to new Connected App features such as MINI Streetwise, Online Search, Sports Instruments and Force Meter, Calendar and basic functions Status, Apps and Profile.

MINI Streetwise will be the main feature of the new MINI Connected app, letting users display the best route on their mobile device even before they start driving. The app uses your personal driving data, along with your own past journeys, displaying information such as trip duration and fuel consumption.

Clicking on the ‘Status’ menu item will bring up the vehicle’s location, fuel level, estimated range, as well as its last journey – which can definitely be helpful on a consistent basis, especially for people who do a lot of driving.

The Sports Instruments and Force Meter “performance” apps can be displayed directly to the MINI Center Instrument. They show you rev speed, torque, engine temperature and output, while the Force Meter app focuses on accelerating forces while on the move, displaying longitudinal and lateral acceleration.

Finally, with the Online Search and Calendar features, you can now find places and transfer them directly to the optional MINI navigation system for route planning. You can also make phone calls from the Online Search function, which does sound pretty helpful.

As for your appointments, to-do’s and reservations, the car will connect to your smartphone’s calendar, receiving useful info such as attendees, phone numbers and addresses – which can also be imported to the sat-nav system as destinations.

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