MINI now in 'Frozen Black'

Described as an "innovative paint which has a textured, shimmering matte finish," the finish is available for the MINI Cooper S Countryman, MINI Cooper SD Countryman, MINI Cooper S Paceman, MINI Cooper SD Paceman, MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and MINI John Cooper Works Paceman.

Frozen Black metallic is created using a complex manufacturing process exclusive to the BMW Group. The special painting procedure, which combines innovative technology with a high level of manual craftsmanship, is being applied for the first time by Austrian production partner Magna Steyr in Graz, where both the MINI Paceman and Countryman are manufactured.

The special surface treatment encompasses a base layer for grip and corrosion protection, colour layer as well as the clear lacquer finish which has added silicates to create the matted impression as well as a velvet effect.

Attached exterior parts such as the model-specific front and rear aprons and the exterior mirror caps are finished separately in the paint finish Frozen Black metallic. Due to the labour intensive process used to apply this exclusive body colour during production it is limited to a restricted number of cars.

MINI says the new finish is completely weather resistant and car wash resistant, however hand washing does require special care as spot cleaning of the surface using wax or polish can leave an unwanted gloss effect.

BMW Group offer care products developed specially for treating the Frozen Black metallic paint finish.