Paul Smith is an iconic British fashion designer known for adding a pop of color and giving subtle twists to classic cuts. If you grew up in the 1990s in the UK, you might remember his tee-shirts featuring graphics of classic British cultural icons having a hot year. And if you draw up a list of British cultural icons, the Mini is going to feature. In 1997, Smith designed a 1,800 model run of special edition Minis, and then weighed in again with the Mini Electric in 2022. Now he’s back for some work with Mini, and the Mini Paul Smith Editions have made their debut at the unmissable Paul Smith flagship store in Los Angeles, California.
Base Trim Engine
2L I4 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
7-speed auto-shift manual
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
161 HP @5000 RPM
Base Trim Torque
184 lb.-ft. @ 1520 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
28/39/32 MPG
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
An Understated Paul Smith Edition
Paul Smith Edition MiniMini
If you were hoping for a return to Paul Smith’s signature multicolor stripes for the Mini, you’re going to be disappointed. In fact, the special editions appear to be trying to be boring, with the three available colors being Statement Grey, Inspired White, and Midnight Black Metallic. Statement Grey is supposed to be an “interpretation” of the 1959 Austin Seven color with a blue tint, which is essentially a color every automaker offers at the moment. And white and black, well, it’s white and black paint.
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The splash of color for the special editions is Nottingham Green, “developed as a tribute” to Smith’s hometown of Nottingham – an area famous for Sherwood Forest and the legend of Robin Hood. The color features on the side mirrors, radiator grille, and wheel hub covers. It can be optioned for the roof, or you can choose black, but there’s no reason for a Paul Smith Edition unless you opt for the Paul Smith’s multicolor Signature Stripe roof.
Paul Smith Edition MiniMini
The splash of color inside is Nightshade Blue Vescin, and features a “a knitted black surface treatment on the dashboard and door panels.” Paul Smith’s Signature Stripe appears on the steering wheel’s textile band, his signature on the back of the car, and a hand-drawn rabbit motif by Paul Smith is printed on the floor mat. A light projection of a handwritten “Hello” appears on the floor when the door is opened, while “Every day is a new beginning” appears on the door sill. Paul Smith backgrounds can also be selected on the infotainment system.
Not Like Other Paul Smith Special Editions
Paul Smith Special EditionMini
This special edition appears to move away from the more vibrant fun of previous Smith special editions, which many would have expected Smith and Mini to embrace. It’s a bit of a head-scratching choice that Paul Smith’s multicolor Signature Stripe roof is an option, and not actually a signature of the special edition. Overall, the new Paul Smith Editions seem watered down and understated.
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If you don’t understand why the Paul Smith Editions being watered down and understated is a surprise, bear in mind that Paul Smith’s flagship store in LA where the special edition was debuted is a flamingo-like pink-hued building with a bold accent of Paul Smith’s signature stripes. Inside, its current flavor has been described as a playful study in desert modernism. It’s both fun and sophisticated at the same time – in true Paul Smith style.
