Skip advert
Advertisement

MINI COOPER S

Have the latest updates sent the British baby to the top of the class?

Pros
  • Individual looks and cabin, impressive performance, engages driver
Cons
  • Small interior, some cheap-looking controls, miserly standard equipment

Is the MINI a victim of its own success? Ask most drivers to choose the most hardcore hot hatch in this line-up, and the Cooper S would be the last car they would point at. Cute retro bodywork, a trendy urban image and perky all-round appeal mean it has become a massive worldwide sales smash, so people tend to overlook the fact that it’s also one of the most gifted drivers’ cars in its class.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Telling old from new is tricky, however. While every body panel has changed, the noticeably higher bonnet is the only major alteration. If you want your MINI to look sporting, though, you must specify the £1,875 Chili pack. Normally, we urge buyers to steer clear of bigger wheels, as the ride deteriorates and the extra grip can upset the hatch’s balance.

But the 17-inch alloys, lowered suspension and bi-xenon headlamps add such a sense of purpose, we think they’re essential.

As with all MINIs, the vast range of options and colours means your car can fit any profile – from sophisticated city slicker to laid-back luxury hatch. The cabin is equally individual, not least because it’s so small. Although the rear chairs have Isofix mountings, even child seats will struggle to fit, and you can forget slotting a buggy in the boot.

From a driver’s perspective, it’s much more of a success. The MINI has such a unique ambience: the upright windscreen and A-pillars are a long way forward, you sit surprisingly low and we love the whole design strategy – the toggle switches, giant speedometer and round key are great.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Civic Tourer

2015 Honda

Civic Tourer

23,617 milesAutomaticPetrol1.8L

Cash £12,178
View Civic Tourer
Astra

2023 Vauxhall

Astra

11,209 milesAutomaticDiesel1.5L

Cash £21,199
View Astra
EcoSport

2019 Ford

EcoSport

16,963 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,495
View EcoSport
Grandland X

2020 Vauxhall

Grandland X

45,973 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £10,495
View Grandland X

But this individuality can’t disguise the faults. Our test model had more than £4,000 of options fitted, yet was still sparsely equipped inside, the air-con controls are cheap and nasty and the CD player sticks out obtrusively. The centre console isn’t particularly attractive.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The little 1.6-litre engine looks pretty plain, too. But aside from the fact the 175bhp unit appears weak on paper and doesn’t sound as intoxicating as the Type R’s motor, it’s arguably the most impressive performer here. The turbocharger spools up almost instantly, and with 260Nm of torque to shift only 1,205kg, we weren’t at all surprised that, at the track, the MINI proved every bit as fast as the Civic flat-out, and knocked it for six in our in-gear tests.

With pulling power peaking at only 1,700rpm, the Cooper S is never caught out on the road – not even the Focus responds as quickly and eagerly when an overtaking opportunity presents itself. What’s more, none of its rivals can touch the British baby around town. Compact, nippy, responsive, easy to see out of and with a tight turning circle, it ran rings round the opposition.

This ability to engage the driver in all situations is the MINI’s key strength. The Cooper S wears its heart on its sleeve, so even though its chassis isn’t as pure and sharp as the Civic’s, the car is just as much fun over fast cross-country roads. It does have a habit of spinning an inside wheel through slow corners, but you can specify an optional limited slip differential.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

That’s likely to make the Oxford-built hot hatch even busier on the road, and further reduce its comfort and refinement. Yet while the small supermini frame does hamper its cruising ability at speed, noise levels are only marginally higher and the ride is undoubtedly better damped than on the previous machine.

But MINI hasn’t improved its pricing policy. A standard Cooper S still has a miserly kit tally.

Details

Price: £15,995
Model tested: MINI Cooper S
Chart position: 2
WHY: The second-generation MINI proves that the best things come in small packages.

Economy

If economy is a priority, buy the MINI. Light, clean and torquey, the Cooper S has no trouble returning well over 30mpg, and rarely dipped under 25mpg even when driven hard.

Residuals

Thanks to its desirable image and features like the tlc servicing package, the MINI is one of the most sought after used cars around. A 49.1 per cent residual is the best on test.

Tax

Pick the MINI for a truly affordable company hot hatch. With the cleanest engine (164g/km) and lowest price, its tax bills are about half as much as any rival’s.

Insurance

You'd be forgiven for expecting the group 15 MINI to be cheap to insure. But premiums are only £29 less than the Renault’s. The new clamshell nose hasn’t cut repair costs much.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,571
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,474 off RRP*Used from £15,930
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025