Skip advert
Advertisement

MINI Cooper S Chili Pack

After years at the top, is class leader finally beginning to look vulnerable?

Having invented the premium supermini segment in 2001, MINI finally has some competition. Even so, there’s no mistaking the British hatch in this trio.

With looks inspired by the Fifties original, the latest version is a modern classic. And while its unmistakable outline is a familiar sight, buyers are able to personalise their car thanks to a huge array of options. That means it’s still possible for a MINI to stand out from the crowd.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The classic references continue inside. For instance, the dash is dominated by the huge central speedo, while eyeball-style vents direct the flow of air around the cabin. However, MINI ownership demands compromises when it comes to space. For a start, the minuscule 160-litre boot is the smallest here, and rear legroom is in short supply for adults. The pair of sculpted back seats fold down to increase luggage capacity, but the MINI is strictly a four-seater.

What it lacks in space it makes up for with first-rate build quality, which really sets the Cooper S apart from its rivals. Switchgear is logically laid out, and neat touches like the separate rev counter on the steering column and old-fashioned toggle switches add to the sense of occasion on every trip.

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

All the controls are perfectly weighted, and few cars can match the MINI for feedback. The Cooper S turns into corners sharply and responds with greater verve than either of its opponents in this test, while the most progressive brakes and slick gearbox add to the dynamic appeal. On a twisty road, the MINI is more agile than the Alfa, and it’s more alert and willing to change its line than the Citroen. Body control is excellent, too.

Advertisement - Article continues below

But the Cooper S has the stiffest suspension in our line-up. Combine this with the optional 17-inch alloy wheels and run-flat tyres fitted to our test car, and the ride is unforgiving over rough surfaces. Mid-corner bumps upset the car’s composure, and motorway journeys can be tiring due to the road and wind noise.

Shorter gear ratios mean the MINI revs at nearly 3,000rpm at 70mph, which also compromises refinement. However, the low gearing of the six-speed transmission helped it to log the fastest responses in all but third gear. It’s important to note we tested a 2009 model year car. If you order a Cooper S now, you’ll get a 2010 model with an extra 9bhp – taking power to 181bhp.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Emissions have been reduced, too, and the latest MINI’s CO2 output of 136g/km is an impressive 19g/km lower than the less powerful Citroen. The Cooper S pips the Alfa in the green stakes, too, even though both models come with stop-start.

Fixed-price servicing and amazing residuals also make a strong case for the Cooper S.

Fit the £1,990 Chili Pack, though, and it begins to look expensive – this add-on is virtually essential, due to the car’s miserly standard kit. And even without it, the Citroen is £1,115 cheaper.

Advertisement - Article continues below

So while the MINI is the most engaging choice in this test, its more comfortable and affordable rivals threaten to steal its crown. 

Ratings

Styling: 3/5
Although the retro MINI is a very common sight, it remains a fashionable choice. Cooper S gets twin exhausts, bonnet bulge, and discreet roof spoiler. Big wheels look great, but harm ride comfort.

Interior: 4/5
WIith a low-slung driving position, the MINI wraps around you. The quality and style of the cabin are hard to fault, although it’s short on space – there is seating for only four and a tiny boot, so it demands practicality compromises.

Driving- 4/5
Sharp steering, excellent body control and lots of  feedback mean the MINI is great fun. Performance
is strong, but the ride is unforgiving and it can be a tiring long-distance companion compared to its rivals in this test.

Costs- 3/5
When fitted with the Chili Pack, the MINI is the most expensive model. It costs £3,105 more than the Citroen DS3 DSport. Yet strong residuals and fixed-price servicing help trim running costs. Low CO2 will appeal to business users.

Green- 4/5
Latest Cooper S engine emits only 136g/km, while the official combined fuel economy figure of 48.7mpg is the best here. The fact the car is built in the UK adds to its eco credentials.

Details

Chart position: 2
WHY: The Cooper S still oozes desirability – and it’s the car all new entrants to the premium supermini sector have to beat.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £16,100
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

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

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,795 off RRP*Used from £11,800
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
* 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