Skip advert
Advertisement

MINI Cooper D London 2012 Edition

We drive the latest special edition from MINI, which marks the Olympic Games with a patriotic special

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your MINI Coupe
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

If you want a MINI Hatch that’s unashamedly patriotic and a little more exclusive than your average model,  the London 2012 Edition is for you. While some of the bodywork stickers look a little cheap, the interior is classy. But as it costs over £1,000 more than a regular Cooper D with a similar spec, you’ll really have to value the exclusivity.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As one of the official partners of the Olympic Games, MINI has launched its London 2012 limited-edition hatchback models, including the Cooper D model driven here.

You can buy a London 2012 Edition in any colour from the Union Jack – Chili Red, White Silver or Lightning Blue – but only 2,012 cars will be made.

Our red test car had white mirror caps, a white roof with the London 2012 logo and a Union Jack stripe along the bonnet, roof and rear hatch – just like the rest of the Olympic editions.

It all helps the car to stand out, but some of the stickers look a little cheap. Thankfully, a set of 17-inch Ferris Grey Conical Spoke alloy wheels rounds off the exterior changes nicely.

Inside, there’s a numbered plaque on the dashboard with a London skyline, while the leather seats have Union Jack piping around the headrests. However, as with other MINI hatchbacks, there’s not much space for adults in the two rear seats and the small boot is hampered by a high lip.

On the road, it’s more of what we’ve come to expect from MINI, as no changes have been made to the car’s power, chassis or handling. The quick, accurate steering and small dimensions make it lots of fun in corners and easy to park.

With 110bhp from the 1.6-litre diesel, the car goes from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds and the six gears help keep the revs down on the motorway. Stop-start is fitted as standard, ensuring that CO2 emissions are pegged back to a road tax-exempt 99g/km. The frugal 1.6-litre diesel has plenty of mid-range punch, yet still 

returns 74.3mpg economy.

The MINI Cooper D London 2012 Edition costs £19,260, which is about £2,500 more than a standard Cooper D.

Specify the same level of kit – including leather seats and 17-inch alloys – and this Olympic special still ends up costing around £1,000 more than the standard car, which is quite a sum of money for a bit of extra exclusivity.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,584
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,541 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,474 off RRP*Used from £15,972
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,200
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

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
New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand
Cyberster Black - front 3/4

New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand

MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car
News
10 Jul 2025
Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle
Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona - front end

Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle

Hybrid newcomers slug it out for family buyers’ hearts and minds
Car group tests
12 Jul 2025