MINI Cooper 2024

The third generation of the MINI Cooper was revealed to the world in November of 2013. The first few units started selling in the first half of 2014. A new five-door variation of the Cooper was also introduced when the third generation was revealed. 

Based on the BMW UKL1 platform, the MINI Cooper can be had as a 2-door, 3-door, and 5-door convertible or hatchback. BMW's UKL platform is utilized by entry-level models in the German manufacturer's portfolio. The modular architecture lends itself well to many cars in the automaker's lineup, being able to feature front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drivetrains. The engine layout of this particular platform is transverse, which means that it has a front-wheel bias. This allows for more space in the cabin while retaining compact dimensions. 

Damping duties are taken care of by a pair of MacPherson struts in the front, and a multilink system in the rear. The wheels come in at 17-inches for all models, including the Cooper S and the 5-door. 

Customers have a range of engines to choose from in the Cooper lineup. MINI supply either a 1.5-liter Twin-Power Turbo, a 2.0-liter Twin-Power Turbo motor. The smaller mill produces 136 hp and 220 Nm of torque, while the larger of the two makes 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with a 7-speed steptronic dual clutch transmission (DCT), but the S variants of the MINI 3-door and 5-door get a Sports Steptronic DCT. Standard Cooper models have a top speed of 210 km/h, while the more powerful Cooper S models have a top speed of 235 km/h. The drivetrain for either car is front-wheel-drive. 

As a premium hatchback, the MINI Cooper model gets a host of tech features. The Cooper is equipped with a Comfort Access System, heated windscreen washer jets, heated exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control (PDC) for the rear, automatic climate control, and cruise control with braking function. 

Meanwhile, the infotainment features the MINI Connected system, which has a screen size that goes from 6.5-inches to 8.8-inches depending on the variant or trim level. As for smartphone connectivity, the system features Apple CarPlay to connect to iOS devices. MINI also have their own app, called the 'MINI App', which allows you to track your vehicle's status and plan your journeys. 

Higher trims get to enjoy a heads-up display, which complements the other interior features like the sport seats. 

Sporting a modern exterior that remembers the classic cues from the original MINI models, the Cooper series of vehicles is iconic and well-known for its round headlights, large grille, and quirky styling. Albeit larger than the first MINI, modern incarnations of the super-mini feature modern design and materials. Buyers may also avail of a unit with decals to complement the bright colors that their preferred unit will be in. MINI is also quite generous with its accent colors and graphics, often seen with the Union Jack adorning a few elements of the car. 

Mini is also no stranger to special editions with a sporting pedigree. Sporting editions add more visual interest to the hatchback with a special bumper, hood, and diffusers to help with aerodynamics and give the car more visual interest at the same time. 

When stepping into the interior of a Mini Cooper, you will be greeted with a very unique rendition of a modern vehicle interior. With art-deco elements and some retro-inspired touches, the MINI Cooper has one of the quirkiest cabins in the industry. It makes a statement with its gauge clusters and its infotainment screen. Instead of a standard and boring rectangle in the center, the modern MINI Cooper features a round halo around the screen, along with several switches, vents, and lights adorning the space not taken up by the infotainment screen. 

MINI supplies a bunch of interior upholsteries for customers to also choose from. Leather is a favorite, but the car can also come with other types of materials depending on the trim level or whether the unit is a special edition. 

As for cargo space, the Cooper comes with a foldable pair of seats in the rear to help maximize the carrying capacity of the hatchback. For the three and two-door models, the front seats can be pitched and slid forward for easier access to the rear passenger area.