The newest avatar of the Mini Cooper, priced between $47,365 and $64,979, embodies its iconic 1950s minimalist roots as a three-door hatchback that has evolved into a modern symbol of urban style. Combining minimalist design with cutting-edge technology, MINI continues to offer a blend of practicality and driving fun with its most iconic marquee. Known for its agile handling and efficient performance, the modern Mini Cooper features an electric fuel type option alongside the turbocharged petrol engine. Available in both 3-door and 5-door versions, we find out if the 2025 Mini Cooper is still the most fun option for a premium compact car..

Pros:

• Distinctive retro-inspired design
• Agile handling, akin to a go-kart
• Tech-savvy interiors with modern features
  

Cons:

• High maintenance costs
• Premium fuel requirement
• Snug rear seating
  

What’s new:

• The petrol-powered version of the new 2024 Mini Cooper 3-door hatch gets an update
  

The F-65 generation Mini Cooper is the one that still uses a petrol engine, based on an extensively revised version of the outgoing model’s platform. It brings with it a fresh look and an all-new interior loaded with technology. Meanwhile, the J01 2025 Mini Cooper Electric is the result of the joint venture between parent company BMW and GWM, based on a dedicated EV platform and assembled in China.  Both versions of the sporty hatchback cater to very different buyers, but can Mini retain the go-kart-like handling that's core to its driving experience? Let’s find out!

Exteriors

The Mini Cooper's exterior receives a style refresh, echoing the design cues of its electric counterpart.

Styling elements

The Mini Cooper's exterior is a bold statement, as it tries to combine retro charm with a modern design language. The end result is something akin to a cute robot. The iconic rounded body is still easy to recognise but the front and rear design has been reworked pretty hard. It still has the circular headlamps with the outer ring doubling as the LED daytime running light. While the electric Cooper has a closed-off-panel in place of a conventional grille, it gets the same outlining trim as the petrol-powered model. Another way to distinguish between the two is the fact that the petrol Mini Cooper has black cladding around the wheel arches and there isn’t a 5-door version for the Mini Cooper Electric. All versions look the same from the rear profile which has done away with the iconic taillamps that featured the Union Jack flag design, opting instead for sleeker triangular shapes connected by a thick black strip across the tailgate..

Colour options

The Mini Cooper lineup offers a vibrant spectrum of 10 colours across its various models, allowing for extensive personalisation choices.

Variants like the Cooper C 3-door and 5-door, available in Core, Classic, and Favoured trims, share popular shades such as Nanuq White, Midnight Black II, Chili Red II, Blazing Blue, Melting Silver III, British Racing Green IV, Sunny Side Yellow, Ocean Wave Green, and Icy Sunshine Blue.

The Cooper S 3-door and 5-door models, encompassing Classic, Favoured, and JCW Sport variants, feature a similar palette, adding just one colour to their offerings: Legend Grey.

Meanwhile, the electric Cooper E and Cooper SE offer similar colour options like Nanuq White, Midnight Black II, Chili Red II, Blazing Blue, and British Racing Green IV.

Wheel design

The Mini Cooper lineup presents a range of wheel options tailored to different models and trim levels. Starting with the Core trim of the Cooper C 3-door and 5-door, , you get either 17-inch U Spoke Grey or 17-inch Parallel Spoke 2-Tone wheels. The Classic trim builds upon this with additional style choices, offering 18-inch Slide Spoke 2-Tone wheels alongside the Core options. Moving up to the Favoured trim adds even more variety with options like 17-inch U Spoke Vibrant Silver and 18-inch Night Flash Spoke 2-Tone wheels, enhancing both style and technological features. For the sportier Mini Cooper S 3-Door, the Classic trim includes 17-inch U Spoke Grey and 17-inch Parallel Spoke 2-Tone wheels, with the option to upgrade to 18-inch Slide Spoke 2-Tone wheels in the Favoured package. The high-performance JCW Sport trim tops it off with exclusive 17-inch Sprint Spoke Black and 18-inch Lap Spoke 2-Tone wheels, ensuring each Mini is customised to match individual preferences for style and driving experience.

The MINI Cooper Electric models feature 18" wheels with distinctive designs. The MINI Cooper E has Slide Spoke 2-Tone, while the MINI Cooper SE has Night Flash Spoke 2-Tone.

Interiors

The 2024 Mini Cooper boasts a comprehensively revamped interior for a modern driving experience. In terms of looks, you do get different cabin themes depending on the trim level and further customisation choices too. Plus, the ambient lighting package in here really ups the cabin experience at night.

Interior layout and space

The Mini Cooper interiors are a punch of personality. A 9.4-inch OLED circular display takes centre stage, while high-quality materials with pops of colour or chrome accents keep things fun. While the central console has been updated with a modern and minimalist approach, it still has one tray of the iconic toggle switches, a  nod to the car's heritage. There’s no conventional instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, with all the driver-centric information available on a head-up display. The details that differentiate the front cabin layout of the petrol Mini Cooper and the electric one are in the central console, where it extends under the dashboard and offers wireless charging, a 12V socket and two USB-C ports too..

The Mini Cooper offers ample space in the front with 38.6 inches of headroom, 41.4 inches of legroom, and 51.2 inches of shoulder room. It has seating for four, but it’s a 2+2 layout in the 3-door Mini. For rear passengers, the Mini provides 36.6 inches of headroom and 32.3 inches of legroom, accompanied by 49.6 inches of shoulder room. However, if you regularly have passengers in the back seat, especially  adults, consider the larger 5-door version with more legroom and headroom in the rear. Optional extras for the Mini Coopers includes a panoramic glass roof (fixed) that opens up the cabin to feel roomier.

Comfort and ergonomics

The Mini Cooper is still primarily a fun, driver’s car and the cabin layout matches that purpose. It has plenty of modern niceties and most of the materials used inside feel upmarket, or eco-conscious, earning that premium tag.  You can also stay cosy with automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, and the optional sports seats. With smart ergonomics and thoughtful amenities, the Mini Cooper's interior is all about making your drive enjoyable. Mini is also offering power adjustable and heated front seats as optional extras.

Boot

The Mini Cooper offers a quirky take on practicality. What it gains with compact dimensions, it loses in cargo capacity. With the rear seats up, Mini claims a boot space of just 210 litres and that’s when there’s no spare wheel either. Fold down the 60:40 split folding rear seats and you have 725 litres of cargo space, which goes up to 800 litres in the Cooper electric. It is ideal for light errands or weekend getaways for one or two but not for large families or frequent travellers.

Technology and infotainment

The level of tech sophistication you'll find in the 2025 Mini Cooper is as impressive as the car is cute. Here's a breakdown of what you can get in the fully loaded trims.

Infotainment

All Mini Cooper variants feature a 9.4-inch round OLED central display. It offers a fun, engaging interface with customisable graphics and modes, perfectly matching the MINI’s design-focused and urban appeal.

Connectivity

The entire MINI Cooper lineup comes with MINI Connected Services and DAB+ Digital Radio, ensuring you stay well-connected and entertained on the road. All variants are equipped for Personal E-SIM with 5G connectivity, providing fast and reliable network access. Plus, you’ll enjoy seamless integration with your smartphone through Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and stay charged up with Wireless Phone Charging. Whether you choose the 3-Door, 5-Door, or any specific trim, robust connectivity systems remain con. Additionally, the MINI Connected Store offers downloadable apps to enhance your infotainment system with entertainment options, navigation aids, and games.  

Navigation

All MINI Cooper models come with built-in navigation, with the optional Augmented Reality Navigation package available for an enhanced experience, except for the MINI Cooper C 3-Door Core.

Customisable user interfaces

Operating System 9 allows you to personalise your Mini's infotainment system. Choose from various user interface options to tailor the display and controls to your preferences, making them easier and more enjoyable.

Enhanced voice commands

Interact with your Mini Cooper naturally using enhanced voice commands. Simply say "Hey, Mini" to control features like navigation and music playback without taking your hands off the wheel, adding convenience to your driving.

Performance and engines

The Mini Cooper's charm extends beyond its quirky looks. It boasts a set of peppy engine options and sharp handling, making it a joy to zip around town. However, some compromises come with the fun-sized package.

Engine specifications

The Mini Cooper lineup offers a variety of powertrains depending on the variant and configuration. The Cooper C, both 3-door and 5-door versions, features a 1.5L turbo petrol engine while the Cooper S variants are equipped with a more powerful 2.0L turbo petrol engine. Even in electric form, you have the choice of two battery capacities and performance ratings. Every form of the 2025 Mini Cooper is a front-wheel drive offering only.

Transmission

The petrol-powered versions of the Mini Cooper exclusively feature a 7-speed Steptronic Dual Clutch automatic transmission, ensuring a blend of smooth and fast gear changes. This transmission offers a seamless driving experience overall. However, we sometimes noticed occasional hesitation, particularly during spirited driving manoeuvres. Of course, the Cooper Electric has the gearless setup with immediate throttle response.

Driving and handling

The Mini Cooper excels in handling, offering a truly remarkable go-kart-like experience. Renowned for its tight turning radius, responsive steering, and minimal body roll, it delivers sheer enjoyment on winding routes. However, the firm suspension that enhances its sharp handling results in a less comfortable ride on uneven surfaces.

Fuel efficiency and range

The Mini Cooper offers a spirited driving experience with its distinctive style and enjoyable handling, but it's not the most fuel-efficient choice in its class. Mini claims 6 to 6.5 L/100 km for the different variants, while the EPA estimates as low as 10 L/100 km in the city and 7.5 L/100 km on the highways.. Real-world fuel economy will mirror or slightly fall below the EPA figures. If fuel efficiency is a top priority for you, consider alternatives like the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Hyundai Elantra, or Kia Rio instead, which offer superior mileage ratings with a premium set of features and comforts.

Meanwhile, the Mini Cooper electric has a WLTP-claimed range of up to 305 km for the smaller battery Cooper E, and up to 402 km for the bigger battery pack in the Cooper SE. In real world conditions, the range of the Cooper E is quite low, making it suitable for city runs only. You can consider it if this will be the second car in your garage, else consider something that offers more range for the same $60,000 price tag.

Safety features

The Mini Cooper emphasises occupant safety by including airbags, driver-assistance tools, and a sturdy structure that can handle impacts. Even though it's small, the Mini Cooper is equipped with plenty of safety features to keep its occupants safe in case of an accident.

• Front, side, head, and interaction airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Blind Spot and Lane Change Warning
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Exit Warning
• Intelligent Emergency Call
• Rear Collision Prevention
• Rear Crossing Traffic Warning with Brake Intervention
  

Additional features like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, park assistant with 360-degree surround view camera are available as part of the optional extra packages.

Due to recent model updates, Mini Cooper vehicles built after January 1, 2023, currently lack an ANCAP safety rating.

Ownership experience

Having a Mini Cooper has its ups and downs, as shared by Mini enthusiasts. On the bright side, Minis are known for their fun driving experience, combining agility with a unique design that catches the eye. They're also surprisingly roomy (in the front) despite their small size, making them practical for city commutes and road trips. The Mini community is also known for its friendly atmosphere, adding a social aspect to owning one. However, maintenance costs can be expensive, with specialised parts often needed. Some owners have also mentioned issues with run-flat tyres and the need for cautious driving on highways. In conclusion, while Minis offer a stylish and enjoyable driving experience, potential buyers should know the pros and cons before deciding.

Major strengths:

• Offers a spirited driving experience with responsive handling.
• Stands out on the road with distinctive styling and personalisation options.
• Easy to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces, ideal for city driving.
• Engaged and supportive Mini Cooper community, often seen as friendly and passionate.
• Generally well-rated for safety, offering peace of mind for drivers.
• Surprisingly, there is a spacious cargo area when the rear seats are folded down.
• Generally good fuel economy, especially in smaller engine configurations.
  

Minor drawbacks:

• Maintenance can be costlier than average, particularly at dealership service centres.
• Often criticised for ride comfort and noise, replacing them with standard tyres is recommended.
• Some drivers report feeling less respected by larger vehicles on the road.
• The back seats are small and suitable primarily for children or short trips.
• Many models require premium fuel, which can add to operating costs.
• Older models, especially pre-2014, have been known for more frequent maintenance issues.
• Low range from the Mini Cooper electric can be a concern.

Maintenance costs and Warranty information

The Mini Cooper offers a robust warranty package spanning five years with unlimited kilometres, which provides significant reassurance against unforeseen repair costs. However, prospective owners should consider the average yearly maintenance price of approximately $404 over a five-year period. This cost covers routine servicing and upkeep but may vary based on individual usage and specific maintenance requirements. Opting for authorised service centres ensures the use of genuine parts and expertise, maintaining the vehicle's performance and value over time. Overall, while the Mini Cooper's warranty is generous, budgeting for maintenance is crucial to keep the car in optimal condition throughout ownership.

Verdict

The 2025 Mini Cooper continues to charm with its blend of retro-inspired design, urban practicality, and agile handling that enthusiasts adore. Priced between $47,365 and $64,979, there are a wide variety of configurations to choose from that  cater to diverse preferences. You have the 3-door petrol-powered option for fans of the iconic Mini form, the electric version for those who want clean electric performance, and the 5-door version for the more practical hatchback.

Its distinctive exterior styling, customisable options, and tech-savvy interiors make it a standout in its class. Despite its compact size, the Mini surprises with a comfortable, if snug, interior. However, potential buyers should weigh the higher maintenance costs and premium fuel requirement against its fun-to-drive personality. With a generous 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty and a supportive community, the Mini Cooper remains a timeless choice for those seeking style and go-kart like driving enjoyment.

Reference

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