MINI Cooper 2014 Review

Fifty five years after the original Mini went on sale comes the newest, biggest and bestest MINI yet: the third-generation Cooper hatch.

OK, so bestest isn’t really a word, and the MINI isn’t really mini -- especially in its latest form.

Longer (+98mm), wider (+44mm) and taller (+7mm) than its predecessor, the latest Cooper range improves the modern MINI more significantly than any other iteration since the ‘re-launch’ of the nameplate by BMW back in 2001.

There’s a trio of new engines -– including a MINI-first three-cylinder -– a profusion of new technology, improved amenity levels and increased safety. Plus it’s cheaper; with a starting price $5000 less than that of the outgoing model (coincidentally that’s the same money most MINI buyers spend on options).

In fact all MINI Cooper (hatch) variants benefit from a price chop. The base-grade petrol-powered Cooper starts at $26,650 (-$5000), the Cooper Pepper from $29,650 and the diesel-powered Cooper D (available from May) is now $31,800 (-$3000) and the sporty turbo-petrol Cooper S is $36,950 (-$3750). It’s a significant reduction, though arguably one that is long overdue.

It also leaves more money to spend on getting out and enjoying your new MINI to the max. Better still you’ll actually be able to take full-size friends with you with interior space growing considerably. Improved packaging means there’s also more cargo space, up 51 litres to 211, and of course a 60/40 split-fold rear bench.

More ergonomic, and with lots of new toys, the MINI now features a bundle of new technology, including (optional) head-up display for the first time. The infotainment screen has also been upgraded, and is available in three sizes: a four-line read-out for entry models, an uprated 6.5-inch display in high-grade variants, and an 8.8-inch screen optionally as part of the Business Navigation system.

What’s more, the infotainment system is easier to use, with a simpler iDrive-esque dial replacing the fiddly old touch and toggle system. Keyless start replaces the cassette-style fob and cruise control, park distance control and Bluetooth connectivity are all now standard on high-spec models.

There’s new tech under the bonnet too –- the MINI Cooper and Cooper Pepper’s turbocharged direct-injected and variable valve timed, 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is related to the powerplant in the BMW i8 Hybrid.

The engine itself is lighter (-15kg), more powerful (+10kW) and makes more torque (+60Nm) than the 1.6-litre four-cylinder it replaces. The new three-pot makes 100kW and 220Nm from 100cc less displacement, and in true triple style has a bassy warble under load.

But is it enough to power a car that’s now longer, wider, taller and heavier than before? In a word, yes. At 7.9 seconds it’s 1.2 seconds faster to 100km/h. It’s also more fuel efficient, consuming 4.7L/100km (-1.8L) and with idle stop-start as standard, less gassy with 110g/km of CO2 (-26g).

Best yet, it’s available with either six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission, both of which feel livelier but more refined as well.

The diesel engine in the Cooper D, is also entirely new and like the petrol donk, has three cylinders displacing 1.5-litres. The turbocharged triple makes 85kW (+3kW) and 270Nm (unchanged), accelerates to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds (-0.5sec) and uses less fuel at 3.7L/100km (-0.1L). CO2 emissions are listed at 97g/km (-2g).

Like the Cooper, the Cooper D is offered with a choice of new six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. MINI claims a 0-100km/h dash of 9.2 seconds, regardless of transmission option, though we’ll have to wait until next month (May) to drive it.

Finally, at the top of the engine tree is the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that powers the zippy Cooper S. Essentially a carry-over unit, it makes 141kW (+6kW) and 280Nm (+40Nm), with 300Nm available in overboost. More frugal, using just 5.5L/100km (-0.8L) on the combined cycle (when fitted with an automatic transmission), the ‘S’ engine is also greener, emitting just 138g/km of CO2 (-8g).

MINI says automatic versions of the Cooper S will hit triple digits in 6.7 seconds (-0.3sec) and boast a top whack of 235km/h.

So just how does the new MINI feel on Aussie roads?

In short, really good. It’s not as stiff yet still boasts tenacious road holding we’ve always been a fan of. There’s a surprising level of performance on offer, even from the three-cylinder petrol, and in conjunction with the auto transmission is quite smooth and impressively linear, with no noticeable lag off the line, or on kick-down.

Harsh surfaces transmit a gritty feel back through the body with a corresponding increase in road noise. There’s also a tendency for a bit of ‘buzzing’ from the interior plastics, though this soon dissipates when the surface evens out.

Less weight over the nose also makes the MINI cleaner in the corners. There’s less protest from the tyres, even when pushed, and rarely a need for the stability control to intervene.

The steering is well weighted but quite direct, and until I got used to it I found myself dialling off a little angle before hitting the apex – a case of too much too soon!

But once familiar, and behind the wheel of the Cooper S, the MINI’s ‘go kart’ tendencies come to the fore. The stiffer Sport Suspension option fitted to our manual test car made the MINI both agile as well as very direct, while knocking a little bit off the ride quality.

Yet the nose still points very well. Despite looking longer (and it is), there isn’t a heap of weight from the front suspension to work against. The body feels well supported and more stable through bends and rapid changes of direction, and there’s almost no torque steer to speak of, making for cleaner lines through corners.

The shift weight  of the manual gearshift is improved and it’s quite direct. However, you can’t push downwards when shifting back to second or you’ll end up in the reverse gate, losing what deceleration the lower ratio might have offered. And heel-toeing is a thing of the past with MINI’s rev-matching system doing a great job of filling the gap on downshifts.

So does the ‘maxi’ MINI retain the character we know and love? Yes, even if that pedestrian-friendlier long nose looks a little ungainly, the feel behind the wheel is arguably better than it’s ever been.

Even in its most basic form the new MINI is a winner, and when it comes to the Cooper S, MINI has nailed it. It’s sure to sell its socks off, especially when the cheaper MINI One and MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works variants arrive later this year.

2014 MINI Cooper D hatch pricing and specifications:
Price: $31,800 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 85kW/270Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 3.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 97g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: TBA

2014 MINI Cooper S hatch pricing and specifications:
Price: $36,950 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 141kW/280Nm (300Nm overboost)
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 5.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 138g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: TBA