The third generation MINI Cooper and Cooper S hatchbacks have finally been revealed, slightly bigger, more powerful and better equipped than the predecessors.
Just like a Porsche, the changes are evolutionary, resulting in an updated version of the instantly familiar shape.
From a design point of view, our favorite element has to be the headlights. On the Mk2, it felt like they were cutting corners, but with this one they fitted LED rings, adaptive xenon and have just come up with an attractive design.
A lot of people are going to criticize the new MINI for being bigger than before, but we think that at 3,821mm, it's actually quite small for a supermini.
Besides the revolutionary new UKL platform, MINI also makes use of brand new engines from the modular B38 family. The Cooper is powered by a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbo petrol with 136 HP and 220 Nm (230 Nm with overboost), replacing the old naturally aspirated 1.6-liter with 122 hp. 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.9 seconds as opposed to 9.1, while top speed is now up from 203 to 210 km/h. We think this is perhaps the most improved model in terms of performance and could be the one to buy.
The Cooper S also benefits from gains, but they are a little more modest. This model now has a 2-liter turbo as opposed to a 1.6-liter. Despite having the biggest engine in the supermini hot hatch segment, you only get 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque (300 Nm) with overboost, as opposed to 184 hp and 260 Nm of the old 1.6. 0 to 100 km/h takes 6.8 seconds as opposed to 7 seconds on the old model, while top speed is now up from 228 to 235 km/h.
Finally, there's the new MINI Cooper D, also a 1.5-liter three-cylinder, replacing a 1.6-liter four-cylinder. Output is now 116 hp and 270 Nm of torque, from 112 hp and 270 Nm of torque before. 0 to 100 km/h takes 9.2 seconds as opposed to 9.7 seconds the old Cooper D achieved, while top speed is now up from 197 to 205 km/h.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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