New MINI Cooper S Is Cheaper in Australia Than the One Sold in America

Set to arrive at dealers in the third quarter of the year, the new MINI Cooper offering is topped by the S hot hatch, which enjoys 150 kW (204 ps/201 hp) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque from its 2.0L four-pot. The company claims it can reach 100 kph (62 mph) in 6.6 seconds, or 1.1 seconds faster than the lesser Cooper C, which packs a three-banger with 115 kW (156 ps/154 hp) and 230 Nm (170 lb-ft).

MINI's new Cooper S comes in three trim levels, just like the one sold in America. These are called the Classic, Favored, and JCW Sport (Signature, Signature Plus, and Iconic in our market), and they start at AU$49,990 (equal to US$29,355), AU$52,990 (US$34,575), and AU$54,990 (US$35.880), respectively. By comparison, America's Cooper S kicks off at US$33,195 (AU$50,865), US$35,595 (AU$54,545), and US$38,295 (AU$58,680), respectively.

The most affordable version of the hot hatch features heated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, wireless phone charging and wireless smartphone integration, a six-speaker audio system, adaptive cruise control, steering and lane control assist, etc. The mid-spec adds sportier front seats with electric adjustment and memory, an anthracite headliner, and different trim inside and out. The top grade brings sportier JCW touches, including brakes, adaptive suspension, and others.

The MINI Cooper C kicks off at AU$41,990 (US$27,400) with the Core, which packs sports seats, a sports steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, a parking assistant with sensors at both ends, a reversing camera, etc. The Classic adds augmented reality navigation, a panoramic glass roof, heated front seats, and more safety gear in return for AU$44,990 (US$29,355). The Favored starts at AU$47,990 (US$31,315) and ups the ante with premium audio, JCW seats, and fresh trim.

Choosing the Cooper E means paying a minimum of AU$53,990 (US$35,230). The EV comes with heated front sports seats, a panoramic glass roof, piano highlights, interior camera, six-speaker audio, parking assistant plus with surround view, adaptive cruise control, and others. It puts 135 kW (184 ps/181 hp) and 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) under the driver's right foot, takes 7.3s to 100 kph, and has 305 km (190 miles) of driving range with the 41 kWh battery fully charged.

Completing the offering is the Cooper SE, with its 160 kW (218 ps/214 hp) and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft). It takes 6.7 seconds from 0 to 100 kph, has a 54 kWh battery, and a 402-km (250 miles) driving range. This EV features Harman/Kardon audio, JCW seats with heating and electric adjustment, an anthracite headliner, a sports steering wheel, and others. Pricing starts at AU$58,990 (US$38,490).