The MINI Cooper is a classic car that has been around for 65 years, offering a unique combination of simplicity, charisma, and go-kart feeling. But as the world moves towards electrification, the brand is also preparing for a significant transformation. The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S debuted in February 2024 are the last models to feature gasoline engines before the brand switches to an all-electric lineup in the coming years.
The New MINI Cooper and Cooper S: What’s New?
The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S are part of the fifth model generation, designated as the F66 chassis. They are available in two trim levels: the Cooper, which uses the letter C to indicate its performance level, and the Cooper S, which uses the letter S to indicate its enhanced performance. 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engines power both models but with different outputs and torque.
The Cooper C has an output of 156 hp and a torque of 230 Nm, while the Cooper S has an output of 204 hp and 300 Nm. Both models can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds, with the Cooper S slightly faster at 6.6 seconds. Depending on the market, the engines are paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S also feature several technical innovations that enhance the driving experience and the user interface. Some of these include:
- The MINI Operating System 9 is a new digital platform integrating the instrument cluster, central display, and steering wheel controls. The system allows the driver to customize the settings, access various functions, and receive relevant information.
- The MINI Experience Modesare has three modes that adjust the ambient lighting, sound effects, and driving dynamics according to the driver’s mood and preference. The modes are Sport, Mid, and Green.
- The MINI App is a smartphone app that connects the car with the driver’s mobile device. The app enables the driver to remotely control the climate, the locking, and the charging of the car, as well as to access the vehicle status, the service history, and the navigation.
The New MINI Cooper and Cooper S: How Do They Look?
The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S retain the classic silhouette and the typical MINI proportions that have defined the brand’s identity for decades. The car has a short bonnet, a long wheelbase, and short overhangs, giving it a compact and agile appearance. The body features transparent surfaces and a minimalist design, focusing on the front grille and the headlights, giving the car its distinctive face.
The front grille is octagonal, with a filigree contour and a chrome frame. The grille is divided into two sections by a horizontal bar bearing the MINI logo. The lower section of the grille has a honeycomb pattern, while the upper section has a slat pattern. The grille also incorporates the air intake and the fog lights, which are integrated into the bumper.
The headlights are circular, with an LED ring as the daytime running light and the turn signal. The headlights also have a hexagonal inner element, which houses the low and high beams. The headlights are connected by a black band, which runs across the bonnet and creates a contrast with the body color.
The car's side view reveals the wheel arches, which are flared and muscular, giving the car a sporty stance. The car also has side scuttles and tiny air vents on the front fenders with the side indicators embedded. The vehicle has a roofline that slopes downwards towards the rear, creating a dynamic impression. The car also has a roof spoiler, which improves the aerodynamics and stability of the vehicle.
The rear view of the car shows the tail lights, which are also circular, with an LED ring that forms the brake light and the tail light. The tail lights also have a vertical inner element, which serves as the reverse and rear fog lights. The tail lights are inspired by the Union Jack, the flag of the United Kingdom, which is a nod to the car’s British heritage. The rear also has a black band, which connects the tail lights and bears the MINI logo. The rear also has a bumper, diffuser, and exhaust pipes, depending on the model.
The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S are available in various colors, including some new ones, such as Island Blue, Zesty Yellow, and Rooftop Grey. The car has several customization options, such as contrast roofs, mirror caps, bonnet stripes, and decal sets. The car also has a range of aerodynamically optimized aluminum rims, ranging from 16 inches to 18 inches in size.
The New MINI Cooper and Cooper S: How Do They Drive?
The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S are designed to deliver the go-kart feeling that the brand is known for while offering a high level of comfort, safety, and efficiency. The car has a suspension and a damping system tuned for agile handling and smooth ride quality. The car also has a precise steering system, which provides responsive feedback and accurate control. The car also has a powerful braking system, which ensures short stopping distances and reliable performance.
The car also has several driving assistance systems, which help the driver in various situations and enhance the car's safety and convenience. Some of these include:
- The Active Cruise Control automatically adjusts the speed and distance to the vehicle in front using a camera and a radar sensor. The system can also stop and restart the car in traffic and warn the driver of a possible collision.
- The Lane Departure Warning detects the road's lane markings using a camera. By vibrating the steering wheel, the system can warn the driver if the car is about to leave the lane unintentionally. The system can also assist the driver in steering the vehicle back to the lane if necessary.
- The Parking Assistant helps the driver find and maneuver into a suitable parking space using a camera and ultrasonic sensors. The system can steer the car automatically, while the driver only has to accelerate and brake. The system can also reverse the car out of the parking space if needed.