It has been 61 years since the British firm launched the M, a model that was based on the MINI Classic but with an improvement in power that reached 55 CV and greater sportiness. However, times have changed and the MINI is no longer so mini, thus reaching dimensions of 3,72 meters long, 1,41 high and 1,68 wide.
Now MINI range has four engines; Cooper SE 100% electric, Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works, the sportiest. The unit that we have been testing is the access unit with 136 CV, but do not be fooled by this discreet figure, the MINI Cooper is a car with a sporty essence and that behaves very well dynamically thanks to its agility, not everything is about power.
A MINI 3 doors, as it should be
This MINI is the one that most resembles the mythical one we all know, although it has now gained muscle and is much larger than its traditional version. However, the essence is tried to maintain and it is something that, for these times, has been achieved.
starting with the front part, the MINI stands out for a new very flat front grille with few air intakes, even at first glance we can think that it is the 100% electric variant. Their full LED optics they can be adaptive, as is the case, and the truth is that they illuminate really well at night. Other details that give it a sportier look are its side air intakes in a very elaborate bumper.
In the side view they highlight its small 17-inch wheels measuring 205 in a 45 profile. The green and black two-tone color suits it really well, it makes a very attractive contrast that, together with the stickers on the hood, make a combination that attracts attention. Its doors are wide, typical of 3-door models, and also have no frame.
Ending with the back, a detail that I like is its full LED optics. These represent the British flag, where MINI comes from. Then, its bumper has a sporty look and reveals a single exhaust outlet on the left side.
MINI essence inside
El interior of the MINI It is a carbon copy to the rest of the range, it does not change practically anything. I don't dislike it because its materials have a very good touch, it is difficult to find a cricket and everything feels premium. What does not convince me too much is the use of gloss black on the dashboard.
Su technological equipment It is the typical one that we can find today. First of all we have a screen for the 5,5-inch digital instrument cluster with all the relevant driving information close at hand. On the other hand, the multimedia system equip a screen 8,8 inches with function for Apple Car Play and Android Auto even wirelessly.
As for their seating, they are gray and black and have a mixed fabric of fabric and leather. The comfort level is good, since they have a very nice fluffy. Then the heating function is available and the adjustment is completely manual, we do not have an option for electrical adjustment
Rear seats practically decorative
It is not a mystery to know if the rear seats of the MINI 3 doors are usable. The obvious answer is no. they are not very useful. Yes, we can use them at very specific times and when we have no choice, but the reality is that the space for the legs is almost nil.
With my 1,94 meters tall and the seat fitted to me, habitability was greatly affected. Surprisingly, my head didn't hit the ceiling, too bad I couldn't say the same for my legs. At a very bad time I could be in the second row of seats, but not for long.
Very unusable trunk
One of the problems of the MINI 3 Doors is its trunk, since it covers a capacity of only 211 liters. We will only have the capacity to fit two small hand luggage, luggage for a weekend. Yes, it is true that its rear seats, as they are not very usable, we can fold them down and thus achieve a greater capacity, specifically 731 liters.
Propeller of three cylinders and 136 CV
As to its mechanics, the Cooper mounts a propellant of 1.5 liters cubic capacity powered by a turbo, has three cylinders and offers 136 CV from 4.500 to 6.500 rpm. Their 220 Nm of torque They are at a very low rpm, from 1.480 to 4.500 rpm.
La gearbox is automatic double clutch type and 7 gears. A combination that greatly favors this mechanic, although I would miss some paddles behind the wheel in order to have more control at hand. Yes we can use the sequential mode from the gearbox lever itself.
A Kart in 2022, this is the MINI Cooper
All the sensations behind the wheel of the MINI can be described in one word, kart. It conveys a peculiar sensation that few cars can offer us, it feels very agile and its dynamic behavior is exemplary. All this taking into account that we are with the mechanics of access and less sporty.
Su suspension feels stiff, perhaps a little more than I would like if the road is very bumpy, but it is something that has a solution if we equip the optional adaptive damping. It is an interesting extra and that will offer us greater comfort when we want or a harder setting if it is time to visit a section of curves.
As to its address, reports pretty well of what happens in the front axle, all taking into account the type of car it is. On the other hand, it is very direct and causes that feeling of agility, also thanks to its little battle. Without a doubt, to be the least performance mechanical, the MINI gives a very sporty feeling.
Probably the most negative point is its isolation. This is correct at moderate speeds but when we get to 120 km/h, the aerodynamic noise es very noticeable in the cabin. What has surprised me the most is that his three-cylinder mechanics cannot be appreciated much inside, in that sense it is very well soundproofed.
Consumption MINI Cooper
The MINI Cooper has about very acceptable consumption if we take into account its dimensions. Approved in combined use 5,5 liters per 100 km according to the WLTP cycle, while in the whole week tests and more than 1.200 km, the average consumption was located at 6,2 liters per 100 km. The main use that has been given to it was in the city, although there has also been a lot of highway.
On the highway at 120 km/h I have reached averages that were around 5,8 liters. On the other hand, in town is where this expense increased the most as usual, thus obtaining consumption of 7,5 or 8 liters every 100 km, it all depends on the traffic.
Conclusions MINI Cooper
In short, the Cooper is a car designed for mainly urban use but that without any problem we can make long trips, yes, without much luggage. Their most positive point is dynamic behavior, it doesn't need a lot of power to have fun on a stretch of curves even though its chassis asks for more horsepower on the front axle.
How to Live Aligned with Bad points, the principal would say that it is his low habitability and versatility. It is not a very practical car for more than two occupants and neither if we are looking to put a lot of luggage, but of course, whoever buys a MINI Cooper knows what it means. Possibly, the 5-door variant is much more useful for us on a day-to-day basis.
Equipment MINI Cooper
Essential
- Firework Carbon Black Fabric
- Melting Silver II
- Black roof and mirrors
Classic
- 16″ Revolite Spoke
- Interior surface Piano Black
- White stripes on the engine hood
- Enigmatic Black met.
- Black roof and mirrors
- Velor floor mats
- Leather Lounge MINI Yours Carbon Black
John Cooper Works
- 17″ Track Spoke Rims, in Black
- Adaptive Suspension
- Piano Black exterior finish
- Interior surface Piano Black
- White stripes on the engine hood
- Revest. roof interior in anthracite
- Leather Lounge MINI Yours Carbon Black
- Black roof and mirrors
- Enigmatic Black met.
- Nappa leather steering wheel
- Tinted windows for sun protection
Resolute
- 18″ Pulse Spoke Black rim with function in case of failure.
- Interior Surfaces Resolute
- Piano Black exterior finish
- Nappa leather steering wheel
- Velor floor mats
- Revest. roof interior in anthracite
- Leather Lounge MINI Yours Carbon Black
- Black roof and mirrors
- Enigmatic Black met.
- Resolute exterior finish
- Tinted windows for sun protection
MINI Yours
- White stripes on the engine hood
- Revest. roof interior in anthracite
- Interior surfaces MINI Interior in aluminum
- 18″, MINI Yours British Spoke 2-tone with fail-safe operation
- Leather Lounge MINI Yours Carbon Black
- Enigmatic Black met.
- Nappa leather steering wheel
- Black roof and mirrors
- Velor floor mats
- Tinted windows for sun protection
Prices MINI Cooper 3 Doors
| Motor | Change | Finish | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | Change | Finish | Price |
| Cooper 136 hp | Manual | Essential | 27.350€ |
| Cooper 136 hp | Manual | Classic | 29.300€ |
| Cooper 136 hp | Manual | John Cooper Works | 32.450€ |
| Cooper 136 hp | Manual | Resolute | 32.700€ |
| Cooper 136 hp | Manual | MINI Yours | 32.800€ |
| Cooper 136 hp | Automatic | Essential | 29.150€ |
| Cooper 136 hp | Automatic | Classic | 31.100€ |
| Cooper 136 hp | Automatic | John Cooper Works | 34.250€ |
| Cooper 136 hp | Automatic | Resolute | 34.500€ |
| Cooper 136 hp | Automatic | MINI Yours | 34.600€ |
Editor's opinion
- Editor's rating
- 3.5 star rating
- Very good
- MINI Cooper 136 hp
- Review of: Jesús Moreno
- Posted on:
- Last modification:
- Exterior design
- interior design
- front seats
- rear seats
- Trunk
- Spring Suspension
- Consumption
- Comfort
- Price
Pros
- sports dynamics
- Good space in the front seats
- Consumption
Cons
- little trunk
- Unusable rear seats
- Somewhat stiff suspension in certain situations
Photo Gallery
More information about this model
- Plazas 4 - 5
- Power 136 - 231 hp
- Consumer goods 5.5 - 6.9l/100km
- Assessment 4,1