Call me an old fuddy duddy, but the all-new 2025 MINI Cooper S delivers driving at its finest.
Now in its fifth-generation, with 65 years of production under its belt, the subcompact, hatchback, MINI Cooper brings it with a performance-enhanced, minimalistic, immersive driving experience that leaves one wanting more.
Sometimes simple is better. Why overthink it?
Owned by BMW, but produced primarily in the United Kingdom, the MINI Cooper S hardtop comes exclusively with 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engines that generate an output of 201 horsepower and a maximum of 221 ft-lbs of torque, accelerating the car from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 6.3 seconds.
While that may not be hair-raising acceleration, believe me when I say it produces the same exhilaration.
MINI comes with a back seat, but only kids will fit comfortably. That said, it seats four with a minimal amount of storage space that will stow two overnight bags, but not much more. That’s the only downside, in my estimation. My tester produced 34 miles per gallon fuel economy with a range close to 500 miles.
“At MINI, ‘Power of Choice” means that in addition to current and future electric MINI models, we also offer models such as the new MINI Cooper with gasoline engine. The car is ideal for all those people who want to drive a classic MINI 3-door and appreciate the traditional performance and characteristic sound of a combustion engine,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI.
With a purist design and compact silhouette, the MINI Cooper is the embodiment of the brand’s basic idea: maximum driving pleasure with a minimal ecological footprint. The contemporary minimalism of the new design characterizes the clear surfaces of the body. Short overhangs and a short bonnet contrast with the long wheelbase, giving the car typical MINI proportions.
The MINI Cooper is equipped with a suspension and damping system designed for agile handling. The precise typical MINI steering combined with powerful brakes ensures a high level of driving pleasure, safety, and comfort. Drive it hard, drive it fast, MINI does not complain.
Cooper’s exterior has possibly reached cult status. One new wrinkle for this year’s design is the use of Union Jack taillamp that would make Austin Powers smile. A new octagonal grills with subtle contours is another nice touch.
The interior is truly minimal, almost taking you back in time. Yet it delivers all of the state-of-the-art creature comforts. The typical MINI toggle bar and the two-tone textile dashboard create a sense of spaciousness in the cockpit. Clean lines are the hallmark of the modern interior with its generous amount of space. And a panoramic glass roof adds to the bright and friendly atmosphere.
What steals the show, however, is a circular digital screen that displays all the pertinent information including the car’s navigation system. It can also be changed to various modes to fit your mood or whim on any given day.
MINI would not be complete without safety technology to keep you and your family safe. That seemingly boring attribute it far from ignored – but doesn’t get in the way of fun.
My favorites were camera and radar-based assistance functions that increase safety by supporting steering and lane keeping as part of the comprehensive “Driving Assistant Plus” package. Automatic speed and distance control makes city driving even more comfortable.
MINI Cooper S will impress equally in congested city traffic, tight parking spots, or the open road with any hairpin turns that may come its way. My advice: If you’re ready for some simple fun, don’t overthink it.
Base Price: $35,555
Price As Driven: $37,295
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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