There’s a brand new Mini Cooper on the town, but it surely’s a story of two cities – or vehicles on this case.
As earlier than there are petrol and electrical variations of the retro-styled metropolis hatch, however regardless of visible similarities they’re truly utterly completely different vehicles.
The F65-generation 2025 Mini Cooper is the petrol one, based mostly on a closely revised model of its predecessor’s platform. Very similar to the bigger Countryman, it brings with it main know-how developments.
In the meantime, the J01 2025 Mini Cooper Electrical is the lovechild of the BMW-GWM Highlight three way partnership, constructed by itself devoted electrical platform and assembled in China.
Along with the pair of Hatch 3-Door variations hitting the Australian market now, Mini Australia will add the F66 Cooper 5-Door in addition to the Aceman crossover, which would be the electrical Cooper’s five-door companion.
So now there are two completely different vehicles for arguably completely different consumers. The petrol Cooper is an evolution of a long-running method from the BMW Group with the most recent and biggest tech and options it has to supply, whereas the Chinese language-built electrical mannequin has a devoted structure with extra efficiency and vary than earlier than to make it a correct EV.
We had a stint in each petrol and electrical variations of the brand new Mini to see if it’s nonetheless match to be certainly one of Australia’s favorite premium compacts, and which of the powertrain sorts is the higher wager.
How does the Mini 3D Hatch evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Mini 3D Hatch towards equally sized autos.
Mini
3D Hatch
How a lot does the Mini Cooper price?
The petrol and electrical Mini Cooper every include two powertrain choices, although the ICE vary has three distinct trim ranges for every engine whereas the electrical is one every.
To see how the Mini Cooper traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
What’s the Mini Cooper like on the within?
Just like the bigger Countryman, the brand new Cooper harks again to the über-simple unique Mini of the ’50s and ’60s.
Gone are the instrument cluster and far of the previous mannequin’s bodily switches and toggles, with the brand new spherical OLED touchscreen dominating the clear dashboard.
The steering wheel is nearly cartoonish with its threaded decrease spoke and fats rim, whereas the little pod of buttons under the central show retains the model and form of earlier than however is far more simplistic.
You might discover delicate modifications between the ICE and EV variations too, with element variations all through. Take into account, they’re basically completely different vehicles beneath.
Mini has liberally utilized its new signature knitted trim throughout areas just like the dashboard and doorways, which considerably makes up for the lowered ratio of soft-touch plastics all through the cabin.
Sure, cabin high quality and tactility have lengthy been a trademark of Mini merchandise, actually differentiating them as premium compact vehicles. A minimum of the knitted bits are a pleasant different to boring, black plastic.
That stated, I used to be dissatisfied to search out onerous plastics on sections of the door and dashboard that are a bit extra conspicuous than they should be given how plush the earlier technology was, but it surely’s nonetheless properly completed and extra thrilling to have a look at in comparison with one thing like an Audi A1.
There are variations between the ICE and EV variations within the design of the centre console, with differing layouts for the cupholders and wi-fi telephone chargers in addition to placement of the cutesy Mini storage field.
Different distinguishing options embody the form and design of the dashboard and air vents, in addition to the location of the speaker grilles. Nothing is drastically completely different, but it surely’s price noting between the 2 autos.
The 9.4-inch round OLED show is actually cool and has a very enjoyable interface just like the bigger Countryman. It maybe makes extra sense within the Cooper than its bigger stablemate, with the enjoyable graphics, varied layouts and modes effectively tailor-made to the Mini’s enjoyable, city and design-led pitch.
BMW’s newest Android-based working system serves as a superb foundation for the brand new Mini interface, with glorious mapping, vibrant and high-resolution graphics, and an array of related providers that feel and look markedly completely different to the father or mother firm regardless of the shared structure.
There’s even a cute private assistant named Spike, a cartoonish canine that principally performs the identical features because the BMW Private Assistant. Say “Hey, Mini” and he’ll pop up and prance across the display, performing voice-activated features with some distinctive Mini flavour.
As famous in my overview of the Countryman, whereas the 3D mapping with augmented actuality is fairly cool for a small automotive, having Apple CarPlay confined to a small field on this huge, cool round show appears half-arsed. It in any other case works superb, but it surely virtually ruins the aesthetic.
I additionally discovered the screen-based local weather controls a bit fiddly to make use of particularly when you attempt to change temperature on the transfer, however de-mister features are bodily controls under the show that are significantly better to make use of.
Whereas there are 4 seats within the cabin, the Mini Cooper stays extra of a 2+2 or a 3+1 relying on how tall the entrance occupants are.
I’m 6’1 and also you’d be struggling to suit somebody of my top behind me, and whereas entry is made simpler by way of the fast latches on the entrance seats it’s not probably the most swish expertise for somebody of my dimension to get into the again of a Mini.
When you’re again there although, the rear seats are completed in the identical leather-free upholstery because the entrance and there are moulded armrests and storage cubbies in your odds and ends.
In the event you’re placing children within the again, there are ISOFIX and top-tether anchors to maintain their seats safe. In order for you extra space and simpler entry to the rear, greatest to attend for the Cooper 5-Door or the brand new Aceman EV crossover.
Mini quotes simply 210 litres of cargo capability for all Cooper variants with the rear seats in place, which is fairly tiny. You’ll get some small baggage or bins in there, however you may battle to suit one thing bulkier like a pram.
Fold the second row (fairly flat, too), and you’ve got 725 litres within the Cooper C and S, whereas the electrical fashions quote 800 litres. There’s no spare wheel both, only a tyre restore equipment throughout the vary regardless of gasoline/energy kind.
To see how the Mini Cooper traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
To see how the Mini Cooper traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
How does the Mini Cooper drive?
We sampled each the Cooper S and Cooper SE on a stormy Melbourne time out east.
I began off within the Cooper S, which was examined in Favoured spec. One of many first issues I seen is there aren’t any paddle shifters – it’s important to step as much as the JCW Sport model to get these.
Our loop within the Cooper S began in Mulgrave and took us out to a number of the winding roads additional out east, giving us a superb alternative to see if the brand new Cooper nonetheless has that ‘go kart really feel’. Spoiler alert: It’s nonetheless acquired it.
There’s a raspy bark from the two.0-litre turbo 4 on the transfer, mimicking the notice that I’ve skilled within the X1 xDrive20i with the identical engine. With 300Nm on faucet from simply 1450rpm, this 1.3-tonne hatchback feels punchy and prepared.
The revisions to the automobile structure additionally assist it really feel extra hunkered down and substantial on the highway. BMW and Mini’s seven-speed dual-clutch auto is among the many greatest within the enterprise for sharpness and smoothness, quickly firing up and down ratios whereas additionally not often exhibiting any quibbles in low-speed driving.
On the freeway stint the Cooper S felt very safe and certain footed in heavy rain in a means many hatchbacks this dimension don’t, and the improved suite of driver assists give it a really grown-up really feel.
Not as soon as did this little front-driver really feel nervous or skittish with the quantity of water on the highway, and wasn’t upset by bigger autos passing by in adjoining lanes. Bear in mind, this factor is barely 3876mm lengthy and 1744mm huge.
As soon as we hit the twisties out of city, the Cooper S felt as tied down and enjoyable to drive because it has ever been. The place earlier variations have been susceptible to understeering on the restrict, the most recent mannequin felt extra succesful within the bends regardless of missing a limited-slip differential in inclement climate.
That low, huge stance can also be felt in these situations, actually giving a way of sturdy grip ranges. It’s only a disgrace the Favoured doesn’t give you paddle shifters to take extra management of the drivetrain in spirited driving.
Hopping into the Cooper SE shortly after my stint within the ICE-powered Cooper S, the added width and weight of the electrical mannequin is straight away noticeable – however not essentially in a foul means.
With instant response from the front-mounted electrical motors and no planetary transmission to have interaction off the road, the electrical Mini feels extra responsive and punchier in real-world eventualities. You might be stunned to see that Mini’s 0-100km/h declare for the SE is definitely 0.1s slower than the petrol mannequin.
Regardless of this, I’d say the SE is faster to 60km/h and perhaps even 80km/h. It scrabbles off the road making an attempt to get all 330Nm to the tarmac, and as soon as shifting the electrical drivetrain actually shifts the 1.6-tonne physique with gusto.
Like BMW’s EV fashions, the Mini Cooper SE sends synthesised sounds into the cabin underneath acceleration to various levels relying on the drive mode chosen. In it’s most aggressive setting – accessed by way of the Mini Expertise mode chosen – it sounds such as you’re launching a sci-fi spacehip.
The decrease centre of gravity helps the 300kg-heavier electrical Mini hold itself in verify within the bends, and also you don’t essentially really feel all of that additional weight except you’re actually pushing it mid-corner.
It actually does nonetheless really feel like a Mini, very like its predecessor that shoehorned the BMW i3’s electrical bits beneath the tiny physique. There’s most likely a bit extra wheelspin and an earlier grip restrict than the petrol, but it surely’s nonetheless loads of enjoyable.
And to be sincere, the Cooper E and SE are going to spend the majority of their time zipping by way of metropolis and suburban streets, and that is the place the torquey electrical drivetrain actually trumps the petrol-powered model.
What you lack in raspy, mechanical soundtrack you make up for with immediacy and linearity of acceleration. It at all times feels raring to go, although when you’re too keen together with your proper foot you may battle to match the model’s 402km vary declare.
Following our combined drive loop – which coated 40-50 kilometres of freeway, suburban and freeway settings – the Cooper SE was displaying an power consumption readout of 16.9kWh/100km.
That’s a bit excessive for a automobile of this dimension, and would see you obtain a bit over 300 kilometres between full prices. Thoughts you I used to be flicking by way of varied modes together with Go Kart.
Each powertrain variants have a taut experience which might hit a bit fidgety over excessive frequency imperfections, but it surely’s effectively damped sufficient as to not really feel crashy or unrefined. The heavy steering and large steering wheel in each ICE and EV fashions could also be a bit excessive for some, however I fairly appreciated it.
I discovered the brakes within the Cooper SE required a bit getting used to in comparison with the S as effectively, given the handoff between regen and mechanical brakes wasn’t fairly as seamless as I’d have appreciated – it stops effectively, although.
Talking of the brakes, the Mini Electrical’s regen braking isn’t fairly full one-pedal driving however affords a few levels of depth from nothing to moderately bitey to fit your tastes. Extra adjustability by way of extra settings or paddle shifters could be welcome, although.
What do you get?
Cooper Core normal gear:
240mm-diameter round OLED infotainment touchscreenWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoWireless telephone chargerAmbient lightingHead-up displayCruise control6-speaker 100W sound systemFront sports activities seatsHeated steering wheelKeyless entry and startDual-zone local weather controlCloth/vescin upholstery in Gray/Blue or Black/Blue17-inch alloy wheelsAutomatic LED headlightsRain-sensing wipers
Cooper Basic provides:
Inside cameraAugmented actuality satellite tv for pc navigationHeated entrance seatsPanoramic glass roof18-inch alloy wheels
Cooper Favoured provides:
12-speaker 365W Harman/Kardon sound systemJohn Cooper Works power-adjustable entrance seats with memorySun safety glazingAnthracite headlinerVibrant Silver inside trimVescin upholstery in Beige or Nightshade Blue
Cooper JCW Sport provides:
John Cooper Works inside and exterior design packageAdaptive suspensionJohn Cooper Works Sport BrakesSport stripes in Jet Black or Chilli RedVescin/wire upholstery in black
Is the Mini Cooper secure?
The brand new Mini Cooper fashions have but to be assessed by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
Normal security gear consists of:
Autonomous emergency braking (ahead and reverse)Blind-spot monitoringDriver fatigue detectionRear cross-traffic alertFront and rear parking sensorsReversing digicam
The Driving Assistant Plus package deal (non-compulsory on the C, normal on all different Coopers) provides:
Adaptive cruise management with cease/goAutomatic velocity restrict assistSteering and Lane Management AssistantSurround-view digicam with 3D viewParking Assistant Plus
How a lot does the Mini Cooper price to run?
The Mini Cooper vary is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
To see how the Mini Cooper traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mini Cooper
Mini has completed an excellent job with its newest merchandise.
The petrol-powered Cooper fashions have made an identical bounce in know-how and refinement as BMW merchandise based mostly on the identical platform, now providing correctly high-end tech suites and grown-up driving traits extra deserving of the premium price ticket.
As for the electrical Mini, its combined heritage doesn’t imply a considerably completely different look or really feel regardless of the devoted EV structure. It’s as cute and enjoyable because the petrol Mini, although the dearth of personalisation choices at launch might take the enjoyable out of the shopping for and possession course of – the corporate tells us this could change shifting ahead.
Whereas costs align the petrol Cooper with bigger hatchbacks and in some circumstances price range Chinese language EVs, and the electrical variations with much more fashionable electrified steel, the charming design and driving dynamics carve out a distinct segment that isn’t actually happy by one thing like an MG 4 or Tesla Mannequin 3.
Picks of the vary? I believe the Cooper S Basic at $49,990 affords lots of enjoyable personalisation choices and punchy efficiency for not an excessive amount of spend, whereas the Cooper E at $53,990 affords heat hatch efficiency and adequate claimed vary at 305 kilometres.
The SE is a heap of enjoyable, however the excessive pricing and restricted personalisation relative to the ICE fashions (there’s only one inside accessible) hamper its distinctive promoting level towards one thing like a Cupra Born or the tremendous foolish Abarth 500e. It’s additionally tougher to suggest one thing that small for that form of cash when there are such a lot of different higher EVs on the market.
However the trendy Mini has by no means actually been about taking up the mainstream. The model and its merchandise have at all times been left of discipline and quirky whereas leaning on the premium options of the BMW Group.
As increasingly more enjoyable small vehicles go the best way of the dodo in Australia although, it’s good to see that Mini hasn’t given up on cool, compact metropolis hatchbacks and funky design.
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