It definitely still feels strange writing about petrol versions of cars many months after their electric counterparts, but such is the way of the world now - it sure ain’t going back. And when hot hatch news of any description is so hard to come by these days, we should probably be grateful for any petrol-powered Mini Coopers at all. You can’t get a new Hyundai i20 N from the factory, but you can spec to your heart’s content a 150mph Mini, from £26,700. So there. The outgoing Fiesta ST-3 for the record, was from £27,380.
As per tradition, it’s the Cooper S that sits at the top of the petrol Mini range, now with 204hp and 221lb from the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo (up from 192hp previously). With a seven-speed DCT as the only gearbox choice, 0-62mph takes 6.6 seconds. The kerb weight is a pleasingly slim (relatively speaking) 1,285kg. The 2.0-litre S is joining the range with a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, £22,300 Cooper C. It gets 156hp alongside 170lb ft, which scoots it to 62mph in 7.7 seconds and onto 139mph. Mini says both Coopers are fitted with ‘a suspension and damping system designed for precise handling and powerful brakes.’
There isn’t much to separate petrol Cooper S from electric from a styling point of view. Where the ‘S’ badges are yellow on the battery-powered car, they’re now red, the grille is a slightly different design, and the filler cap has been relocated. There’s no chrome to be seen. That there isn’t even a visual exhaust on this four-cylinder Cooper S (where a pair of centre-exit pipes was a Mini hallmark) so that says a lot about the future. But hey, it’s a compact, three-door, fairly affordable fast car - we’ll take them without twin exhausts if needed.
As is modern Mini tradition, Cooper C and Cooper S buyers will be offered a whole heap of options and extras with their new car. To begin, a trim level must be chosen: Classic, Exclusive or Sport. This means all cars get LED lights, the seven Mini Experience Modes (Core, Green, Go-Kart, Personal, Vibrant, Timeless and Balance), that stunning central OLED screen, a rearview camera and a heated wheel.
Go for a Cooper S in Classic spec and you’ll also get wireless charging, heated seats, a head-up display and ‘adaptable front and rear light signatures’. Exclusive adds some cosmetic trinkets to each (new grille surround, blue decorative dash strap, that sort of thing) and Sport is where it gets more interesting: that introduces paddles for the auto ‘box, 18-inch wheels, JCW Sport brakes, a bigger spoiler and red accents for the interior.
Beyond that are equipment packages Level 1, 2 and 3, which can add niceties like a pano roof, Harman Kardon stereo and electric seats. There’s a lot, basically, so probably best be familiar with the configurator before getting carried away in a dealership. Or £27k will surely become a very distant memory very quickly.
The colour seen here is Ocean Wave Green, joining the palette with Sunny Side Yellow. Melting Silver is standard, with Chilli Red, BRG, Nanuq White, Legend Grey and Midnight Black also available. The roof can be body-coloured, white, red or black. Speccing a Cooper S won’t be the work of a moment!
“At Mini, 'Power of Choice’ means that in addition to all-electric Mini models, we also offer models such as the new Mini Cooper with petrol engine. The car is ideal for all those people who want to drive a classic Mini three-door and appreciate the traditional performance and characteristic sound of a combustion engine,” said Stefanie Wurst, Head of Mini. There are surely still a few of those around. Orders are open from today, with deliveries expected in the spring. Or, if your Mini Cooper S must have a manual, right this way…
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