The Mini Cooper is one vehicle in the motoring world that has stayed true to its roots while evolving with the times. Since the original 1959 Mini, it has kept its signature retro styling—compact shape, round headlights, and go-kart-like handling—while adapting to modern technology and performance.
BMW took over the brand in 2001 and gave it a fresh start, but the Munich manufacturer ensured that the Mini Cooper's iconic charm never faded. Over the years, Mini has expanded its product offerings, some hits and some misses. We have seen the larger Countryman, the quirky Clubman, the short-lived Paceman, and the all-electric Aceman, but the real star of the show has always been the Cooper hatch, which is proof that quintessential traits that made a car popular in the first place (think retro design and an engaging drive) can still be present, even with corporate custodianship.
Enter the fourth-generation Mini Cooper S 5-door, introduced in SA in 2024. It's an impressive and appealing compact package that, while remaining true to its original design ethos, falls short in terms of character.
The design of the new Mini has definitely taken a cleaner, sleeker approach, which isn’t a bad thing at all—especially since it also doubles as the electric SE. I get why Mini designers didn’t want to create entirely different cars for different specs. However, this does come with a downside. My test unit, for example, lacked the signature dual exhaust tips and the stunning diffuser that have always been synonymous with the S badge. Instead, there’s a bumper with just a strip for a reverse light. It was honestly a bit disappointing. With no clear distinguishing features, I even found myself wondering—is it electric, or is it the conventional one? Look past that, and you have a stylish product.
The interior of the Mini has undergone a complete transformation. It has been revamped and now features a sleek, minimalist setup, and the standout feature is the 9.4-inch circular infotainment screen, which doubles as the control hub for almost everything. It’s intuitive once you get used to it with a slight learning curve. Especially since the instrument cluster, which was reintroduced in the third-gen Mini and placed in front of the driver, has now moved back to the centre. It's as if Mini designers couldn't decide whether to go classic or modern. Surprisingly, it somehow works since the driver still has a clear heads-up display.
Besides that, the steering wheel controls are well laid out, and I have to commend Mini for sticking to actual real buttons instead of those frustrating touch-sensitive ones that most German brands have since adopted. There’s even a proper volume knob, which is always a win. The gear selector, mounted just below the infotainment screen, takes some getting used to since it’s relatively the same size as the driving mode selector. The engine start switch, on the other hand, mimics the twist of a key, just like in a Porsche, which adds a nice touch.
While the overall interior oozes quality, I am not a fan of the grey knitted fabric on the dashboard and doors. While it looks stylish, it was starting to show signs of grime during the test and made me question its durability. I think a darker hue would’ve been a better choice here. However, at least they are a nice alternative to drab plastics.
Space inside is decent, but the 275-litre boot feels a bit small compared to something like the VW Polo GTI, but it’s still enough for bags and everyday essentials. A nice touch worth talking about is the shallow storage area under the boot floor, which came in handy during the test as it was used as a perfect hiding spot for my laptop.
The Mini Cooper S has certain appealing qualities. For one, it’s dartily, accessibly fun to throw around, and the acceleration is fairly exciting, thanks to a BMW-sourced 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 150kW and 300Nm to the front wheels via a smooth 7-speed automatic transmission.
On the road, the Mini Cooper S delivers an engaging drive, responding to inputs and keeping the driver engaged. But the lack of paddle shifters as standard is one thing I just can’t overlook. For a hot hatch of this calibre, that’s a hard no. To make matters worse, you can’t even use the gear selector to manually change gears. Also, I miss the pops and cracks of the previous Cooper S. This one is way too subdued, even when pushing on. And if you listen closely, that raspy engine note is coming from the speakers. Yes, that’s common these days, but Mini could’ve done a better job of making it feel more authentic. This is why I spent most of my time driving in Green and Mid modes, as Sport only alters the throttle response and steering feel, not the exhaust note that I loved in previous Mini Cooper S models. Hence my earlier comment that this car falls short in terms of character. What still stands out, though, is that signature go-kart feel, especially when pointing it towards twisty roads with body roll and road comfort remaining well in check.
The Mini Cooper S, being a premium product and priced as such, appears expensive at R676,395 when you compare it with its closest rival, the VW Polo GTI, with a price tag of R585,800. Factor in its premium build quality, stylish design, and unique character, and the price starts to make more sense. Plus, it delivers a respectable 7.6l/100km fuel economy, which isn’t bad at all considering that it's a hot hatch.
The Mini Cooper S isn’t perfect; it has its flaws. Look past that, though, and it’s hard not to love it. Ultimately, this car doesn't rely solely on logic to guide your decision. You have to love it to truly enjoy it and appreciate what it’s all about. And honestly, it’s wonderful to see that Mini is still keeping the cool, compact hot hatch alive, especially in SA, where we’re seeing fewer and fewer options in this segment.
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