2013 Mini Coupe Reviews

This is Mini's baseball cap car because the roof looks like one. It's also been described as looking like someone dropped a brick on it and also as a helmet. Whatever, they all seem apt enough.The gold and black striped test car would cost more than the kick off price of $42,990, probably a lot more when you tally up all the options but the good news is, you won't be disappointed.Why? Because the Cooper S Coupe has excellent performance and handling and is generously equipped in standard trim. Mini has plenty of options to add but you might only be tempted by a couple such as the stripes.Satnav is an option and there are numerous other goodies.  But you do get Bluetooth phone, multiple audio connections, climate control, power assisted ancillaries, park distance control and other stuff.Our test car was a six speed manual with a sweet shifting action and close intermediate ratios for sporty driving. It will put away a 0-100kmh sprint in 6.9 seconds bet feels quicker. Fuel economy averages 6.3-litres/100km - quite impressive when you consider the Mini's performance potential. The engine, from PSA (Peugeot) also used in various BMW models, is a 1.6-litre, direct injection turbo petrol with 135kW/260Nm output (on overboost). The look inside is modern and classy and the interior offers plenty of comfort and sporty seats. It's all soft feel and multi textures with a huge speedo in the middle that's fairly useless because of the position. Lucky there's a digital read out directly in front of the driver on the instrument pod.The Coupe is a real attention grabber that takes onlookers one way or the other, no fence sitters. We love it because it's so whacky in a cute/tough kind of way. The active rear spoiler pops up at speeds above 80kmh adding to the sporty effect generated by those imposing black alloys, the squat appearance, the muscular rump and the large tailgate covering the surprisingly big load space.There are two interior roof bubbles to give more headroom and there's enough seat adjustment for people over 185cm to get comfy.But what you need to know is how good this car is to drive. It's a step back from the hard core JCW model but is arguably a better day to day drive -- a real hoot.  There's a Sport button just in front of the gear stick that optimises a number of functions including throttle response, steering and suspension as well as opening flaps in the exhaust to give a muted 'pop' on the over-run. It sounds excellent and we had the Sport button on all the time.Though relatively small in capacity, the engine delivers maximum torque from as low as 1500rpm which translates into superb throttle response across a wide engine operating range. You can feel it in the seat of your pants and under your right foot. It's addictive. So is the way this car corners. Like a kart is no exaggeration.It sits flat and through fast corners and simply scuttles through with barely any body or wheel deflection. The brakes are right up to the task and the steering is quick and well weighted. Having a wheel at each corner is a big advantage for a front wheel drive hot hatch like this.

The sixth distinct new-age Mini model makes its mark. Not since the Suzuki Mighty Boy has such outrage hit the bitumen.In yet another variation on a theme, the Mini franchise has produced a pocket-book two-door model that appeals to anyone who wants to be seen. There is no classification for a buyer of this car and, indeed, probably competes with cars that tend to be a little on the quirky side of the street. Like the long-gone Might Boy and the Suzuki Move. The Mini Coupe appears short, yet is based on the original hatchback platform, and wide, snub-nosed in arrogance and beetle-tailed - a rear styling quirk that looks like the proceeds of an incident with a large truck or a randy Land Cruiser. Not a lot, but who can put a price on being distinctive? It's well built and the feature list is average. The option list is huge, but that's what creates the exclusivity of the car. The Coupe makes some sense for single buyers, even couples, but at $45,340 it's an expensive two seater and there's probably more than a few dozen rivals that'll do the transport aspect of the job better and cheaper.But not as obvious. There's four models - Cooper, Cooper S, a diesel and a hot John Cooper Works - with the tester being the S with its turbo-petrol engine and auto gearbox. Price is $45,340, up $2350 on the manual gearbox, and includes 17-inch alloys, sport button, bi-xenon headlights, climate aircon and cloths seats. Options include leather ($1560), the must-have Harman-Kardon audio ($1500) and metallic paint ($900).Different. As the platypus of the Mini family, the Coupe looks convoluted and even awkward, but hides a neat liftback to access the expansive room once used by folded rear-seat passengers. It's a better solution to the near-zero space offered by the hatch model's rear seat. There's a centre hatch to prod long objects from the boot into the cabin, a main glovebox and a secondary "secret'' dash compartment. The pop-up rear spoiler is merely a talking point.The biggest surprise about the dashboard is that Mini hasn't changed it (though future models get window switches on the doors) and it remains a mish-mash of switch gear designs and locations set beneath an enormous, perspex-covered and highly reflective speedometer that harks back to the original Mini's folly. It's 2012 guys.The six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is a highlight here. It works well with the power characteristics of the S-model's turbo engine, is responsive and doesn't have the chasms of indecision that often plague Volkswagen's DSG system. The engine, made by PSA and seen on its Peugeot RCZ, is also a top-notch powerplant. The suspension is firm yet not too hard on the body, while the electric steering is nice and sharp.This is a five-star car with four airbags (there's only two occupants) and all the BMW-inspired electronic aids. That 's stability and traction control, rear park sensors, a hill-holder and auto bi-xenon headlights and wipers. There's no rear wiper and no spare wheel as it uses run-flat tyres. Predictable, firm and reminiscent of a go-kart for kids, the Coupe loses none of the precision of the other (except Countryman) Minis. It is a very enjoyable drive, the only distraction being the need to keep a few brain neurons free to memorise the erratic switch placement. The coupe roof crimps the cabin space a bit and thanks to a multi-pillared C-section, reduces visibility to the rear three-quarters - not helped in lane changing by the small mirrors.It's not particularly quiet with some wind noise and even more tyre noise over coarse bitumen. But the engine cooling fan wins the gold medal for noise. It runs after engine switch and produces colourful language from neighbours when arriving home late at night. But I love driving Minis. The handling is so confident that you can change tack mid-corner, while the engine just keeps on giving.

The Mini Cooper S Coupe is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine delivering 135 kW of power (the JCW engine weighs in with 20 kW more) and 240Nm of torque mated with a six-speed manual gearbox. Acceleration is 0-100km/h in 7.0 seconds. While fuel economy comes in at 6.3l/100km. There’s also a Mini John Cooper Works Pack to add even more oomph to performance.Standard equipment in this stunning looking little Mini Coupe is generous, with bi-xenon headlights, speed-sensitive power steering, electric exterior mirrors, parking audio alarm, height-adjustable seats, automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free function with USB audio interface and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX connection.Optional equipment includes black headlight housing, adaptive headlamp system, automatic dimming rear-view mirror and exterior mirrors. Buyers can also choose from equipment such as a 10-speaker Harman Kardon hi-fi, the Mini Visual Boost radio or Mini navigation system.DESIGNTo waist height the stunning new Mini Coupe looks much like any other Mini. After that it’s obvious that all hell broke loose in the styling studio. Just look at the steep slope of the windscreen, the distinctive rear glass treatment and a sharply curved roof in a contrasting colour.The very different roof of the Mini Coupe has already gained the nicknames of ‘helmet top’ and ‘helmet head’ and is a talking point wherever you drive it.If you don’t like the very different roof of the new Mini Coupe, but do find favour with the rest of the car, then the Mini people can sell you an open Roadster version instead. Indeed this was our vehicle of choice when we made the booking, but the Mini PR gang decided we wouldn't like to test a topless car in winter.The curve of the roof finishes with a spoiler on the leading edge of the tailgate. There’s another spoiler, this time an active one that pops up when the Mini Coupe reaches 80 km/h. At maximum speed of around 224 km/h this spoiler applies extra downforce of 40 kg for safer high-speed stability. Total weight of the Mini Coupe is slightly skewed to the front, providing maximum traction through the front-wheel drive.Inside the cabin it’s ‘Mini Central’ with all the usual suspects - quirky controls and switches, and an oversize speedo dominating the central dashboard, a tradition harking back to the original Mini of the 1960s. There is a digital speedo incorporated in the tachometer and information display dead ahead of the driver behind the steering wheel. A neat touch is the inclusion of oval recesses in the roof liner creating extra headroom.As there are no back seats the Mini Coupe can carry a swag of cargo, 280 litres to be exact. It’s a handy shape so bulky sports gear and the like can it with ease. A unique two-piece cover keeps contents from prying eyes.The high-opening tailgate on the Mini we reviewed was heavy and hard to open, possibly a problem with the adjustment of the struts, but check for yourself when you do your personal road test. Short folks may find it hard to reach up and shut. Again, your call.SAFETYHigh body rigidity for optimum protection of occupants and pedestrians was of primary concern. Passenger safety extends to the cabin interior with front and head-thorax airbags, the latter integrated into the sides of the seat backrests. Naturally there are three-point inertia-reel seat belts including belt force limiters and belt tensioners.DRIVINGThe test vehicle was fitted with an optional six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission ($2350) which added a new dimension to the sporting nature of the Coupe. Gears were selected manually using the shift lever, or steering wheel-mounted paddles. The paddles weren’t as easy to use as in most others, but if it was our money we would go for the manual any day.Having said that, the auto produced a relaxed drive, even in stressful heavy traffic.In the automatic Mini JCW we tested fuel consumption was in the five to six litres per hundred kilometres range on the open road, but fanging the car around our interesting mountain route saw it leap to the nine to ten litre range.Much has been done to match engine performance with handling qualities. Agility of the sort found in a go-kart, was the catchword. There was no denying steering and stability were of the highest order for a car of this segment.The ride which was harsh and skittish on at times on uneven surfaces, to the extent it could upset some passengers. On smooth blacktop the minor discomforts were soon forgotten in the sheer joy of driving the new exotic Mini.Mini Cooper S CoupePrice: from $40,700Warranty: 3-yearsSafety rating: 5-star ANCAPEngine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed manualBody: 3729mm (L); 1683mm (W); 1407mm (H)Weight: 1150kg 

The fast new Coupe won't be loved by everyone and doesn't care.German car-lovers have a strange affliction that contradicts national stereotypes: they like old British cars. I was in Germany for the Frankfurt motor show recently and confirmed the diagnosis.On the autobahn the only cars travelling under 120km/h were 1960s Triumphs. In fact, aside from an old Porsche 911 here or there, British cars were the only ones that didn't seem new.It's the fifth model in the Mini range since the hatch was reborn a decade ago, but it looks unlike any other. The flat roof has gone in favour of a skullcap which, thanks to a winglet on the trailing edge, could be a baseball cap on backwards. It's unusual and doesn't immediately inspire affection.Of course, the original spawned a bewildering variety of body styles, including a ute, the Moke and sedans. That has been the route map for the reborn car. The modern Clubman, for example, is based on the old Mini Traveller.However, there's no prior model for Coupe and the executives needed to employ some fancy historical footwork. They say it was inspired by British sports cars from the 1960s and 70s because it is the first Mini with only two seats and there's also a convertible version.But it couldn't look less like an old MG or Triumph. One of the biggest downsides to any Mini, including this one, is the lacklustre interior. Use of soft plastics is miserly; most are unyieldingly hard and unpleasant.The seats are good, but you'll lose fingers trying to find the adjusters. Aircon and radio controls are set too low and the absurd central speedo needs to be consigned to history. It's pointless.Headroom is respectable thanks to recesses in the roof and the car connects to the internet via an iPhone, making web radio possible. The boot -- it opens like a hatchback, despite the profile -- has a bit more cargo space than usual and there's some storage behind the seats.His design comes with engineering tweaks. The starting point is the Cabriolet, so it already has a reinforced body, but the Coupe is another 10-15 per cent stiffer on top. This, and an active rear spoiler that deploys from the boot at 80km/h, delighted the chassis engineers, who say it helped deliver better ride and handling than the standard car.Spec for spec, engines carry over and Australia will see the John Cooper Works driven at the event plus the 135kW Cooper S. Although the Coupe is 25kg heavier than other Minis, thanks to improved aerodynamics the JCW gets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds: one-tenth better than the equivalent hatch. It's also fairly efficient, with a stop-at-idle system and electric power steering, among other features, helping it achieve 7.1 litres per 100km.On the road, the Coupe will feel familiar to Mini drivers, but sharper and tauter. It steers well, with good turn-in and only a hint of torque steer -- the tendency for power to twist the wheel in your hands -- despite putting 155kW through the front rubber. On autobahns its high-speed stability is good for something only 3.7m long.This engine sounds great on-song and responds with enthusiasm. It has the driver-pleasing trait of echoing throttle inputs in little movements of the chassis, so the engine and suspension feel as if they're working in harmony.There's a bit more roll through corners than expected but the Coupe isn't lacking body discipline. The ride is firm to crashy, and just on the right side of acceptable, although that was on smooth German bitumen.The drawbacks include engine drone at constant highway speeds, when the turbocharged unit sounds monotone and industrial. The tiny rear window means vision is restricted to a tiny portion of the road immediately behind or even less when the spoiler deploys. That means cars can seem to suddenly appear from nowhere.

Someone has put the boot into the Mini Coupe and that can only help buyers when the newest addition to the Mini range arrives in late October or November.The turbocharged 1.6-litre John Cooper Works version of the coupe is the quickest Mini in the stable, but it also has the biggest cargo area in the family at 280 litres, up from 160 litres in the hatch.It’s the first Mini to handle a set of golf clubs and BMW Australia spokesman Piers Scott said that boot space will be a major selling point.“The performance side of the car is one aspect, but a lot of Mini buyers buy the whole look and lifestyle,” he said. “Some people who just like the brand haven’t come across because they needed more boot space. Now they’ve got it.”The coupe is pitched against the likes of the Audi TT, Volkswagen Scirocco and Peugeot RCZ and will be priced accordingly, with prices expected to be just below $50,000 for the base model Cooper S, climbing to $60-something for the JCW. The oilburning SD (sports diesel) will slot between the two.Scott said the sporty focus of the coupe means the base Cooper model is unlikely to make it to local showrooms.The coupe will be given time to establish itself before the open-top Roadster arrives midway through next year.The stability control light is flickering, but the power drain on the Mini Coupe is constant as the two-seater squats and tries to squirt 155kW as it exits the corner of an Austrian racetrack.Hit the straight, push the button to the right of the six-speed manual gearbox to turn the stability control off and the JCW engine is let off the electronic leash.Traction control is still on (the button has to be held for three seconds to switch all the aids off) but it is intended purely to maximise grip by braking the inside wheel through the turns and there’s no sensation of losing grunt.That’s when the Mini’s character reflects its “backwards baseball cap” roof that is one of designer Anders Warming’s proudest achievements with the car.“It shows the character of this car,” he said. “This is about attitude, a little bit macho and about being street smart. And it goes like stink.”That it does. But straight line speed, despite a 6.4-second lap time from 0-100km/h, isn’t the best bit about the latest Mini. It’s the way it holds its line in the corners and the instant response to throttle and steering changes that makes this the nimblest Mini yet.Can it tackle a TT or stay with a Scirocco? Figures suggest it should and that means the 80 cars due to arrive this year are likely to be snapped up quickly.