2014 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.

The latest cars to take the Mini moniker, the Coupe and Roadster, are the first purely two-seaters from the iconic British brand.Aimed to attract those who desire a two-seat sporting life, they come in Mini Cooper S and Mini John Cooper Works guise.Mini Cooper S is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder motor with twin-scroll turbocharger putting out 135 kW of power at 5500 rpm and 240 m of torque between 1600 and 5000 rpm. An overboost function lifts torque to 260 Nm for a few seconds if you really need everything in acceleration.The John Cooper Works variants pump out a rip-roaring 155 kW at 6000 rpm and 260 Nm between 1850 and 5600 rpm. Overboost adds a further 20 Nm between 2000 and 5100 rpm for extreme-performance applications. The Mini John Cooper Works version only has a six-speed manual. It uses a clever self-adjusting clutch to ensure the correct pedal feel is maintained over the car’s full service life.The Mini Cooper S Coupe claims zero-to-100 km/h acceleration in 6.9 seconds in manual form (7.1 sec, auto), with combined urban/highway petrol consumption of 6.3 (6.7) litres per 100 kilometres. The equivalent manual Roadster comes up with 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds (7.2 sec, auto), while using 6.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (6.8, auto) when measured to official standards The John Cooper Works does the zero-to-100 km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds for the Coupe and 6.5 in Roadster format.The dimensions of the Coupe – the two-seater measures 3734 mm (John Cooper Works Coupe 3758 mm) in length, 1683 mm in width and 1384 mm (John Cooper Works Coupe 1385 mm) in height (Roadster 1390 mm and JCW 1391 mm) with a wheelbase of 2467 mm.On sale now, prices range from $45,500 for the Mini Cooper S Roadster and $55,100 for the range-topping John Cooper Works variant, representing a premium of just $2510 and $2500 over the respective Coupes. On top of standard equipment featured on the Cooper S, JCW variants gain 17-inch Cross Spoke Challenge wheels, the John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit, sports suspension, sports stripes and a Harmon Kardon audio.Efficient aerodynamics see an active rear spoiler integrated for the first time into a Mini boot lid. It pops up automatically when the Coupe hits 80 km/h. At top speed the maker says the wing weighs in with 40 kg of extra downforce. Two rear seats are replaced in both the Mini Coupe and Roadster by a generous luggage shelf that incorporates a larger-than-normal through-shute from the 280-litre Coupe boot (240 litres, Roadster) which can take bulky long objects.The high-opening boot lid allows bulky items such as sporting gear and weekend-away luggage for two to be loaded easily. The quirky knobs, switches and instruments are straight out of the Mini bin, the centrally situated speedo dial dominating the dashboard with its side-plate size. The speed is duplicated by a digital readout viewed between the upper spokes of the steering wheel, so there is no need for the driver’s eyes to stray too far from the road ahead.Occupants are actively protected by anti-skid braking with electronic brake force distribution and dynamic stability control, while driver and passenger front airbags and side head and thorax airbags come into play in the event of a crash. Roadster travellers are also protected in the case of a vehicle flipping by polished stainless steel roll bars, which are padded at the front and incorporate a slot for the wind deflector.The wide stance, together with a stiff (some would say too stiff) sports suspension have the compact cars roller skating ‘round corners, the beautiful balance enhanced by positive steering with excellent feedback. There is some flexing in the Roadster on uneven surfaces and a plastic cargo cover in the back of the Coupe rattled annoyingly during our introductory test drives.All was forgiven when the engine, especially in the JCW cars, piped up with a Rod Stewart-style rasp under heavy acceleration. A visually striking feature of the Coupe is the sharply raked windscreen (13 degrees more than the Mini Hatch), the arc of which flows rearward forming a low roofline which terminates in an integrated rear spoiler.The Roadster’s cloth roof is light enough to be lowered using one hand by means of a handle above the windscreen. With the Roadster roof stowed between the cabin and boot there is no reduction in cargo space to that with the roof up. A standard wind deflector behind the occupants helps maintain a relatively quiet and relaxed atmosphere in the cabin. Ambient light only adds to the feel-good surroundings of the Roadster and its twin.The Mini Coupe cabin roof lining, in a felt material, in contrast to the rest of the surroundings, looks on the cheap side but incorporates oval recesses to increase headroom for the driver and passenger.The Mini Coupe and Roadster range is:Mini Cooper S CoupeMini Cooper S RoadsterMini John Cooper Works CoupeMini John Cooper Works Roadster

The mini range of Minis is becoming a maxi range with the addition of its first two-seaters. When the new Mini was launched 10 years ago, it arrived as a hatch, followed shortly by a soft-top and that was it for body styles for several years.About 15 months ago a five-door Clubman wagon was added and last year a jacked-up, all-wheel-drive version, the Countryman, arrived. Now Mini has added a two-seater Coupe and Roadster with a Paceman (coupe version of the Countryman) coming next year and possibly a Clubvan (solid-sided Clubman) which is yet to be evaluated for Australia.Prices start at $42,990 for the six-speed manual Cooper S Coupe and $52,600 for the John Cooper Works Coupe. While the convertible version of the Hatch costs a premium of more than $8000, the rag-top variant of the Coupe is only an extra $2010 for the Cooper S and $2500 for the JCW making the Roadster an attractive option. Six-speed auto adds $2350 to the price, which is the same across the Mini fleet. The JCW only comes in manual. Mini Australia boss Kai Bruesewitz believes the new two-seater competes in a narrow class of vehicles with a wide range of prices, from the Honda CR-Z (from $34,990) to the Audi TT (from $70,400). Other competitors are the Peugeot RCZ (from $54,990), VW Eos ($49,990) and Mazda MX-5 (soft top $44,265, coupe $47,200). While this is unchartered territory for Mini, they believe about two-thirds of buyers will opt for the Coupe and about 10 per cent will want the JCW which is one of the highest rates in the world, says Bruesewitz.Given its sporty body shape, it makes sense that the Coupe and Roadster only arrive n Cooper S and JCW variants. The Cooper S comes with the turbo 1.6-litre with 135kW of power and a thirst of 6.3 litre per 100km, while the JCW has 155kW and 7.1L/100km. The chassis in both Coupe and Roadster are based on the stiffer and heavier Cabrio. While the Coupe weighs 1165kg which is a surprising 15kg more than the Hatch despite its lack of back seat and roof, the Roadster weighs an extra 20kg than the Coupe but is a surprisingly 45kg lighter than the Cabrio. Engineers have stiffened the springs on Coupe and Roadster and there is an even stiffer sports suspension available in the Cooper S to match the JCW. All the usual tech features of the Mini are available, but a glaring omission in a market obsessed with with phones is Bluetooth audio streaming. This is what the new variants are all about. They are a design exercise, with few technological changes from the Hatch and Cabrio. Designers specifically intended for the strange Coupe roof line to look like a backwards-facing baseball cap. It looks ridiculous from the side view, but works from the front and rear. The overhanging lip or cap peak also has a practical use, acting as a roof spoiler. There is also an auto boot spoiler on both models which deploys at 80km/h and retracts at 60km/h with a switch inside to manually deploy. Roadster has more appeal from all angles, accentuating Mini's first three-box silhouette. Apart from the obvious roofline, the new models feature a 13 per cent greater raked windscreen. Dimensions are roughly the same as the Hatch, but it sits slightly lower. Inside is standard Mini fare, although the rear seat is gone and there is a small storage area for a couple of shopping bags or briefcase. The big surprise is the cargo area which has more room than the Hatch, while the soft top, which can be manually deployed in about half the time of electric roofs, does not steal precious boot space. The boot is also wide for easy luggage access.The Coupe's roof has been scalloped out so this will suit the tallest of drivers. Product and pricing manager Sue McCarthy says the usual interminable array of Mini options and accessories are available for customisation.There are four airbags and all the usual passive and active safety features of the other Mini models. While they have not yet been crash tested here or in Europe, the Mini Cooper has a maximum five-star rating. Roadster gets two permanent but stylish chromed rollover bars. Rear vision in the Coupe is scant and worse in the Roadster. The boot spoiler only makes matters worse.As expected, it handles like a go-kart, torque-steers like a banshee and the suspension crashes through harsh surfaces. However, the suspension adjustments for the heavier chassis have livened up the steering so there is less understeer and even sharper turn-in. On the down side, ride is further compromised and the car tended to skip sideways over high-speed bumps such as corrugations in corners.On the national launch through the Yarra Valley, both cars were an exciting drive, but after a couple of hours of hitting the bump stops over some of the more gnarly sections of road, my neck and head began to ache. It also didn't help that the cabin is quite noisy, probably because of the lack of sound dampening with the absent rear seat. We also found the flimsy parcel shelf developed an annoying rattle and the rag top vibrated against the metal ribs. Mini's famous "look at me" value is increased, especially in the radical Coupe. People stop, stare, point, but mostly smile and wave. 

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.