The MINI Cooper is one of the most iconic and beloved small cars in the world. It combines retro charm, agile handling, and modern technology in a compact package that appeals to drivers of all ages and backgrounds. But what if you want more power, performance, and fun from your MINI? That’s where the new MINI Cooper S comes in.
The MINI Cooper S is the sporty version of the MINI Cooper, with a more powerful engine, a stiffer suspension, and a more aggressive design. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to spice up their daily commute or take their MINI to the track for some adrenaline-pumping action.
What’s New for 2024?
The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S models with gasoline engines have been updated for 2024 with some subtle but significant changes. Here are some of the highlights:
- New front and rear bumpers. The new bumpers have a more streamlined and aerodynamic shape, with larger air intakes and a hexagonal grille. The Cooper S also has a distinctive central air scoop on the hood and a rear spoiler on the roof.
- New LED headlights and taillights. The new headlights have a circular shape with a black inner ring and feature adaptive LED technology that adjusts the brightness and direction of the beam according to the driving situation. The new taillights have a horizontal shape with a Union Jack motif and feature dynamic turn signals that sweep from the inside to the outside.
- New wheel designs and colors. The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S models offer a range of new wheel designs and sizes, from 15 to 18 inches. The new colors include Zesty Yellow, Rooftop Grey, and Island Blue.
- New digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S models have a new 5-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, which displays the speed, fuel level, and other vital information. The new infotainment system has an 8.8-inch touchscreen in the center of the dashboard, which supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. The system also has a new user interface with customizable widgets and live tiles.
What’s Under the Hood?
The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S models with gasoline engines have the same engines as the previous generation but with some tweaks and improvements. Here are the specs:
- MINI Cooper. The MINI Cooper has a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph. It has a fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
- MINI Cooper S. The MINI Cooper S has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 146 mph. It has a fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Both engines are paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Both engines also have a start-stop system that shuts off the engine when the car is idle and a mild hybrid system that recovers energy from braking and coasting and uses it to boost the engine power and efficiency.
How Do They Drive?
The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S models with gasoline engines are fun to drive, thanks to their nimble handling, responsive steering, and lively engines. They have a low center of gravity, a short wheelbase, and a wide track, which make them stable and agile on the road. They also have a sporty suspension, which provides a firm but comfortable ride, and a sport mode, which sharpens the throttle response, the steering feel, and the exhaust sound.
The MINI Cooper S has a more dynamic and exhilarating driving experience than the MINI Cooper due to its higher power output, stiffer suspension, and larger brakes. It also has a limited-slip differential, which improves the traction and cornering performance, and a launch control system, which optimizes the acceleration from a standstill.
The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S models with gasoline engines also have a range of driver assistance and safety features, such as:
- Adaptive cruise control. This feature maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle in front and can brake and accelerate automatically according to the traffic flow.
- Lane departure warning. This feature warns the driver if the car is drifting out of its lane and can apply corrective steering if necessary.
- Parking assistant. This feature helps the driver find and park in a suitable space by using sensors and cameras to measure the dimensions and steer the car automatically.
- Head-up display. This feature projects the key information, such as the speed, navigation, and alerts, onto the windshield so that the driver can keep their eyes on the road.
- Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. This feature detects the potential collision with a vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, warns the driver, and applies the brakes if needed.