Mini Cooper

Mini Cooper 3 at a glance

The F56 kept the familiar shape of the BMW-era Mini but grew in every direction. BMW quoted growth of 98 mm in length, 44 mm in width and 28 mm in wheelbase over the outgoing model. Three-cylinder engines arrived for the first time in the Cooper and One. The original Mini's story is told in our history of the classic Mini, and all models are on the Mini brand page.

The old 1cars text links the November reveal to the birthday of Sir Alec Issigonis, designer of the original 1959 Mini.

Three- and four-cylinder engines, from One First to JCW GP

At launch the gearboxes were a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic and a six-speed sports automatic. The 2018 update replaced the automatic with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox on most versions, while the JCW moved to an eight-speed automatic. The 2021 update added a particulate filter to the Cooper S petrol, which cost about 10 hp.

All engines use BMW's TwinPower Turbo design with start-stop. In our catalogue the Mini Cooper is ranked #2 among the fastest hatchbacks by top speed, and it is ranked #6 among the most powerful hatchbacks.

Size, cabin and the 211-litre boot

The cabin keeps the large round centre display, now surrounded by a ring of changing coloured light, and moves the speedometer from the centre console to a binnacle behind the steering wheel. According to the old 1cars text, an 8.8-inch touch screen and a head-up display were optional, the engine starts with a toggle switch, and the front seats have 23 mm longer cushions than before. The rear seat folds 40:60. The boot grew from 160–180 litres in the previous Mini to 211 litres, which is still small: in our catalogue's biggest-boot hatchbacks list the Mini is ranked #11.

Running costs and fuel economy

The three-cylinder Cooper is the economical choice: about 4.5–4.6 l/100 km (51–52 mpg US) on the older NEDC test with the manual gearbox, with CO2 of 105–107 g/km. The old 1cars text quotes 3.5–3.8 l/100 km for the Cooper D and 5.2–5.8 l/100 km for the Cooper S. Real-world figures on the newer WLTP test are higher. Premium pricing for parts and servicing is the Mini's main running-cost drawback.

Trims, options and equipment

Mini sold the F56 in a few engine-based versions with option packs rather than many fixed trims. According to the old 1cars text, typical options included LED headlights, the head-up display, Driving Assistant (camera-based adaptive cruise control, collision warning with city braking up to about 60 km/h, and traffic-sign recognition), a parking assistant, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control and a Harman Kardon sound system. Dynamic Damper Control, adjustable dampers, was offered for the first time on a Mini.

Safety: Euro NCAP 2014

ANCAP gave the car five stars in 2014 under its own scheme. The F56 has six airbags and an active bonnet that lifts on impact to protect pedestrians, according to the old 1cars text.

Rivals: how the Mini Cooper compares

The F56 competes with premium small cars such as the Audi A1 and with sporty superminis. The Abarth 500C offers similar retro charm but less space, and mainstream hatchbacks such as the Hyundai i20 give more room for the money. The Mini's strengths are handling, cabin quality and engine choice; its weaknesses are a small boot, a firm ride on large wheels and high prices for options. Those who need more space can step up to the Mini Countryman.