AutoTrader SCORE
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STYLING9/10
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Safety6/10
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PRACTICALITY6/10
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USER-FRIENDLINESS7/10
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FEATURES7/10
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POWER8/10
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COMFORT8/10
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DRIVING FEEL9/10
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FUEL ECONOMY9/10
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VALUE8/10
After some changes to the lineup over the years, the 2024 Mini Cooper has more standard features than before.
Prices can climb quickly for more performance-oriented Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW) models, but the base Cooper remains the value king in the lineup. Though some cosmetic tweaks can be found here and there, fun driving dynamics and a respectful homage to a rich heritage have stayed the same.
Styling: 9/10
On the outside, the Mini now gets standard 16-inch alloy wheels instead of plastic covers on black steel wheels. Union Jack LED taillights are standard and are vastly improved over the old red blob incandescent units. The added visual appeal makes the iconic shape and style hard to beat.
While the interior isn’t as provocative, it’s not the worst place to be. With the base non-S model, a few chrome trim rings barely break up a sea of black plastic and leatherette; higher-end trims have multiple colour choices.
Safety: 6/10
With most cars now offering robust driver-assist systems, the 2024 Mini Cooper falls behind, with practically none. There’s a forward collision warning system whose settings are hidden in the infotainment menus, and the feature isn’t called out anywhere on the Mini Canada website, either. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance aren’t available. On the plus side, visibility and sightlines are good, and the LED headlights are among the best out there.
Features: 7/10
Available only in a single Premier 2.0 trim level, the three-door Mini Cooper has a decent list of standard features. There’s a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and leatherette upholstery; a defroster for the windshield, panoramic glass sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear parking sensors, subscription-based satellite radio, and built-in navigation. But while wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity is standard, Android Auto isn’t offered.
Beyond colour selection, no packages or other options are available beyond an alarm system for $500. There’s no cost difference between the six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions.
User-Friendliness: 7/10
This Mini has a decent amount of standard features but not much complex tech; the Cooper is a relatively straightforward car to live with. Mini has adapted parent company BMW’s iDrive infotainment system here, which is a combination of control dial and touchscreen interfaces. It’s responsive and easy to navigate, but functions tend to be buried deep inside several menus that take longer to get to than they should. iDrive has a steeper learning curve but works well after acclimation takes place.
Beyond the screens, the controls are made up of hard buttons and switches – a dying breed in many of today’s cars. Getting in and out of the car itself could be easier for those with broad or tall proportions, but once inside there’s a decent amount of space for front-seat occupants. The hatchback body configuration offers easy cargo access and flexibility, and the cargo floor is relatively deep without a spare tire.
Practicality: 6/10
As expected, the little Mini is not the most practical car in a typical sense, but it comes with some perks. Its small size allows it to fit just about anywhere in urban environments, with a tight turning circle that enables great manoeuvrability in parking lots. Otherwise, there’s little room for people in the back, making this more of a two-seater than a proper four.
Using a forward-facing child seat on the rear passenger side is possible, but the front passenger seat needs to be shifted so far forward that it becomes mostly useless. Don’t expect to haul a standard stroller in the cargo area, but a small folding one will work just fine.
Comfort: 8/10
Given its compact dimensions, the Mini Cooper three-door is comfortable enough to drive everyday. The leatherette seating is comfortable and feels good enough to be considered an upgrade over cloth. The heated steering wheel is a welcome bonus for Canadian winters, but the manual climate control will require fiddling while on the road.
As the base model before getting into the Cooper S or JCW, ride quality is on the soft side, and highway cruising is considerably better than expected for a sportier-than-average entry. While there’s some excessive road noise from the run-flat all-season tires, vibration and harshness are both kept to a minimum.
Power: 8/10
In the entry-level Cooper, a courageous 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder engine punches well above its weight. With 134 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque – the latter available between 1,480 and 4,100 rpm – the Mini is a joy to drive in the city when paired with the six-speed manual transmission. There’s ample torque and acceleration to get from stoplight to stoplight, even though the gearing is quite tall. With six forward gears, fifth barely enters the conversation until the Mini hits highway speeds.
When it comes to passing at higher speeds and revs, the engine runs out of breath and makes known its modest 134 hp. In other words, the turbo three-cylinder engine only does its best at a low to medium pace.
Driving Feel: 9/10
The Cooper three-door is excellent fun to drive, and its inputs inspire confidence during spirited driving. The steering is on the heavier side, and the brakes are responsive without being too grabby. The six-speed manual’s clutch lacks feedback in terms of engagement point but is at least easy to modulate and won’t strain your left leg when driving in traffic.
With a relatively low 1,225-kg (2,700-lb) curb weight, the Mini keeps its agility without feeling like a featherweight tin can. Body roll is kept to a minimum, although overall grip levels won’t be as good as its peers due to its skinny 195-mm wide all-season tires.
Fuel Economy: 9/10
The engine makes for decent fuel economy, with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rating consumption for this manual version at 8.6 L/100 km in the city, 6.3 on the highway, and 7.5 combined. With a bias towards more highway driving, observed numbers after 500 km of testing netted 6.9 L/100 km, which is right in the ballpark of most non-hybrid compact cars. The only catch is that 89-octane fuel is required at a minimum, and 91 or better is strongly recommended.
Value: 8/10
Despite the base price rising by thousands of dollars over the last few years, the base Mini Cooper is still a great value in the entry-level sport compact segment. With the extra standard features, it’s departed the economy car scene and now plays with bigger fish.
With an as-tested price of $37,175 here, you get what you pay for. At the other end of the spectrum, the John Cooper Works gets nearly 100 extra horsepower, but the price balloons by $20,000 or more, depending on the options selected, making the base model look like a bargain.
The Verdict
The Mini’s competition in the sport-compact segment may perform significantly better in every quantitative performance metric, but they don’t necessarily win on the overall fun factor. While others could outdo the Cooper on a racetrack, they may not necessarily put a bigger smile on your face. There’s something to be said about the emotional connection you make with the 2024 Mini Cooper, which can only be seen with your eyes and be felt in the driver’s seat.
| Engine Displacement | 1.5L |
|---|---|
| Engine Cylinders | Turbo I3 |
| Peak Horsepower | 134 hp @ 4,500–6,000 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 1,480–4,100 rpm |
| Fuel Economy | 8.6 / 6.3 / 7.5 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb |
| Cargo Space | 211 / 731 L seats up/down |
| Model Tested | 2024 Mini Cooper 3 Door |
| Base Price | $33,740 |
| A/C Tax | $100 |
| Destination Fee | $2,245 |
| Price as Tested | $37,175 |
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Optional Equipment
$1,090 – Chili Red Paint, $590; Alarm System, $500
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