When Mini presented the brand new Cooper 3-Door Hardtop last year, it was only a showcase of the electrical E and SE versions. It is now the only hatchback receiving an Internal combustion engine. Diesel is not available. Rather, the smallest car in that category is the BMW Group, which uses two gasoline-powered engines.
The base model goes under the designation Cooper C and gets a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower and 170 pounds of torque (230 Newton meters). This gives it a 0 to 62 times, which is 7.7 seconds.
Upgrade to Cooper S and Mini offers the more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 221 lb.-ft. (300 Nm) which reduces the sprint time to 6.6 seconds.
For those who prefer more power, you will be waiting for an upcoming JCW variant, but Mini will offer a brand fresh JCW exterior trim when it launches with all the features but with no additional power.
Depending on which Mini you select, the Mini will come with a range of wheels ranging from 16 to 18 inches to pick from, as well as four roof colours and the option of a three-colour gradient for the roof on the Favoured model when you select the Multitone Roof option is selected.
The interior features the identical 9.4-inch OLED infotainment system as the electric models. Thankfully, Mini hasn’t deleted all physical controls. There’s a parking brake, a switch for gears, start/stop buttons and a volume control, each in a toggle bar below an oblong display.
It is possible to fit 7.4 cubic feet (210 litres) of luggage when the back seats are on the ground or 28.2 cubic feet (800 litres) after folding the bench. Mini plans to introduce a convertible version of the most recent Cooper and an easier five-door hatchback. This will be the final series of ICE models to be released before BMW Group abandons gas cars towards the close of this decade.
The new Cooper C and S will be manufactured in Oxford, not those with electric Cooper E and SE. Both models are made in China through Spotlight Automotive – a joint partnership with Mini’s main business, BMW Group, and Great Wall Motor. The electric hatch within the UK until 2026. It will be built in the future Aceman smaller crossover.