While diminutive, this powerplant makes 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, more compared to old 4-cylinder engine found in MINI Coopers of years past. It’s powered by way of a 189-horsepower turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder, and the Getrag 6-speed is standard. The Cooper S adds yet another level of performance to the MINI. Finally, the John Cooper Works is powered by the same 2.0L, but produces 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Transmission options include either a standard six-speed Getrag manual or even a 6-speed automatic. A 6-speed automatic can be obtained, as are steering-wheel mounted shift paddles. The basic Cooper version is powered by way of a turbocharged 1.5L 3-cylinder engine.
Furthermore, MINI’s customization program is legendary. The automaker wants buyers to make the car their very own and allows each owner to rise above simple alloy wheels and paint colors by offering hood stripes, mirror caps, roof décor and a dazzling array of interior upholstery options.
Mini’s infotainment system features a 6.5-inch screen as standard. A more substantial 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay compatibility is available on the Signature trim via the Touchscreen Navigation package or as standard on the Iconic grade. Signature and Iconic grades will also be offered with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The Mini Hardtop hardtop now includes a choice of two- or 4-door body styles, while each will come in either standard Cooper or Cooper S trim. MINI is credited with bringing the first premium compact car to America, proving that good quality and small packaging are not mutually exclusive concepts. The 2-door is also available in the high-performance John Cooper Works trim. Thoroughly engineered with a well put-together feel, most of the Coopers in the MINI lineup are praised because of their agility and fun-to-drive factor. The 2021 Mini Hardtop can be obtained as a 2- or 4-door Hardtop 2021, this compact runabout combines the charm of the original with the best of today’s technolog and performance.
The Mini Hardtop can be obtained with an extensive quantity of customization features, ranging from Union Jack roof and side mirror covers to diamond-quilted leather upholstery, illuminated interior trim, and a tablet holder. S and JCW models can be found with adaptive dampers that allow you to choose between two suspension modes.
The more powerful Cooper S is rated at 23/33 mpg if you opt for the manual or 26/35 mpg with the automatic. EPA ratings for the base Hardtop in Cooper trim are 26/37 mpg city/highway with the manual or 28/37 mpg with the automatic. The JCW GP is the smallest amount of efficient model by having an EPA rating of 23/31 mpg. JCW models are rated at 23/33 mpg with the stick or 26/34 mpg with the manual.
The bottom Cooper trim runs on the 1.5-liter turbo I-3 with 134 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. JCW models utilize the same engine because the Cooper S, but rated at 228 hp and 236 lb-ft for the regular one or 301 hp and 331 lb-ft on the limited-run GP model. Moving as much as the Cooper S gets you a 2.0-liter turbo-four rated at 189 hp and 207 lb-ft. The standard JCW model is available with the six-speed manual or eight-speed torque converter automatic; however, the JCW GP is just offered with the latter. A six-speed manual comes standard on the Cooper and Cooper S while a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is optional.
The 2021 Mini Hardtop massive centrally-mounted speedometer was moved to an even more conventional location directly ahead of the driver a few years ago, but the round housing has been repurposed for a 6.5-inch rectangular touchscreen. The infotainment software works well, although the screen is on the little side. Apple CarPlay is standard but Android Auto remains unavailable. Stick to the 2-door and the back seat feels as though even more of a penalty box. The available 8.8-inch unit costs $1,700, adds navigation, and is really a welcome upgrade. Cargo space is limited by 8.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, though that expands to 34 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. That’s on par with many small crossovers. Four-door models aren’t great at sitting four people, aside from five. Unsurprisingly, space is at reduced in the Mini.
The standard all-season tires get overwhelmed by the chassis if you push too much, causing it to understeer. Unfortunately, it’s not totally all good news for the scrappy English hatchback. If you appreciate the Mini’s strengths but want more space, consider moving up to and including Clubman. An excellent stiff suspension means you’ll receive bounced around over bumps and road imperfections. Like parent company BMW, Mini doesn’t provide much standard equipment. The sporty handling comes at the cost of comfort. The bottom version doesn’t get Apple CarPlay compatibility, and Hardtop its standard 6.5-inch display is small by modern standards.
An all-electric version called the c Cooper SE is available nowadays as well. With the manual transmission on hiatus, the automatic gearbox has already been made standard. Mini’s Active Driving Assistant is standard on the 2021 Hardtop. That bundles together forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and front automatic emergency braking. The standard active safety features and some additional extras on several trims will be the amount of the changes for 2020. Adaptive cruise control is just available on the Signature and Iconic trims as part of the Driver Assistance package, which also incorporates automatic parking assist.