Mini 1.5 Cooper Exclusive Premium 5dr Review
Category: Small car
Section: Version review
The model
Read full Mini reviewThe Mini 3dr is a hugely desirable small car that has plenty of substance to match its style. We’d recommend a peppy yet frugal Cooper in Exclusive trim to make the most of the Mini’s biggest strength, its well-appointed interior. It's disappointing that automatic emergency braking is optional, and it's worth pointing out that there are plenty of safer small cars. If practicality is high on your list of must-haves, though, we’d point you in the direction of the even more impressive Audi A1.
The trim
See full equipmentExclusive is a more luxurious choice than Sport, and builds on the standard equipment of Classic trim. Exclusive adds 17in or 18in wheels for you to choose from, a silver roof and mirror caps, leather sports seats, ambient lighting, cruise control, driving mode selection and rear parking sensors. It’s our pick, but we’d still add a few options.
The engine
See full engine specsYou can get this engine on every trim but John Cooper Works, and it’s the one we’d pick. It’s another turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, but this time with 134bhp, enough for 0-62mph in as little as 8.1sec. It’s a smooth yet punchy engine that really lets you make the most of the Mini’s handling and is available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox. It’s pretty economical, too, with the car managing 41.3mpg in our True MPG tests.
