Mini 1.5 Cooper Sport Premium 5dr Auto 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 equipmentUpgrade to Sport trim from Classic and you’ll get 17in alloy wheels, piano-black exterior detailing with a black roof and mirrors, a John Cooper Works bodykit and sports seats, piano-black interior trim, ambient lighting, cruise control, driving mode selection, intelligent adaptive suspension and rear parking sensors.
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.
