Mini 2.0 Cooper S Exclusive Premium 5dr Auto Review
Category: Small car
Section: Version review
The model
Read full Mini reviewThe Mini 3-door Hatch 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 its 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 specsThis turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine has 176bhp to give a best 0-62mph time of just 6.6sec with an automatic gearbox and three doors. It feels strong on the road, if not as punchy as similarly priced hot hatches like the Fiesta ST, and managed 37.2mpg in our True MPG tests. Even so, we prefer the cheaper Cooper. Available in all trims apart from the John Cooper Works with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox.
