2022 MINI Cooper S Hardtop: Quirky, Spirited And Fun-To-Drive

Highlight: The German engineered subcompact is available as a convertible too.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $36,250 (Base Model: $23,750)

Seating Capacity: 2 (honestly no rear seat room for adults)

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; a tire pressure monitoring system; cornering brake control; a hill assist system; rear parking distance control; a lane departure warning system; automatic high beam headlights; heated exterior mirrors and a rearview camera

Standard Equipment (S 2-Door FWD Manual): 16-inch wheels; hood scoop air intake; brake ducts; performance control; run flat tires; a Black mesh grill; LED front fog lamps; manual operated front sport seats; a variety of driving modes; a front center armrest; split-folding rear seat; and a 9-inch infotainment screen

Other Trims:

Cooper

John Cooper Works

Cooper SE

Optional Features On Test Vehicle:  Heated steering wheel; Nappa leather steering wheel; power folding mirrors; a keyless entry system; a multitone roof; piano Black exterior trim; a panoramic roof; an automatic dimming rearview mirror; storage package; heated front seats; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a Harmon/Kardon premium sound system; a manual transmission; and performance Summer tires

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/HD audio with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes
                                                                                                        
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder twin turbo/189-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 23-city/33-hwy

What’s New: The new MINI arrived with a few subtle exterior updates to the front and rear bumpers. Moreover, the 9-inch infotainment screen is standard across the line.

Why:

Unique design while maintaining a classic styling

Sporty vehicle

Peppy engine

Manual transmission available

Excellent handling

A variety of driving modes

High-quality audio system with SiriusXM being standard

An upscale interior, since it’s a part of the BMW family

Supportive seating with leg extender

Leather seating available

Power sunroof available

Dual zone automatic climate control system

Heated steering wheel and front seats

A heads up display (HUD) available

9-inch infotainment screen is standard on all models

An affordable base price

An ability to customize the vehicle

Convertible availability

Plug-in/Electrified model available

Radar -activated available on automatic models only

But: 

Inability to transport more than 2 adults

Extremely limited cargo room

Blind spot information not standard

No electronic blind spot detection system

Verdict:  The German-engineered subcompact car, which is available as a 2-door, 4-door or convertible, receives a few exterior updates for the 2022 model year.

The Cooper is in a class by itself. In fact, its nearest non premium competitor is the quirky looking Fiat 500. The spirited, nimble and fun-to-drive MINI

Cooper, which offers great handling, is available in a manual or an automatic transmission. The spunky vehicle, with its nostalgic design, is available in a variety of powertrains too. Yes, even an electrified model is available.

Despite the market shifting to trucks, SUVs and crossovers, the Cooper continues to be a fan favorite of ours.

Indirect Competition: Fiat 500X