Top 3 MINI Hatch trims head to head: here’s our winner

By Martin Pretorius

 

Almost everybody fawned when the “new Mini” arrived around the turn of the century. Its combination of a squat stance, ample retro-inspired details inside and out, and cuddly appearance soon made it the darling of the fashion-forward as well as small-car enthusiasts. Since then, the range has been renewed twice, and expanded to include a station wagon, a 5-door variant, and even a crossover. But the smallest 3-door version still remains the cheekiest of the lot, so that’s the one we’ll investigate here.

In classic BMW (who owns the Mini brand nowadays) style, there’s a bewildering array of derivatives, options, and a few special edition offerings from which to choose, but we’ve decided to stick to the three main trim levels. Right at the top of the range sits the Mini John Cooper Works hatchback, but this hot little number might just be a little bit too uncompromising for most buyers, thanks to its track-tuned suspension and raucous exhaust noise. It also only comes in 3-door format, while the rest of the range could be upgraded to 5 doors for about R10 000 extra.

 

1. Mini One

The Mini One marks the entry point to the hatchback range, with the 3-door variant carrying a base price of R 313 000 before options. It uses a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine which delivers 75 kW and 190 Nm, and can be had with either a 6-speed manual gearbox, or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. That’s good enough to dispatch the 0 – 100 km/h sprint in 10.1 seconds, on the way to a maximum speed of 195 km/h (with the manual gearbox). Claimed average fuel consumption is 4.9 litres/100 km, but real-world conditions will most likely see an average consumption in the mid-6 litres/100 km range.

As befits the entry-level derivative, the Mini One is not exactly over-endowed with features (though you can add options to your heart’s content), but at least it’s well-sorted in the safety department, with stability- and traction control and 6 airbags as standard equipment. An infotainment system with Bluetooth- and USB compatibility is included, as is push-button start, a multi-function steering wheel, cruise control and 15-inch alloy wheels.

2. Mini Cooper

This is the mid-spec trim level, and brings some appealing enhancements to justify its spot in the hierarchy (and its price jump to R382 000 before options). Most notably, the 1.5-litre turbo triple gets upgraded to deliver 100 kW and 220 Nm, with the same choice between manual- and dual-clutch automatic gearboxes. Performance receives a commensurate boost, with the 0 – 100 km/h dash dropping to 7.9 seconds, and the top speed jumping to 210 km/h. Interestingly enough, the Cooper actually has a lower claimed average fuel consumption figure at 4.7 litres/100 km, but once again, driving on real roads will likely return mid-6 litres/100 km figures.

The cabin is also upgraded, with the inclusion of an improved colour infotainment display and a leather steering wheel rim. Safety features remains as they are for the Mini One, but the alloy wheels grow to 16-inch items as standard (with 17-inch wheels as an option). Another notable addition to the Mini Cooper is the inclusion of standard rear parking sensors, with front sensors and various camera setups being optional.

3. Mini Cooper S

As the range-topper among the “normal” Minis, the Cooper S benefits from a larger engine and a hike in power – along with a price jump to R 463 886 before options. Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol, delivering 141 kW and 280 Nm, for a quick 0 – 100 km/h dash in 6.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 233 km/h (3-door automatic). Average claimed fuel consumption is a commendable 5.5 litres/100 km, but drivers could more realistically expect mid-7 litres/100 km. Almost all Cooper S derivatives use the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the 6-speed manual being confined to a single 5-door variant.

Specification-wise, the Cooper S largely mirrors the “non-S” Cooper, with the notable addition of LED headlamps, automatic climate control and partial leather seat upholstery. On the outside, 17-inch alloy wheels distinguish the Cooper S from lesser derivatives, but owners can optionally specify 18-inch wheels. 

Other cool options (available on other Mini derivatives as well) include adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, audio system upgrades, and a head-up display. Also note that some of the Cooper S equipment can be added to lesser Minis, such as the dual-zone climate control and LED headlights.

 

Which one would we choose?

As with many things in life, the middle ground strikes a happy compromise between performance, equipment, and price. While the mid-level Cooper won’t set the tarmac alight with its raw power, it’s quite quick enough for most users, and its fuel consumption should make anyone smile at the pumps. It’s also almost R 80 000 less expensive than a Cooper S, which allows leeway for a selection of nice options to set your Mini apart from the herd. 

However, the basic Mini One is an appealing package in its own right, and if freeway performance is of lesser importance, it will be perfectly adequate. And for speed freaks, who cannot quite stretch to the 170 kW Mini John Cooper Works, the Cooper S will be a satisfactory substitute, especially considering the fact that it costs almost R 70 000 less than that little rocket...