autoX Awards 2024: Mini Cooper S Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

autoX Awards 2024: ‘Is it still a Mini?’ – it’s a question we ask ourselves every time we get behind the wheel of a new Mini. And every single time, our answer is an emphatic NO! Take the latest Cooper S for instance. At nearly 3.9m long, you have to be barking mad to call it a Mini. Its name is a bit of a misnomer in the current day and age because, frankly, it’s as BIG as they come. However, beyond the exterior dimensions, you can say the essence of a Mini is not completely lost. But, is it fast and, more importantly, engaging enough?

With its 2.0-litre turbo petrol sending just over 200 horses and 300Nm of torque to the front wheels, it’s plenty fast for what it is. It can clock 0 – 100km/h in about 6.5 seconds, so it does pack a punch. The 8-speed dual-clutch auto plays along brilliantly, resulting in seamless and lighting-quick shifts, especially when you put the pedal to the metal.

On the racetrack, it’s a lot of fun – handling is precise, grip levels are stellar, and the driving ergonomics and outward visibility are phenomenal. That said, the whole experience feels somewhat synthetic. Sure, it handles well, but it lacks the go-kart-like feel of older Minis. Instead, it feels safe, secure, and a bit tame. There’s barely any movement. Not saying it’s not fun, but playful, it is not. Similarly, the noises you hear inside the cabin are all piped-in sounds from the speakers and not genuine exhaust notes. And while that big round infotainment touchscreen is amazing to operate, it’s a little too gimmicky, especially with its ‘Wohoo’ in Go-Kart mode – a bit too Gen Z for our tastes, to be honest.

Also Read: New Mini Cooper Convertible Revealed with Automatic Soft-top that Doubles as Sunroof

Our biggest gripe with the new Cooper S, however, is its lack of driver engagement. For instance, there are no paddle shifters or manual shifts. So, all you have to do is just put your foot down and let the car do its things. It’s like being a part of a fun school project without having an active role – you might win the competition, but the victory would feel hollow.

That said, the Cooper S – with its neo-retro styling, funky colours, modern tech and exquisite interior – makes for a fantastic daily driver for someone who wants to have an icon in their garage and loves driving fast but isn’t necessarily looking for the visceral engagement of a true driver’s car.

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