Mini Cooper Hardtop
Mini Cooper Hardtop
Mini Cooper Hardtop

2020 Mini Cooper Hardtop

Pros: Agile handling; impressive fuel economy; peppy acceleration in S model; long list of options and personalization features; good all-around visibility

Cons: Control layout favors whimsical design over ergonomics; taut ride, especially on S model; cramped rear seat space and cargo room; difficult entry and exit on 4-door model; pricey options add up quickly; premium fuel required

CG Says: The 2020 Mini Cooper Hardtop drops its manual transmission and replaces its 6-speed automatic with a 7-speed automated manual transmission for Base and S models and an 8-speed automatic for John Cooper Works models. An electric Mini 2-door Hardtop is expected for the 2022 model year. Mini Cooper Hardtops are front-wheel drive, subcompact hatchbacks available in 2- and 4-door versions. Because of the Mini’s handling and performance we include it our Sporty/Performance Car group. Base Coopers have a 134-horsepower turbocharged 3-cylinder engine; the sporty S model gets a 189-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (which is hopped up to 228 hp in the John Cooper Works model). A broad range of optional technology features is available, including some rare-for-the-class features such as a self-parking system, heads-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The 2014 revamp brought slightly bigger dimensions that give this third-generation Mini Cooper a bit more space inside than its predecessor, but the car’s quirky personality and nimble, caffeinated driving character carry over intact. The 4-Door offers the passenger- and cargo versatility of two extra doors, but its stingy door openings make for tricky entry and exit. Mini Coopers are a bit pricey compared to some of the subcompact hatchbacks they’re often shopped against, especially when the optional equipment is added. However, if you want a little enthusiast attitude in your commuter hatchback–along with the ability to personalize it to your tastes–a Mini Cooper is worth checking out.

The Facts
Class Sporty/Performance Car
Body Style(s) 2-door or 4-door hatchback
Passenger Count 4 or 5
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive
Manufacturer Mini
Nation of Manufacture England
Base Prices Base Cooper 2-door: $24,250
Base Cooper 4-door: $25,250
Cooper S 2-door: $28,750
Cooper S 4-door: $29,750
John Cooper Works 2-door: $34,750

Base Engine
turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (Base)
Horsepower
134
Std. Transmission
7-speed automated-manual
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
28
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
36

Optional Engine
turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (S, John Cooper Works)
Horsepower
189 (228 in John Cooper Works)
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
26
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
34-35

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