Mini Cooper S 2019 review – A Classic Hot Hatch

The Mini Cooper S is a heritage hot hatch that competes with the Abarth 595 and BMW 125i. There's recently been a new Cooper S released with a 189hp turbo four and interior updates. But is this the right fast hatch to buy, or should you get a JCW? Tom checks out a British Racing Green Mini to find out.

What do you think of the new Mini Cooper? Do you think it beats a Peugeot 208 GTi or the Golf GTI? Let me know all your thoughts in the comments.

Covers the exterior, interior, boot space, engine and driving of the Mini Cooper S 2019 / 2018 Cooper.

[chasingcars]

Tom geeks out over a green Mini, finding out what's great and what needs work. Don't miss the cheeky short wheelbase oversteer moment at 7:33!

[honguenloh]

Mini Cooper s is a fun car period!!! For those of you who don’t know how to appreciate it, your loss....:)

[levonarabian]

I really love the heavy steering. It’s not a luxury floater. It’s a sporty little car. That’s why it has heavy steering. It’s also hard because it handles so good. Soft body roll suspension is not what you want if you’re trying to feel planted to the ground.

[sydjaguar]

Love Minis. They absolutely fly thru corners!

[womz]

Last time I checked the spec sheets, the Cooper S came with a 7 speed dual clutch (same as in the BMW X2) and the JCW came with an 8 speed. Not sure why BMW went with this config though. Nice video as always!

[TailoringTalkMagazine]

Just ordered a Mini Cooper S 5-door exclusive trim and can’t wait! Added the adaptive suspension and went for the non-run flat option so hopefully will give more comfort on the road :)

[amallica]

I have to pause the video to tell you how enjoyable the camera views are. Single shot, moving camera is fantastic. Give your camera guy/gal a pay raise! :-)

[shinichisan]

Actually is a great car for me a guy who goes to university is perfect for me

[mikedignum]

I have just bought the 1.5 Cooper Classic (manual) and i think its the best version. I have to agree that the steering is heavy, but just the same feel as the Volvo V40 i owned a few years back. All in all i like it.

[ukasz]

I hope they won’t change the heavy steering. I hate all those light and numb ones.

[CathodeRayNipplez]

I just bought an R56 Cooper S as a cheap runabout. Didn't realize how awesome it was going to be. Puts a huge grin on my face, now the Porsche sits idle watching the Mini leave everyday..

[malcolmscott]

I’ve owned 2 BMW Mini Cabrio S models - 2005 and 2011 - I’d go again for a hardtop 3 door Cooper S with limited options as price with adaptive dampers and other options can lead to a 50k hatch - only if still resided in a busy city - car just too unsettled on Australian country roads - much like the original ‘78 Mini Clubman S that I drove regularly as first car - great fun on right road but trying on rough urban roads including savage speed humps designed for Range Rovers

[michaelpegasiou]

The manual is way better, I test drove both and it makes a huge difference it’s a hot hatch not a Mercedes wagon.Its a really sweet gear change, short shifts and a light clutch.

[mrv]

Nitpicking; it’s only got the JCW steering wheel, it’s a stand-alone option. It doesn’t have the JCW body kit (signature chin), rims or black headliner.

[peterbustin]

Nice review. Prefer my manual gearbox, though !

[adastra]

Not a good idea to shoot the opening sequence in mottled shade as we can’t really see the car. Like your commentary though.

[meownmazda]

Tommy can you review the Kia Cerato GT pretty please XO

[MLife]

Great review again. With the Golf GTI now exceeding 50K driveaway, the Mini Cooper S makes a lot more sense but I also found the hard suspension and heavy steering made this an unpleasant drive for me. Also the ergonomics are dreadful. Reaching the iDrive control meant contorting my hand into a claw as it's under the lip of the centre-console lid...and the combination of switches, buttons, levers and screens were overwhelming for me. It's well overdue for a new model in my opinion.

[jonathanziegler]

Hey, the stearing wheel is on the wrong side! ;)

[omegasoup]

Almost got a cooper s. But that fell threw. Now im looking a Volkswagen jetta.