New Mini Cooper S 2021 review | Still a great hot hatch? | Autocar

This is the latest 2021 version of the Mini Cooper S, making its debut almost exactly 20 years after the first BMW-engineered version of the car appeared as a 21st century reinterpretation of the original.

Since then the 'new' BMW Mini has been through plenty of iterations, up to and including EV and PHEV variants and even a crossover. But in this 3-door hot hatch Cooper S derivative it still feels like arguably the purest kind of Mini to us.

The latest Mini Cooper S makes 175bhp and 207lb ft from its generously-sized 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. That lets it hit 0-62mph in 6.8sec and gives it a top speed of 146mph. It'll return 43.5-45.6mpg and has a CO2 output of 140-148g/km.

Those are the headline numbers. But join Autocar's special correspondent James Disdale as he finds out some of the more important things - how does the 2021 Mini Cooper S feel, and how much fun is it to drive?




Autocar, the world's leading motoring magazine and website, delivers industry-leading news, the most in-depth car reviews and opinion from our team of experts. Our presenters include some of the world's top motoring journalists who have unrivalled access to the world's fastest, rarest, most exotic and most exciting cars on some of the world's best roads and race tracks.

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[knudar]

Tip: actually connect the lapel mic to the recording equipment...

[georgimihalkov]

How can Autocar have worse equipment than the small YouTubers?!

[davidrowan]

Was this video edited before being released ? Almost unwatchable due to poor sound quality.

[harrisj]

I own an R56 for some years now and I love it! I love the direction the brand is moving in and remains one of the coolest hatch’s on the market.

[ChrisMisMYhandle]

After 3 mins I had to stop because the sound was so bad. A shame because this fella seemed to be giving quite an informative review

[MrWeekesy]

Bad feedback on the Audio.. overall I do love a mini though!

[John-nfmc]

I understand, and don't disagree, with some of the negative comments about the new MINI. Still, it remains a unique automobile (more so here in the US - - - - the rest of the world has many more choices in this category) and I am happy to be driving this latest version. I do look forward to the next generation.

[naveenreddy]

My mind: wow 😲 mini cooper I need it
My budget:new model of swift looks like mini cooper 😁

[andrewbarrett]

I was so keen to learn about this new Mini, that it took me nearly 4 minutes to wonder why I was finding it so difficult to follow. Thankfully, I then looked at the comments and worked out what I should have spotted about 4 minutes earlier: the audio is way below par, and as such Autocar's conclusions as to what they think of the new Cooper S will forever remain a mystery to me.

[huwjones]

Good review, but a Hi-Pass filter applied in Post would have been nice.

[marco-]

That one looks better than the other modern Minis, who's badge should say 'Mini-Bus'.

[chrisfox]

Reviewer is incorrect. The facelifted Cooper S (3 or 5 Door) has less BHP than pre facelift due to fitment of a Petrol Particulate Filter. JCW 3 door is unchanged for Power though even though Cooper S & JCW use the Same engine. 😳

[erayza]

Thinking to get a new Mini Cooper S. Most of them are equiped now with the automatic transmission. I am also living in a big city. Heard only good things about the auto. What do you guys think? What is also more reliable? Thanks

[choctaw]

This is what it's like speaking from a underground pipe 🤦
HELLO!! ARE YOU SAFE!! 😂

[aeiouxs]

Gave up at the 3:30 mark due to the road being louder than the presenter :/

[peterthwaites]

It maybe your microphone picks up more road noise than it should? but trying to listen to your comments was near impossible at times..

[jamiep]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. My favourite British Hatchback 🚗

[TheSujanroy]

Have you guys heard of quality control? The vocals are inaudible. Re-edit the video with voice overs and throw the chap who cleared this despicable video for an upload into the nearest river with limbs tied. For chrissakes, the Indians wouldn't upload this quality of video!

[jaredzeus]

I love this channel, but the sound in this review is so compromised, I’d consider re-recording or simply taking it down.

[mgmarrison]

This face-lifted Mini C/S has less power than the out going model. 178bhp (quoted on Mini UK) compared to 189bhp (quoted on Autocar’s website) in the previous version.

Autocar really does need to be getting this stuff accurate.