MINI 3 Door

Like the exterior, the cabin of the fourth-generation Mini 3-Door Cooper S is also a radical departure from that of the model it replaced. The cabin resorts to a theme of minimalism, with the centrally-placed 9.4-inch OLED rounded touchscreen infotainment system also serving the job of the instrument console, as the new Mini 3-Door Cooper S lacks one behind its new three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel. 

Operating on a new Android-based Mini OS, this new-generation infotainment unit also serves as an interface for many other functions of the car, including dual-zone automatic climate control. The Mini toggle bar placed below the infotainment system has controls for transmission mode, media and Mini Experience modes. For the Malaysian car market, the Mini 3-Door Cooper S comes in dual-tone black and blue fabric upholstery coupled with vegan leather for the steering wheel and sports seats. Rear seat space and boot space are at a premium, with Mini claiming 260 litres for the storage in the boot compartment. 

This fourth-generation Mini 3-Door Cooper S takes a radical departure from the previous-generation model regarding how it looks. The rounded design theme has been toned down for a more minimalist and sharper-looking appearance.

While the headlamps continue to have a rounded theme with LED projectors sitting with circular daytime running LEDs, the grille has evolved to have an octagonal shape. Gone are the faux bonnet vents and side scuttles that were present on the front fenders, with the bonnet also having a cleaner design with no ducts on them. The iconic three-door look remains intact, with the Mini 3-Door Cooper S also having black body cladding and 18-inch machined alloy wheels. 

At the back, the sharpness in the design of the Mini 3-Door Cooper S is further amplified by the all-new triangular Matrix LED tail lamps with the iconic Union Jack-inspired LED inserts within them. These tail lamps are connected by a thick gloss black strip that features the car’s name. 

Along with the engine, the new Mini 3-Door Cooper S also shares its platform and suspension setup with the previous-generation version of the hatchback. The three-door Mini Cooper S also gets a single-joint spring strut front axle and a multiple control arm rear axle, which is stiffly sprung, eventually translating into terrific handling and stability at all speeds. However, the ride quality, like the previous generation, feels stiffer, with even low-speed ride quality feeling jerky over undulations. 

The new fourth-generation Mini 3-Door Cooper S shares its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission under its hood. Channelling its power produced to the front wheels, this engine churns out a maximum power output of 204 PS and a maximum torque output of 300 Nm. With a claimed top speed of 242 kmph, the Mini 3-Door Cooper S takes 6.6 seconds for the 0-100 kmph sprint. 

Along with basics like ABS with EBD, dynamic stability control, post crash collision warning with braking function, six airbags and tyre pressure monitoring system, the Mini 3-Door Cooper S further gets more driving assistance systems like cruise control with braking function, lane change warning with the active return, rear cross-traffic warning, rear collision prevention, exit warning, park assist, reversing assistance, lateral parking aid, surround view system, remote 3D view, BMW drive recorder, attentiveness assistant, high beam assistant and driving assistant plus preparation package that includes active cruise control, steering and lane control assistant, speed limit info and automatic speed limit assistant. 

While the slight departure from the round-themed design language and minimalism in the exterior and interior of the Mini 3-Door Cooper S might not be to everyone’s taste, the hatchback still has a lot of visual drama in its updated version. And like it before, it continues to be a driver’s delight with exhilarating performance and driving dynamics.