Mini Hatch Cooper S Sport

The Cooper S is powered by a 2.0-litre engine that pumps out 176bhp and 280Nm of torque.

Price (as tested): £29,910

Engine: 2.0-litre petrol

Power:

Torque: 280Nm

Max speed:

O-60mph:

MPG (combined):

Emissions:

The current generation has been around since 2013 but there doesn’t look to be a replacement until 2025. So for the time being, Mini is back with a new facelift, following the one of 2018, that aims to keep this supermini fresh.

Most noticeably, it has a new front-end design. There’s also less chrome than before, with Mini buyers seemingly wanting it painted black regardless, we’re told.

Inside, there’s a new ‘smartphone-inspired’ 8.8-inch touchscreen, as well as new ambient lighting that changes colour depending on how loud the volume is.

Most are familiar with Mini’s engine range, and it’s not changed on this update, with the same One, Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works options available, and with power figures ranging from the first car-friendly 101bhp One to the 228bhp JCW hot hatch.

Our test car is the Cooper S – the less hardcore hot-hatch option. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, it kicks out 176bhp and 280Nm of torque. There’s a choice of manual or automatic, with our car using the former. With the sprint to 60mph taking 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 146mph, it’s certainly not lacking in pace.

It can dart down twisty back roads at an impressive rate, feeling light and agile. The engine encourages you to push to the top of the rev range, when it begins to sound slightly more raucous but without ever being over the top.

There’s also a new adaptive suspension available – fitted as standard to Sport versions – which aims to offer more in the way of comfort.

It’s the front of the Hatch that gets most changes, with a larger grille being fitted, along with black surrounds for the headlights and grille itself. The traditional circular sidelights in the lower bumper have also been ditched, with new vertical slats introduced – helping to give the car a wider look, as well as improving airflow. In true Mini style, there’s also greater personalisation available, including three new colours and five new wheel designs. A cool

The main changes to the styling are at the front with a new grille and black light surrounds.

Updates include a new touchscreen that now feels more integrated.

‘Multitone roof’ option essentially blends three colours into one in a gradient-like effect. It’s gimmicky but does actually look quite good.

In previous iterations, the touchscreen looked clunky (and a bit of an afterthought) but feels well integrated now, while the larger 8.8-inch size and new graphics and displays mean it’s great to use. As well as ‘touch’, a traditional rotary controller can still be used.

As before, though, the Mini’s key shortfall is cabin space. Treat it as a two-seater and it fares well, but no adult will be able to get very comfortable in the rear seats, while the 211-litre boot is tiny. The five-door Hatch is marginally more spacious, though.

The Mini is a model that few will keep ‘standard’, with many making use of the seemingly never-ending options list. That said, there are three ‘styles’ – Classic, Sport and Exclusive.

Standard equipment is decent, though, and includes LED headlights, air conditioning, a new digital dial system and the aforementioned 8.8-inch touchscreen. The Sport is basically the John Cooper Works on a budget, bringing a sportier bodykit, 17-inch alloy wheels and rear parking sensors plus cruise control. Meanwhile the Exclusive has more in the way of luxury, thanks to a full leather interior and attractive 18-inch wheels.

Prices start at £16,800 for the One in Classic trim, but many will go for a higher trim and engine, in which case it’ll soon be costing well into the £20,000s and beyond.

Autocar said: ‘It’s still not as accomplished or quick as some, and it costs a little more to buy, but it remains an endearing and entertaining choice.’

It seems expensive for what it is and it’s so much less spacious than superminis such as the Volkswagen Polo and Renault Clio.

But this isn’t a car bought using a spreadsheet, rather one that just gets under your skin as soon as you get behind the wheel. The way it looks will be enough for many to sign on the dotted line, but combine that with an upmarket interior plus hugely enjoyable driving experience and it truly is one of the most appealing small cars you can buy today.

Those valuing style and fun over practicality.

Audi A1, Seat Ibiza, Abarth 595.

1. Great to drive. 2. Fun styling. 3. Extensive personalisation possibilities.