MINI has begun unveiling its new Cooper lineup with a three-door EV variant last fall. It has now followed up with a petrol version of the same car, and neither of the two available turbo engines are hybridized.
The Cooper C makes do with a 1.5-liter engine and 156 PS (154 hp / 115 kW). The Cooper S ups the ante with 2.0 liters of displacement and 204 PS (201 hp / 150 kW) heading for the wheels. Their respective sprint times are quoted as 7.7 and 6.6 seconds. Both utilize the same seven-speed preselector DCT with no manual gearbox option on the list. Only the front wheels are driven.
A glance at the exterior reveals that the Cooper SE and its fossil fuel cousins are similar, but not the same. The most obvious thing is the radiator grille, of course, but there are also simpler, more ergonomic door handles. The stylish triangular taillights and signature headlights are the same, though.
Inside, there is no dashboard where you expect to see one. Instead, all info is displayed on a 240mm (9.4-inch) round display in the middle. A compact array of physical buttons and switches resides underneath it. A heads-up display and a sat-nav system with Augmented Reality support are available as premium options.
The dashboard is trimmed with fabric by default. The center console no longer has a transmission lever on it, instead housing a couple of cup holders and a wireless phone charger pad. The trunk volume comes to 210 liters (7.42 cubic feet).
In Europe, the new Mini Cooper is obtainable in four trim versions called Essential, Classic, Favoured, and John Cooper Works. The base price is €28,900. The JCW flagship boasts a distinct body kit, but makes do with the same engine selection as the other versions. A five-door hatchback and a cabriolet are expected to follow up later.