MINI 3 Door

The third generation of the Mini Cooper is a lot similar to the previous (2nd) generation model, albeit minor differences. The biggest difference is probably the movement of the speed dial to the centre console in front of the driver from the dashboard.

Though the Cooper seems to be small, it is snug and comfortable. The seats feel low while you are on the drive though it actually isn’t. Hence, the sporty feel of the cabin is kept alive and very much synonymous with the brand. A dual-zone automatic climate control and a leather wrap for the steering wheel are added as standard features in all the versions, along with the cruise control and braking function. The base Cooper gets the Cloth Firework upholstery while the Cooper S has the Leather Cross Punch wraps. However, the top-of-the-line model has the Black and Red Dinamica Leather specially developed by JCW Racing.

A 6.5-inch LCD display, with a 5-key controller, MINI Connected, Onboard Computer, etc., are given in all the versions.

The MINI 3-Door Cooper exhibits the same designing language as any other cars from the company's lineup, all of it despite being smaller in size. The car has the rounded headlamps, which have becomes a distinctive MINI style, and the trapezium front grille.

The standard Cooper has the 16-inch light alloy wheels and a contrasting roof colour option of either black or white. However, as you go higher in the lineup, you get 17-inch wheels with Tentacle Silver spokes.

There is a rear spoiler added to the Cooper S and the higher special edition model. However, the top model does not get white roof and mirror cap as an option. But there are some exclusive exterior delights added to this model like an aerodynamic kit, Piano Black grille, Amplified Edition emblem and the red and black racing stripes. Moreover, the exhaust, 17-inch alloy wheels, and the aerodynamic kit are developed by John Cooper Works.

If you have driven the second generation of the MINI Cooper 3-door, you would have noticed the shortcomings of the engine. However, with the current generation, the company has made giant leaps to get things right.

The BMW-sourced 1.5-litre, three-cylinder engine may appear to be small but it really packs a punch. It is miles better than the previous generation model and does not appear to run out of power anytime soon. Just push on the accelerator pedal and you will see the car go as fast as you want it to. Despite such a small and smooth engine, the smallness of the engine is kept at bay.

The 1.5-litre engine version can hit a top speed of 210 kmph while having an acceleration prowess of 0-100 kmph in 7.8 seconds. The 2.0-litre models can get to a top speed of 233 kmph at an acceleration of 0-100 kmph in just 6.7 seconds.

The standard variant of the Mini 3-Door Cooper is powered by a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder engine, which is capable of making a maximum power of 136 PS (which comes anywhere between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm) and a peak torque of 220 Nm, which comes at just 1,250 rpm.

The other 2.0-litre model has a four-cylinder setup and makes a huge 192 PS of power and 280 Nm of torque. However, the Amplified Edition of the car is the most powerful model despite being powered by the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine. The total power production lies at 211 PS at 5,000-6,000 rpm along with 300 Nm of torque coming between 1,350 and 4,600 rpm.

The power is sent down to the wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox in all.

The MINI Cooper 3-Door hot hatch has ventilated disc brakes up front and solid ones at the rear along with the services of ABS. Dynamic Stability Control and Automatic Stability Control are also given as standard fitments. However, park distance control and reverse camera are exclusive to the top model.

Some other safety features include DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), run-flat tyre and flat tyre indicator. Front and side airbags, for the front driver and co-driver, are given in all the variants including head airbags for all the four side seats. All the variants get central locking, a crash sensor, and electronic immobiliser.

The MINI 3-Door Cooper and the special Amplified Edition are the biggest updates ever since the latest generation was launched in Malaysia in 2014. It has been an epitome of luxury and fancy among hatchbacks and has perfectly portrayed what changes BMW has brought about to the brand.

The car now has a small engine but increased and refined power delivery, something that the previous generation model lacked. It also boasts on the fact that it is one of the most fuel-efficient luxury cars that are on sale in the country. The smaller engine has a fuel efficiency of over 21 kmpl while the bigger and more powerful 2.0-litre motor promises over 18 kmpl mileage.