The new Mini Cooper recently went on sale in South Africa, with the popular “mid-range” Cooper S selling for R564,058.
The three-door hatchback received an exterior redesign and new standard features, while a host of reworked equipment packages that allow extra individualisation are now available, too.
On the outside, the Mini Cooper S gains a new grille, larger hexagonal air intakes in the front bumper, signature LED headlights, a body-coloured bumper strip to replace the chrome of old, and vertical air inlets in place of front fog lights.
The updated look is complemented by a multitone roof, three new alloy wheel designs, and Union Jack tail lights across the range.
The interior of the new Mini is also different from the outgoing model, with the main changes coming in the form of reshaped aircon vents, less chrome detailing, and new cloth/leatherette sports seats.
This is in addition to a substantial features list comprising a 6.5-inch infotainment display, a sports multifunction steering wheel, single-zone climate control, cruise control with brake assist, multiple drive modes, and rear parking sensors.
A mandatory “Classic” equipment package – with a price of R28,400 – must then be optioned on the Cooper S, which adds a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, additional cabin lights, and the Connected Media option.
Connected Media makes intelligent emergency calling, ConnectedDrive online services, Teleservices, and Mini Connected Services available.
These are paid-for subscriptions that allow the owner of the Mini to locate their vehicle, share navigation destinations, lock or unlock their vehicle remotely, send vehicle status data to their dealer, and request emergency assistance from their smartphone.
Powering the Mini Cooper S is a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol engine paired with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The set-up generates a healthy 141kW and 280Nm that is directed to the front wheels, which allows the 1,175kg hatchback to accelerate to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 235km/h.
The market
The Mini Cooper S is a premium hatch from a premium brand, and is going up against high-end competitors as a result.
On TopAuto Car Prices, we found the cars that pose the biggest challenge to the new Mini, as listed below.
Click on the underlined prices for more information.
VW Polo GTI
- Price – R458,700
- Power – 147kW/320Nm
- 0-100km/h – 6.7 seconds
Mazda 3 2.0 Astina
- Price – R499,700
- Power – 121kW/213Nm
- 0-100km/h – 9.0 seconds (estimate)
Abarth 595 Competizione 1.4T Auto
- Price – R541,869
- Power – 132kW/230Nm
- 0-100km/h – 6.9 seconds
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1750TBi Veloce
- Price – R546,900
- Power – 177kW/340Nm
- 0-100km/h – 6.0 seconds
Audi A1 Sportback 40TFSI S Line
- Price – R556,500
- Power – 147kW/320Nm
- 0-100km/h – 6.5 seconds
BMW 118i
- Price – R591,020
- Power – 103kW/220Nm
- 0-100km/h – 8.5 seconds
Mercedes-Benz A200 Progressive
- Price – R639,960
- Power – 120kW/250Nm
- 0-100km/h – 8.0 seconds
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