2024 MINI Cooper Hatchback Gets Some Stylish Updates

Following the debut of the brand-new MINI Cooper Electric, the Cooper family has now grown with the unveiling of two fresh petrol models: the MINI Cooper C and the performance-boosted MINI Cooper S

Much like its electric sibling, the MINI Cooper continues to blend understated design, timeless brand ethos, and the legendary go-kart handling.

The MINI Cooper S boasts an upgraded output of 204 hp from its four-cylinder engine (combined fuel consumption: 6.7 - 6.1 litres/62 miles, combined CO2 emissions: 150 - 138 g/km according to WLTP), propelling the vehicle from 0-62 mph in a mere 6.6 seconds, with a peak torque of 300 Nm.

Meanwhile, the MINI Cooper C (combined fuel consumption: 6.5 - 5.9 litres/62 miles, combined CO2 emissions: 146 - 133 g/km according to WLTP) features a three-cylinder engine producing 156 hp, capable of achieving the 0-62 mph sprint in just 7.7 seconds, with a torque of 230 Nm.

Both models deliver an enhanced driving experience, equipped with precision handling suspension and robust braking systems.

The fifth-generation MINI Cooper maintains its essence with a simplistic design and compact form, embodying the brand's core tenets of agile handling and clever space utilisation.

Its silhouette showcases clean lines, short overhangs, and a compact bonnet, complemented by a longer wheelbase to achieve the quintessential MINI proportions.

The exterior design dispenses entirely with chrome accents, providing a modern interpretation of the classic MINI aesthetic.

At the front, a newly designed octagonal grille takes center stage, flanked by updated circular LED headlights, optionally customisable with three unique light signatures, each accompanied by bespoke welcome and farewell animations.

The rear of the MINI Cooper features clear surfaces and redesigned matrix lights, offering various modes akin to the headlights.

Offered in three trims - Classic, Exclusive, and Sport - the new MINI Cooper provides extensive personalisation options for both exterior and interior.

The Classic trim emphasises essential elements such as the MINI wings logo in Vibrant Silver, accompanied by a choice of five exterior paint finishes including the new Ocean Wave Green and Sunny Side Yellow.

The Exclusive trim elevates the customisation with features like British Racing Green exterior paint, Vescin Nightshade Blue interior, and 17” U Spoke Silver wheels as standard.

Additionally, the Sport trim offers distinctive design elements including a high-gloss black hexagonal patterned grill surround and logo, alongside 18” JCW Lap Spoke 2-Tone Alloy wheels.

The interior of the MINI Cooper is inspired by the classic Mini, featuring a minimalist layout focused on three key elements: the new Vescin steering wheel, a 24cm circular OLED display, and a toggle bar for accessing essential driving functions.

The dashboard incorporates a textile surface made from recycled polyester, creating a versatile and easy-care material.

Functionality is enhanced with features like the optional Head-up Display and a panoramic glass sunroof, while the removal of the gearstick creates additional space for a Wireless Charging shelf.

The circular OLED display serves as the central hub for controlling various vehicle functions through touch or voice commands via the MINI Operating System 9.

The upper portion of the display showcases vehicle-related data like velocity and vital updates on vehicle condition, while the lower section hosts Navigation, Media, Phone, and Climate controls.

Within the Home menu, additional widgets appear in a thumbnail format flanking the current menu function. Swiping upwards from the lower edge of the screen unveils a tool belt where frequently used functions can be stored and swiftly accessed.

All remaining functions can be reached via the menu, with the display reverting to default settings via the home button.

Driver and front passenger temperatures are constantly visible on the left and right edges of the screen. Climate control settings are integrated into the MINI Interaction Unit, accessible via touch or voice command.

Depending on the selected Experience Mode, a single tap on the speed display transforms the entire unit into a characteristic MINI speedometer.

The new MINI Cooper offers seven distinct Experience Modes: Core, Green, Go-Kart, Personal, Vibrant, Timeless, and Balance. Each mode features specially crafted backgrounds, with the selected mode emphasising a relevant "Mode App".

The MINI projector, nestled at the back of the OLED display, bathes the dashboard in matching colour schemes and patterns, while the ambient lighting enhances the cabin ambience.

In Go-Kart Mode, inspired by MINI's racing heritage, the display and interior sport anthracite and red hues, with analogue displays tailored to driving dynamics reminiscent of John Cooper Works.

Personal Mode enables users to set a custom image as the display background via the MINI App, with its dominant colours extending across the textile dashboard surfaces through a digital colour picker. Ambient lighting synchronises with these projections.

To activate the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA), simply say "Hey MINI" and a 3D visualisation appears in the form of a car avatar or MINI’s digital companion, Spike.

Interacting with the MINI IPA, drivers can control various options such as navigation, telephony, entertainment, and other vehicle functions using voice commands.

Safety and comfort are paramount in the new MINI Cooper, featuring numerous driver assistance systems. The Safe Exit function, standard across models, monitors the vehicle surroundings and alerts approaching road users before opening the door.

This function also delays door unlocking and uses external light signals to warn of potential collisions. With the Driving Assistant Plus package, utilising 12 ultrasonic sensors and four surround-view cameras, the MINI Cooper provides support for steering, lane keeping, and automatic speed and distance control, ensuring a comfortable driving experience.

The innovative MINI Digital Key Plus function enables users to utilise their smartphones as car keys via the MINI app.

A welcome animation of the front and rear lights initiates when the driver is within three meters, unlocking the doors at a distance of less than one and a half meters.

This feature can be digitally transferred to different users, along with their personalised vehicle settings.

If you would like to lease a brand new MINI Cooper, please visit our MINI leasing page.