I thought seriously of a Mazda 3 manual, but just didn't have the extra money to burn. Settled of a 2023 Versa SR. It's a great, around-town car for me. It was also over $10K less. I also got a 3-year loan at 2.99% interest. That helped. I agree with you. Mini might very well drive people to a Mazda 3 or a Civic Si.
I went from a Mazda 3 2.5 GT to a Mini Countryman (previous generation, not the new one). I like the Countryman, it fits my life and requirements for a car very well. But I'd 100% go back to a manual Mazda 3. They are very nice and fun to drive.
@@constructionbootgazer So it's a baby sitter for those with short attention spans. Okay, I can see that. If you take in-car use of the smart phone off the table they will certainly need something.
Lack of a manual transmission in this car is criminal. If it's not for enthusiasts then who is it for? Most nobody is buying small cars anymore but a luxury compact designed around the manual that doesn't have one? So silly.
A good question to ask is "Is that the enthusiast bubble" and "Did people actually buy them in great numbers". For many cars I think what happens is enthusiasts say that the manual matters a lot but actual buyers of said vehicle weren't interested in having one.
Then again there’s the Elantra N, GTI/GLI, Integra, GR Corolla, Civic Si/Type R, Golf R Hell there’s even the GR86/BRZ and Miata so manual or auto for what it’s worth all these cars seems to be doing way better than the new “Mini”
This car is made for the european market! We don‘t consider a manual a sporty and engaging option, but the economical option. Base Mini‘s are manily driven by girls in their 20s who just started their first job. The more expensive trim levels are bought by rich girls and some dude‘s
I could be working at my desk this morning but instead I'm sitting in the office bathroom listening to Jack talk about a car that he's color matched to his Patagonia pull-over.
I don't think it's a good thing that while you were demonstrating the infotainment I had literally no idea what was going on. What's with all those weird visualizations?
@@bigmacdaddy1234 .. better yet, check your cell phone while driving 😁; which is the latest craze you know. Driving is the 3rd priority when behind the wheel. 🤔
I had a 2013 Cooper S hartop. I added an intake, downpipe and exhaust with a tune. The car was the most enjoyable vehicle i have ever driven. Freaking go-kart 100%.
Very nice. I had a 2013 Cooper S hard top with just about every hot go fast part out of the Mini catalog on it. It had full GP Aero, full GP spec interior with rear seat delete and strut bar, plus all the factory JCW bits with the JCW tune for the S, JCW suspension and JCW exhaust. It was a brilliant build by the previous owner. I added some front camber, just some 200 tread ware autocross tires on it and it was an absolute go-kart. An amazing car that I quite enjoyed. It was quite competitive in Autocross.
@ Jack started the video basically stating the new Mini is less enthusiasts driven and more luxurious. And I think ah shiet, here we go again (alongside the new M cars)
As a MINI enthusiast, there are couple things I would like to point out. First of all this media unit with the JCW kit is not available to the general public and in general this unit should feel even better than the top spec Cooper S that you can order in the US. It has a better selective damping suspension, better spec brake pads, a firmer seat, and SHIFT PADDLES. The Cooper S that you can actually buy in the US can not even be shifted manually. But to "protect" the potential JCW customers, BMW decided not to offer these options on the 2 Door Hatch. For the normal Cooper S offered in the US, the suspension feels way worse than the F56. The rear suspension is bouncy and unstable even with the optional dynamic damper control. As for the dual clutch, I believe there had been a software update. For the 4 F66s l had driven, the ones recently produced (Arrived at the dealers after October, so likely September production) are much more responsive and less noticeable of the wait for shifting than April/August arrivals.
Bought one of these to replace my aging Cavalier Z24 and just love it. While i miss the velour cloth seating and sporty handling of the Z, i love the round iPad on the dash of my mini and i couldn't pass up the 108 month 5% financing they offered.
I had an R53 S and that was one of the most fun cars I’ve owned. The whole time I owned it, it never understeered on the street and even oversteered when it was wet out. I wouldn’t touch this one with a 10’ pole.
I'm a marketer. I effing hate that word... Day after day I have to hear people babbling about "experiences" and then, as a car enthusiast, now I have to deal with it as well with all its emptiness of meaning and substance. I just bought an ND3 MX5 and without saying anything, it IS an actual driving experience. Mini is dead as an enthusiast brand and has turned into yet another tech bro brand...
real question, if you're considering this... why not a turbo 3 mazda hatch? Pretty much ticks all the same boxes for less money and cheaper maintenance.
Because that's a torsion beam car weighing 400 lbs more that has nearly zero sporty feel. The power dropoff at the top of the Mazda 2.5t revband is severe, that car punishes redlining it. It is remarkable that the cheapest Mazzy3turbskihatch is only a thousand dollars more than a base Cooper S, though.
I’m a Mini fan and I think there are (or were) actually a lot of objectively good reasons to choose an F56 over the competition, namely, as you point out, almost all cars are now fat and huge, but also it’s the last of the 2-door hot hatches (in America, where I am) and that the interior quality is quite good by the standards of the sport compact segment. However, I can see basically no reason to upgrade to this gen from the F56; it’s heavier, it’s more cumbersome from all I’ve read to drive, it doesn’t seem to progress from a driving dynamics standpoint (seems to get worse), you lose the gauge pods on the steering wheel which I’ve always liked…it just feels less and less like a tiny sports car and more and more like a surprisingly nice runabout. I don’t mind its existence, I just wish Mini would release it as the Mini Runaboutman or something and keep making a real Mini Cooper. I think the JCW is going to be the biggest disappointment of the group, but we’ll see.
biggest disappointment to me is the lack of the EV model ( for now Im told) I wanted a jcw optioned ev as my run about.... which i guess just furthers what you said.
Totally agree. I'm in Scotland and loved my F56 Cooper S - nimble, sporty, superb manual gearbox and definitely premium quality interior. I was so disappointed when I test drove the new J01 fourth generation model. Much of the original Mini character has gone. The interior is a mess. I do not like the new central infotainment screen at all and the quality of some of the trim is really poor. From the outside I can just about accept the front view, but the rear looks like any modern Eurobox - no Mini character at all. I'm afraid J01 is a cynical marketing exercise by BMW. What did I do? Traded my Cooper S for an almost new ultra low mileage Cooper SE - still has all the quality of the F56 and still looks and feels like a Mini. Fun to drive and incredibly cheap to run. I have no problem with the limited range. And in the best colour - British Racing Green!
Well said. They stripped it of having any sportiness and personality. For the cost cutting that they did, it’s insulting that the price increased as much as it has.
I had a F56 Cooper S that I adored, but had to get rid of due to having more family members now. My wife and I are talking about getting another Cooper in the future and the new Cooper S isn't even a consideration. No manual, no convertible model, and not even an EV. How can this be a step forward when they took things away?
@@tragicnomadic Not having an EV model is a surprise because they sold decently well in cities. What is even more ridiculous is there isn't even a convertible or 4-door model.
I got it as a loaner for a several days recently. Brand new 2025, with no miles. And oh boy that new transmission is horrendous! It felt like it was some old and very worn trans - utterly terrible! At first I thought it was broken. This, combined with always on “engine start/stop”, really puts you in a risk of getting in an accident when you need to accelerate fast from still. The suspension is overly soft and steering is numb and lacks sharpness. It didn’t feel Mini in any way. I was sooo happy to get back in my Paceman S with 135k miles - and that should tell you everything. It really feels like a Mini when I drive it.
@TassieLorenzo most of them are a pain in general. Kia's non motorized ones require two hands to use. The mustang Mach e doesn't even have a mechanical mechanism, instead it's a bent piece of sheet metal and capacitive button. In an emergency situation where power may no longer be going to the vehicle, the doors can't be opened from the outside. I'm doubtful about the amount of force alot of these handles could take when they have a single pivot (say you are t boned and the door can still operate, but the handle is too weak to take the force). Plus, I don't like having a motor on something critical to function that's used so often. They're not needed from an efficency standpoint. There's other handles which can achieve similar drag reduction but still not be a pain to use, including integrating the handle at the edges of doors. The only thing I like about them is they're maybe safer if you're in a sketchy part of town, someone outside the vehicle can't just get in, but most cars auto lock anyway.
At the end of 2013 I took my wife to the MINI dealer to drive the new platform MINI to see if she wanted to trade in her 2011 S for "the new car". She hated it. She told the salesman, "It's a fine car. But it's a shit MINI". She is still driving her beloved 2011 Cooper S waiting for BMW to wake up and once again build her a great MINI. Unfortunately, BMW goes farther in the wrong direction with this. It looks like I have to keep her R56 N18 MINI going......and if you have never worked on a MINI, you have no idea what a living hell that truly is.
I had a N14 2008 R55 Clubman S and a N18 2013 R55 Clubman S. The Prince Peugeot engine was THRASH😂. The N14 had timing chain issues and we traded the 2008 for the 2013 with the “Corrected” N18. Had that car for 10 years and was a money pit. Sold it January 2023 and ordered a VW MK8 GTI SE DSG to never look back. Night and day difference. The GTI is the real deal. Car has been flawless. We should have gone down with a GTI earlier but love the MK8. MINI is a dead and overplayed brand
@@JacesOwnWorldit wouldn’t, all testing shows the mini s reaching 60 in the mid to high 5’s and the civic hybrid in the low 6’s. The last hagerty video showed the mini s beating a gti in a quarter mile too. Comparing a mini copper to a civic is like comparing a bmw 3 series to a bmw 7 series, completely different cars in how they are set up.
I'll never understand how british brands somehow were able to label themselves as luxury. They're so luxury that none of their owners were able to keep their brands inside the country. All sold to foreign entities.
Can you customize a version that isn’t overpriced, looks bland, drives bland, doesn’t have notoriously buggy tech and won’t depreciate 40% soon as it leaves the lot?
I have a 19 Countryman! I like it a lot. But this new generation of Minis is not cool. I won't own another new one. I might look around for a cheap R55 though
Jack: "Hey Mark! We got the new Mini to test, you coming with me?" Mark: "I'm not going anywhere near that POS, how dare you ask me!" Jack: "Sorry Mark, please don't hit me!" Been a VERY long time since the Italian Job remake...
It's a bit different here though. Mini Cooper gauges and central screens have been throwbacks to the originals the whole time. Mini didn't chase a trend, they invented their own thing decades ago.
@ I get that, but frankly they kept the only thing they should have gotten rid of from the Mini. I still hope it doesn’t catch on, I know Tesla is trying to make it a thing.
Although the manufacturers try to sell it as a design aesthetic it’s only there as a cost saving measure. Physical switches and the wiring harness are quite a bit more expensive than adding software for more functions on the screen. IMHO this is a major factor in making Tesla interiors look bare, cheap, and boring. The EU safety rating agency is going to require certain functions have hard switches after 2026 or they cannot receive their highest safety score. The list of functions requiring physical switches is far too short for my liking.
It's interesting learning via these comments that the Mini is seen as an enthusiast car in the US. I would've only considered the JCW as such. In Europe it's a fashion/lifestyle car, like an upmarket alternative to the Fiat 500
We don’t have a whole lot of little cars in the US anymore. The civic has ballooned to be bigger than accords of yore, golf’s are also much bigger than they used to be. Mini was a little better and preserved that whimsy other brands didn’t really offer
@@msdos32 "We don’t have a whole lot of little cars in the US anymore. " I think this is due to the CAFE footprint rule which is punitive on small cars with large engines like this MINI. It's interesting that BMW can fit this Cooper S in within their CAFE, but Ford can't fit a car like the Fiesta ST in their lineup and meet CAFE.
@@RONderluck Maybe in the US. This isnt the case in Europe, tho. At least not with the Cooper S and with the even more special JCW. Classic hot hatch which was always perceived as a bit more sporty/luxurious for its class. They were fun to drive. Had one as a rental. 2016 model year I think. You could pretty much rotate the car with your throttle inputs. Very cool.
I had two brand new F56 Cooper S manuals on the bounce and whilst I enjoyed them, it's odd to hear people saying having the MINI without a manual is a crime. It would be if that gearbox was nice to use, but it's just not. Manual box in an MX-5 is a joy and you look forward to every change. You do not with the MINI box. It's not bad - it's just not... anything really. But the other thing is that the engine in the Cooper S had a lot of low down grunt so you're not rifling through the ratios like you think you would be anyway. I think people are looking at it through rose tinted glasses. The far bigger issue on the F66 is that interior which is such a retrograde step in terms of quality next to the vinegar strokes of the F56 LCI2. Terrible. I can see why they did it... Because the competition had let standards slip as well so if you're going to compete on price you can afford to do the same. Race to the bottom, sadly. I'll still probably look at one (in JCW spec) as they're fast and nothing else new will fit in my very narrow garage.
@@2moke2creen I think it doesn't really have any natural competition. People who are looking at something meatier wouldn't be looking at a MINI in the first place. The hot hatch - certainly in ICE form - is a dead duck in Europe now, and I think they should be applauded for still making one. I'm in the UK and am actually running my 5th BMW MINI after returning to the brand following a hiatus of a few years. I was going to get an MX-5 ND RF GT but realised I was just over having to work an engine like that. I've got older, fatter and lazier! It's a shame as I always promised myself one but it's just not for me any more. I have an F56 LCI2 JCW and it's a very long way away from the beautiful proportions of my old 2004 R53 with a wheel at each corner and beautifully involved driving experience and that gorgeous supercharger, but the final F56s were a well evolved 10 year old car. I think I'll keep it for a while, even though it is a torque converter (I bought this one used and it's hard to find high spec JCWs that aren't an auto!). It has to be said, I think the Aisin gearbox is good from a standstill and in general use, but a bit slow witted for a quick overtake. You find yourself just having to work on the basis it will get quick in about half a second and pulling out before you have the power ready!
@@paulfarmer3707 Your take is spot on, I went from an 04 R53 6sp and it was such a great car. I drove that to 235k miles and ordered a 2017 F54 JCW 6sp as I needed the room. That car is a missile BUT the longer wheelbase and dynamics pale in comparison to the R53. I think the F54 will be my last Mini. Sure its a manual, but not a very good one.
@@Whitehaar The F54 Clubman is a heavy lump and also notably wider than a 56. In terms of driving DNA they don't feel very closely related to the F56. Although still no comparison to the R53, your inputs feel a lot more readily answered. I can't remember now, but I seem to recall the 54 is a couple of hundred kilos heavier than the 55 so there's a lot more going on there than just bodywork. The Clubman is the only model that makes sense beyond the 56 though as whether you like it or not, it sort of others something no-one else does, especially in JCW trim. Countryman and 5 door hatch are compromised and have more direct competition that best them.
I’ve owned two gen 2 r56’s with the manual transmission. Driven over 300k miles total. Fun cars even with their flaws but the latest generation is lost on me with the gimmicks and at $40k they lost a long term fan of the brand. I went elsewhere on my latest vechicle.
It's made in England! Hondas made in England also had poor panel fit, I think the workers would rather be down the pub. It's just part of having a British car. 🙂
The 1.5 3 cylinder in these newer gens, especially the updated 7 speed DCT is such a perfect car. A 2020 base trim is about 2700lbs, still very quick, while maintaining excellent fuel economy.
I drive a 3 cylinder one as a loaner with a manual when my MINI was in for service. It was really good. I wished I could have turned off the fake engine noises in sport mode as the 3 cylinder sounded amazing in Eco mode.
For all its faults, it's a VERY unique offering in the US market now. 2 door 4 seat cheap new vehicles is a very small category. This is much more livable as the only vehicle than something like a GR86 for most. It's cool how customizable they are, but a base Cooper S is probably the smart play, they're barely $33,000 with destination included, and a modest dealer discount may be possible. Pretty decent amount of uniquely fun practical car for that money, and it's the cheapest way to get a B48 engine. These are rated 39mpg highway as well.
@@hoonaticbloggs5402 I mean, is it wrong to like a plucky sub-$35k B48-engine'd practical 2-door with serious personality? It comes across as an overlooked value proposition in the cheaper new car market. I do have particular B48 affinity, I took a B48 Z4 on the autobahn last year and thought it was terrific. The problem with the press fleet is it's always loaded cars, and this car makes a lot more sense at $33k than the $40k example Jack was driving.
@@thatoneotherotherguyI prefer the VW EA888 gen 4 (241HP, Continental turbo) in my MK8 GTI and DQ381 7-Speed DSG for the same money as this MINI impostor.
@ yeah I suppose the GTI is a better value. But I still like this for what it is. I would’ve liked if 2-door GTIs and ordinary Golf’s would’ve never left the US.
This is a vestigial ICE Mini that exists to pave the way to electrification. Every aspect of the changes says that clearly. The best thing you can say about it is that it looks the part.
The thing that always made me stay away is the horror stories of maintenance on this car. A clutch replacement on a Gti is child’s play compared to a Mini and this was years ago. Think 8 hours vs days. I’m sure BMW has only complicated things more.
it was like a 5% take rate on manuals in the years leading up to the new model. The market spoke and MINI didn’t bother designing the car for the thousand or so they would sell each year
As owner of a R53 6-speed manual this review got me excited but then after watching I get the "Throwing in the Towel" title. Seems like it's mostly left its roots and is now a 3,000 lb (did I hear that right?) auto tranny compromised version of what Mini made 20 years ago.
@ghrtt7 it is short in length thanks to transverse fwd layout, but it's significantly taller and wider than those cars because it's designed to carry 4 people.
@@TheIggyTech That's like saying a Bently Mulsanne is inexplicably heavier than a BMW 7 series. There's a reason for it. The higher build quality and material quality weighs something, and it's bigger. All applies to the mini. Weight reduction isn't magic. You have to spend way more on engineering materials to get the quality of the mini at the weight of a fit or brz, so now it's an $80k small hatchback with the same features as the $40k version.
@@mitchellsteindler But like who's this car for now? No manual, weighs as much as a similarly sporty sedan, and has all of the downsides of a small wheelbase car (noise, harshness over bumps, lack of storage and passenger space) with basically none of the upsides (light and fast handling + good fuel economy). It's squarely in no-man's land. And I get it, it uses some nicer materials than the Fit. But prior gen Mini's were in that 2700-2800lb range while still being more "premium" than a Fit. Seems like it's just another example of feature bloat getting into the last few small cars.
While not the exact same generation, I drive a 22 Cooper SE. Super quick, nimble (especially on lowering springs), great build quality, looks great, feels small but is actually much roomier, and build quality is top notch. To me these cars are made to be fun small EVs now. Was really hoping to trade for the new gen electric JCW, but looks like we'll be waiting quite a while here in the US. Happy with what I have at least!
Minis are not for enthusiasts anymore. There's not enough money to be made catering to that segment. It's appeal is being an affordable, small, economical, comfortable, and modern car. My wife absolutely loves hers.
Back in 2005, there were only two cars that caught my eye: MINI Cooper S R53, and Porsche 911. I drove the MINI for fifteen years, and finally traded it for a Porsche 992 Carrera S. Sometimes, when jetting to the store, I miss the MINI. It was a fun car to drive and very useful and practical. Easy to park. Super quick steering, and slick 6-speed shifter. The R53 had a cool supercharger whine. This current MINI holds zero attraction for me.
@@thereallotharmatthae They already list above the Hyundai Elantra N, Civic Type R, and GR Corolla as competitors. The GTI is smaller than the Elantra and Type R.
@@thereallotharmatthaePolo is not sold in North America. Most people here have never seen or know what a VW Polo is unless they have travelled overseas
GTI is what MINI used to be 20 years ago. I have a 2023 MK8 GTI SE DSG. Owned 5 MINIs (2002,2004,2005,2008,2013) over a 21 year span. The MK8 GTI is the better car, 2 leagues above to be exact
I used to love the Mini because of it’s quirky interior with all the toggle switches. Paired with a manual and the go kart feel, it seemed like a great combo that made you feel like you’re driving a super fun machine. Seems like that’s long gone after the past two generations.
A very cool little car. Especially considering the number of shitbox “suvs” on the road. What American reviewers never get is European classy (sometimes timeless) styling. But hey, Hondas look good.
Having owned a multitude of Hot Hatch cars over the past 35yrs, last year I thought it was time to try the Mini Cooper S mostly because I could get one (fully loaded) on a pretty good deal. Though I wasn't sure it could contend with the other hot hatch cars I've owned, I have to admit that it pleasantly surprised me(!) It's a quick little car and it's pretty well built,.. It doesn't feel as "Go Carty" as all the car reviewers like to say, in fact.. If anything I'd say it rides and feels like a well composed & bigger car than it actually is. Only when it's being driven quickly across a twisty country road does the words "Go Carty Handling" start to be applicable, and even then it's mostly under braking where the rear of the car can get a loose and try to overtake the front, but it's really well composed on the handling.. more so than the Ford Fiesta ST I owned prior (Great Little Hot Hatch, I loved it!). Though there are a bunch of things I'm not to happy with on the Mini, there are equally a bunch of things I really like that seem to balance things out, but the Biggest Problem I've had with it is that it came with mediocre tyres unlike all the other hot hatch cars I've owned that all came with performance rubber fitted, and this 'severely' impaired the Mini's handling,, I thought I'd made a huge mistake getting the Mini at first, I had to spend several hundred extra GBP to fit performance tires that should have come standard from new, but it completely transformed the Mini into a proper hot hatch,.. Shame on you BMW! It's like cooking a four star meal that one charges a fortune for and then serving it in a bin lid from the trash can. In all though, once the tires were sorted, it's turned out to be a great little hot hatch,, ..if the exhaust sounded more sporty and the brakes were a little better it would be on a par with some of the best hot hatchbacks I've owned over the years. Won't be getting the latest Mini though, not having manual control over the gear changes is sacrilege in a car like this(!) Big mistake BMW! It's going to be a Yaris GR for my next hot hatch I think.
Ive owned an R56, autocrossed an R53, both S models, both were amazing cars. I got a loaner F56 manual MINI once while in for service, it was delightful, got incredible fuel economy and sounded fantastic in eco mode (ie no fake engine noise mode). I have no interest in an auto MINI but would consider an electric if they had a smaller one like the R56/R53 size. I feel that MINI is one of two car brands that could pull off the enthusiast move if an electric motor driving through a real 5 apeed manual, for the fun of it. I'd pay serious money for that.
I drive a 2012 Mini R56 and love it. The light weight, road handling, and communicative steering and breaks make up for the lack of power and deliver a fun, engaging car that's low on gas while entertaining and fairly raw. These new MINI's are just an aberration and hold no interest to me. ANother boring try-hard compromise that's as heavy and dull as any minivan. Shame.
We bought a 2024 Cooper S convertible used for a steal. While I wish it had the manual, the dual clutch is good. As soon as I saw this new gen, I knew I didn’t want it. I hate the new interior layout. At least the 2024 still has physical controls. Only thing I dislike about ours is the run flats that come on it, they are loud and rough.
driver of the old JCW: If they did not the cost cutting on materials this would be the perfect small car. Same as the Aceman SE. Both drive very very good but it’s just a 8/10 car. One thing you missed out: the center console with the dashboard presses against the knee or thigh of taller drivers.
GLI, GTI, Elantra N, WRX, etc. There is no reason at all to buy this over the competition. Especially considering reliability is horrid with the Mini. End of story.
Yeah the GTI is great in so many ways BUT, BMW makes better infotainment and less intrusive driver's assistance systems. My Mk8 gti would constantly slam on the brakes when backing into the empty garage or when getting close to cars in right NYC traffic. It ends up being very dangerous. Of course, you can disable it, but your dash looks like a Christmas tree and it is a process to disable the driver's aids on the GTI. BMWs family of vehicles don't have this.
Well, all good things must come to end I suppose. There was a certain charm and character with the Minis previously, which is why I owned three of them amongst a plethora of other cars through the years, I adorned them. There was not another car out there that could give you so many smiles-per-mile for the money. I agree wholeheartedly with your comment about the joy of driving something small quickly. Driving pleasure comes in various forms, it doesn't always have to be the most exotic or expensive car out there, the previous Minis captured that for me at least. A sad ending, but such is life, plenty of decent used ones out there to fill that niche. Thanks for the review.
I am very very happy not to have waited and got a last generation John Cooper Works with manual last year. It still feels like driving a car, not operating a smartphone
I’ve had a few BMW Minis including a 2017 Cooper S Works 210 and currently a 2022 Clubman JCW. But I’m unlikely to buy another any time soon as I don’t like the lack of ’old fashioned’ controls. I use the iDrive far more than the touchscreen. On a separate note, I also have no plans to buy electric.
Never understood the Mini appeal.....and now I absolutely don't. 🤷 But what do I know? Im sure EVERYONE is clammering for more tech, because all I read in the comments on car reviews is "We buy a car and love the streamlined and effective infotainment, and prioritize it over all other features." 🙄
This minimalistic approach the interior with the stupid lollipop in the center just looks so terrible compared to the last generation. My dad has a 2003 mini and the old clocks with the big center speedo looks so classy and and cool.
@LLG47 I can get behind the "vintage" dials and deco, as I prefer dials and knobs myself, but is the rest of the car, with no space for passengers or groceries worth the price tag?
Former MINI (and Mini) fan here…I’ve owned 4 modern MINIs and one classic (a 1977). The R53 (02-06) was by far the height of modern MINIs…the car definitely had reliability problems, but the supercharged engine, the smaller size, the hydraulic steering feel, manual transmission….it was the perfect recipe for an amazing driving experience. The supercharger whine was intoxicating! With each new generation, MINI seems to have lost its way. With the F56 (last generation), the car had become so bloated that I no longer had any interest really. And now no manual? Hard pass. I suppose when everybody these days wants a CUV or SUV, bmw has to do what it takes to keep the little hatch alive….but I have zero interest in it. And I’m inclined to think that not many others do….i rarely see a newer MINI on the road these days.
So glad I got my 2021 Mini Delux - last year it was made. 6" longer than I wanted - the car I got was not the same as the one I test drove. The dealership would not refund my deposit ($2500.) because of the colour (BRG with white roof). I like how it drives but obviously still not happy that they did the switch on me - resulting in me having a longer car than I wanted.
I had a ice blue 2015 mini with a manual transmission. I loved it. I stupidly traded it in for a Mazda MX 5 convertible. I might have given it to the Mazda dealership. I miss it. I was STUPID.
I have the 2024 S manual. Sat in ones of these, seemed nice. Drove a Countryman and that was a nice ride. They should at least bring back the hood scoop for the S models. No one buys the 3 door because it is a practical car.
At the end of the day its following the BMW ethos: make it uglier, make it heavier, make it less sporty, make it more expensive. Winning combination.
Sad because they're actually selling more than ever (to China).
Shows just how inconsequential we've become.
Perfectly said
True. I drove BMWs for 20 years. The last one being a 2003 540 Msport. That's was the best car I've had.
@@2moke2creen No, they are not selling more to China, BMW China sales been declining.
Mini sales are down 23% this year. They sucessfully got rid of their main buyers.
This car should sell a lot of Mazda3's
I thought seriously of a Mazda 3 manual, but just didn't have the extra money to burn. Settled of a 2023 Versa SR. It's a great, around-town car for me. It was also over $10K less. I also got a 3-year loan at 2.99% interest. That helped.
I agree with you. Mini might very well drive people to a Mazda 3 or a Civic Si.
They're different sizes, if you said Mazda 2 maybe that'll make more sense.
Better get one quick cause it could go this way too.
And GTIs.
I went from a Mazda 3 2.5 GT to a Mini Countryman (previous generation, not the new one). I like the Countryman, it fits my life and requirements for a car very well. But I'd 100% go back to a manual Mazda 3. They are very nice and fun to drive.
“You think you hate it now, just wait til you drive it.”
😂😂
Lou Glutz
I’m driving one in my town’s gay pride parade this year
VACATION 😀
@@WinkerPack that's pretty gay.
That center screen is a human factors nightmare.
It’s exactly what babies need for that high sensory brain development when they drive to the office every morning
@@constructionbootgazer So it's a baby sitter for those with short attention spans. Okay, I can see that. If you take in-car use of the smart phone off the table they will certainly need something.
Lmao
True for do-it-all center screens in general. I pray this is a passing fad.
@@constructionbootgazer cant wait for the top half to show my speedo and the bottom half to be subway surfers gameplay
Lack of a manual transmission in this car is criminal. If it's not for enthusiasts then who is it for? Most nobody is buying small cars anymore but a luxury compact designed around the manual that doesn't have one? So silly.
Also the rear end and the interior just don't look good and lack character.
A good question to ask is "Is that the enthusiast bubble" and "Did people actually buy them in great numbers".
For many cars I think what happens is enthusiasts say that the manual matters a lot but actual buyers of said vehicle weren't interested in having one.
Then again there’s the Elantra N, GTI/GLI, Integra, GR Corolla, Civic Si/Type R, Golf R
Hell there’s even the GR86/BRZ and Miata so manual or auto for what it’s worth all these cars seems to be doing way better than the new “Mini”
Gays; its for them.
This car is made for the european market! We don‘t consider a manual a sporty and engaging option, but the economical option. Base Mini‘s are manily driven by girls in their 20s who just started their first job. The more expensive trim levels are bought by rich girls and some dude‘s
“There’s no small cars that are whimsical like this”
*awkwardly glances at the MX-5*
Small cars as in average cars, not sports cars dude.
@@krabuh well the Miata is a small car that does everything this does, but much better.
Mx5 is a better car in every way...
@@rcmakingtracks18 no shit 😭
@ agreed. Bought one, love it, will keep it forever.
I could be working at my desk this morning but instead I'm sitting in the office bathroom listening to Jack talk about a car that he's color matched to his Patagonia pull-over.
You didn't clock out for your break , you're getting a CA.
Imagine paying 40k for a car without a gauge cluster and being told it is luxurious.
Sounds like a Tesla.
Literally a tesla but worse
Did they take away the HUD? Used to be an option.
You can see the HUD module in the video 🙂
they all come with a hud
I don't think it's a good thing that while you were demonstrating the infotainment I had literally no idea what was going on. What's with all those weird visualizations?
Agreed. It’s somehow mesmerizing and nauseating at the same time. I can’t decide if I like it or if I’m just enamored by how unique it is.
Ya, that was insanely convoluted and noisy. Borderline dangerous since it's the only way to get typical gauge cluster information.
And that round screen was the primary feature Mini promoted when the new model came out!
Weird visualizations have been with us for the last twenty years...just look at your cell phone.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 .. better yet, check your cell phone while driving 😁; which is the latest craze you know. Driving is the 3rd priority when behind the wheel. 🤔
I had a 2013 Cooper S hartop. I added an intake, downpipe and exhaust with a tune. The car was the most enjoyable vehicle i have ever driven. Freaking go-kart 100%.
What tune?
@@SolarBlackShine Some guy named Mario Plaza did a remote tune for me. I knew him off the forums, he lived in CA.
@@matthewm3912 yeah, I've come across that name a few times.
R56 was the last good generation lol
Very nice. I had a 2013 Cooper S hard top with just about every hot go fast part out of the Mini catalog on it. It had full GP Aero, full GP spec interior with rear seat delete and strut bar, plus all the factory JCW bits with the JCW tune for the S, JCW suspension and JCW exhaust. It was a brilliant build by the previous owner. I added some front camber, just some 200 tread ware autocross tires on it and it was an absolute go-kart. An amazing car that I quite enjoyed. It was quite competitive in Autocross.
This is how BMW continues to chase market share, stock prices, and in the process losing identities and characteristics.
You can't possibly have watched the video yet 😂
@ Jack started the video basically stating the new Mini is less enthusiasts driven and more luxurious. And I think ah shiet, here we go again (alongside the new M cars)
BMW hasn’t made a ballsy car since the E46.
Everything they offer today is artificial and you can tell.
@@michaeljordan6008 so we're going to ignore the s65 v8 in the m3 and s85 v10 in the m5/m6 in the generation after
It’s junk with or without the manual trans.
BMW doing serious cost cutting putting Nexen tires on a $40K MCS and putting Hankooks on a $125K M5. Used to be Conti's, Michelins, and Pirellis.
Holy crap they actually put Nexens as a factory tire? That's wild to me. Every new M car I had came with Michelin Pilots.
Nexen was on my new Kia and thankfully they were bald and gone at 30k miles.
Y’all are gonna trp when I tell you what factory makes nexen and kumho.
It’s Michelin lol. So what’s the complaint?
So do you actually know if the tire is bad, or are you just being a badge snob?
@@ReubachiFalse. Michelin has nothing to do with Nexen or Khumo.
As a MINI enthusiast, there are couple things I would like to point out. First of all this media unit with the JCW kit is not available to the general public and in general this unit should feel even better than the top spec Cooper S that you can order in the US. It has a better selective damping suspension, better spec brake pads, a firmer seat, and SHIFT PADDLES. The Cooper S that you can actually buy in the US can not even be shifted manually. But to "protect" the potential JCW customers, BMW decided not to offer these options on the 2 Door Hatch. For the normal Cooper S offered in the US, the suspension feels way worse than the F56. The rear suspension is bouncy and unstable even with the optional dynamic damper control. As for the dual clutch, I believe there had been a software update. For the 4 F66s l had driven, the ones recently produced (Arrived at the dealers after October, so likely September production) are much more responsive and less noticeable of the wait for shifting than April/August arrivals.
@ Only for the four doors, and the package is $1200
@@YidingSun Yes, and hate that mainly because the US should ONLY get REAL JCWs not appearance / brake package "fake" JCWs
Bought one of these to replace my aging Cavalier Z24 and just love it. While i miss the velour cloth seating and sporty handling of the Z, i love the round iPad on the dash of my mini and i couldn't pass up the 108 month 5% financing they offered.
Z24 is epic. You certainly downgraded.
What age? The stone age
9 years????
@@waterzap99 yeah I don't think the 108 months @ 5% is the flex they think it is.
@@WilliamJSisti after 7 years I will roll the balance into my home equity loan. No dummy here.
I had an R53 S and that was one of the most fun cars I’ve owned. The whole time I owned it, it never understeered on the street and even oversteered when it was wet out. I wouldn’t touch this one with a 10’ pole.
That interface is straight Flavor Flav
underrated comment
Referring to drive modes as “experience modes” is a big red flag. “Experience” is one of the pet words of brain rotted marketers
its a mix of drive modes and infotainment display modes. its not that hard to understand and its something thats exactly the same in all new bmws
But it's so AUTHENTIC though!
I'm a marketer. I effing hate that word... Day after day I have to hear people babbling about "experiences" and then, as a car enthusiast, now I have to deal with it as well with all its emptiness of meaning and substance.
I just bought an ND3 MX5 and without saying anything, it IS an actual driving experience.
Mini is dead as an enthusiast brand and has turned into yet another tech bro brand...
@@joshuajacome8803 I hate it the most when it's applied to church services, or rather, "worship experiences."
@@xevilpetexif a screen background is an experience for you, you gotta get out more
At home, lots of snow, a cup of coffee and Savageese.
Two hours outside shoveling and using the Montgomery Ward snowblower that dad bought 50 years ago. It’ll outlive me.
@@NomenClature-o8s You people in the snowbelt😂
Bring back Turbowski.
@ He never said anything
I don’t want to drive a computer with wheels. This is maddening.
That's all cars for the last 10 years isn't it?
@senseicorey9979 it's possible they don't drive anything that new
@@senseicorey9979 There are some exceptions like Miata
real question, if you're considering this... why not a turbo 3 mazda hatch? Pretty much ticks all the same boxes for less money and cheaper maintenance.
And somehow a better transmission too
@@citrusjuicebox Also the option for a manual, which is a crime this car doesn't have.
torsion beam rear would be my *guess*
Because that's a torsion beam car weighing 400 lbs more that has nearly zero sporty feel. The power dropoff at the top of the Mazda 2.5t revband is severe, that car punishes redlining it. It is remarkable that the cheapest Mazzy3turbskihatch is only a thousand dollars more than a base Cooper S, though.
women bro no man buys a new mini
I’m a Mini fan and I think there are (or were) actually a lot of objectively good reasons to choose an F56 over the competition, namely, as you point out, almost all cars are now fat and huge, but also it’s the last of the 2-door hot hatches (in America, where I am) and that the interior quality is quite good by the standards of the sport compact segment. However, I can see basically no reason to upgrade to this gen from the F56; it’s heavier, it’s more cumbersome from all I’ve read to drive, it doesn’t seem to progress from a driving dynamics standpoint (seems to get worse), you lose the gauge pods on the steering wheel which I’ve always liked…it just feels less and less like a tiny sports car and more and more like a surprisingly nice runabout. I don’t mind its existence, I just wish Mini would release it as the Mini Runaboutman or something and keep making a real Mini Cooper. I think the JCW is going to be the biggest disappointment of the group, but we’ll see.
biggest disappointment to me is the lack of the EV model ( for now Im told) I wanted a jcw optioned ev as my run about.... which i guess just furthers what you said.
Totally agree. I'm in Scotland and loved my F56 Cooper S - nimble, sporty, superb manual gearbox and definitely premium quality interior. I was so disappointed when I test drove the new J01 fourth generation model. Much of the original Mini character has gone. The interior is a mess. I do not like the new central infotainment screen at all and the quality of some of the trim is really poor. From the outside I can just about accept the front view, but the rear looks like any modern Eurobox - no Mini character at all. I'm afraid J01 is a cynical marketing exercise by BMW. What did I do? Traded my Cooper S for an almost new ultra low mileage Cooper SE - still has all the quality of the F56 and still looks and feels like a Mini. Fun to drive and incredibly cheap to run. I have no problem with the limited range. And in the best colour - British Racing Green!
Well said. They stripped it of having any sportiness and personality. For the cost cutting that they did, it’s insulting that the price increased as much as it has.
I had a F56 Cooper S that I adored, but had to get rid of due to having more family members now. My wife and I are talking about getting another Cooper in the future and the new Cooper S isn't even a consideration. No manual, no convertible model, and not even an EV. How can this be a step forward when they took things away?
@@tragicnomadic Not having an EV model is a surprise because they sold decently well in cities. What is even more ridiculous is there isn't even a convertible or 4-door model.
I got it as a loaner for a several days recently. Brand new 2025, with no miles. And oh boy that new transmission is horrendous! It felt like it was some old and very worn trans - utterly terrible! At first I thought it was broken.
This, combined with always on “engine start/stop”, really puts you in a risk of getting in an accident when you need to accelerate fast from still.
The suspension is overly soft and steering is numb and lacks sharpness. It didn’t feel Mini in any way.
I was sooo happy to get back in my Paceman S with 135k miles - and that should tell you everything. It really feels like a Mini when I drive it.
the Paceman is so underrated. I love them. Completely impractical car, but so much fun to drive
@ I can’t say it better!
Top pet peeves emerging in car design: all in one touch screens, no gauge cluster, and aero door handles. These all in one touch screens need to go.
What's wrong with aero door handles? Are they a pain in the snow (get stuck)? I agree about the other things.
@TassieLorenzo most of them are a pain in general. Kia's non motorized ones require two hands to use. The mustang Mach e doesn't even have a mechanical mechanism, instead it's a bent piece of sheet metal and capacitive button. In an emergency situation where power may no longer be going to the vehicle, the doors can't be opened from the outside. I'm doubtful about the amount of force alot of these handles could take when they have a single pivot (say you are t boned and the door can still operate, but the handle is too weak to take the force). Plus, I don't like having a motor on something critical to function that's used so often.
They're not needed from an efficency standpoint. There's other handles which can achieve similar drag reduction but still not be a pain to use, including integrating the handle at the edges of doors.
The only thing I like about them is they're maybe safer if you're in a sketchy part of town, someone outside the vehicle can't just get in, but most cars auto lock anyway.
At the end of 2013 I took my wife to the MINI dealer to drive the new platform MINI to see if she wanted to trade in her 2011 S for "the new car". She hated it. She told the salesman, "It's a fine car. But it's a shit MINI". She is still driving her beloved 2011 Cooper S waiting for BMW to wake up and once again build her a great MINI. Unfortunately, BMW goes farther in the wrong direction with this. It looks like I have to keep her R56 N18 MINI going......and if you have never worked on a MINI, you have no idea what a living hell that truly is.
I had a N14 2008 R55 Clubman S and a N18 2013 R55 Clubman S. The Prince Peugeot engine was THRASH😂. The N14 had timing chain issues and we traded the 2008 for the 2013 with the “Corrected” N18. Had that car for 10 years and was a money pit. Sold it January 2023 and ordered a VW MK8 GTI SE DSG to never look back. Night and day difference. The GTI is the real deal. Car has been flawless. We should have gone down with a GTI earlier but love the MK8. MINI is a dead and overplayed brand
@@Pamlicojdjdj1487 Reach back out in 10 years and lets see how much of a money pit your VW with the DSG is.
This car needed an optional manual and more physical buttons on the cabin.
There's no way in hell i would chose this over a Civic Type R
Or even a Civic Hybrid lol. The hybrid would be faster!
Type-R is fantastic, but starts 10k more than a loaded JCW Mini. Not an even comparison.
Nobody is cross-shopping a Mini and a CTR 💀
@@JacesOwnWorldit wouldn’t, all testing shows the mini s reaching 60 in the mid to high 5’s and the civic hybrid in the low 6’s. The last hagerty video showed the mini s beating a gti in a quarter mile too. Comparing a mini copper to a civic is like comparing a bmw 3 series to a bmw 7 series, completely different cars in how they are set up.
@@ErisAlteri would crossover between Mini GP3 vs type R
These are incredibly customisable. I ordered the cabriolet with the optional metal roof.
I'll never understand how british brands somehow were able to label themselves as luxury. They're so luxury that none of their owners were able to keep their brands inside the country. All sold to foreign entities.
Fuck yeah you did. My entire IT department just got up and cheered after seeing your comment.
Can you customize a version that isn’t overpriced, looks bland, drives bland, doesn’t have notoriously buggy tech and won’t depreciate 40% soon as it leaves the lot?
option everything EXCEPT the transmission 😔
Picked up my 2018 Cooper S manual a couple months ago. Best decision.
I've had one for 3 years and I love it. Enjoy!
I have a 19 Countryman! I like it a lot. But this new generation of Minis is not cool. I won't own another new one. I might look around for a cheap R55 though
Enshittification is real. Size is the only thing left for the MINI.
^ and the size is huge, size of a Golf /mazda3.
Well, the value for dollar is getting smaller…
Jack: "Hey Mark! We got the new Mini to test, you coming with me?"
Mark: "I'm not going anywhere near that POS, how dare you ask me!"
Jack: "Sorry Mark, please don't hit me!"
Been a VERY long time since the Italian Job remake...
I just read that MINI USA sales decreased 21.5% from 2023 to 2024.
I’m not surprised.
price? selection?
I will never understand manufacturers getting rid of the gauge cluster. I really hope that never catches on.
It's a bit different here though. Mini Cooper gauges and central screens have been throwbacks to the originals the whole time. Mini didn't chase a trend, they invented their own thing decades ago.
@@thatoneotherotherguyWhich was, and still is, a cost-cutting measure. They can use the same dashboard for LHD and RHD markets.
@ I get that, but frankly they kept the only thing they should have gotten rid of from the Mini. I still hope it doesn’t catch on, I know Tesla is trying to make it a thing.
Although the manufacturers try to sell it as a design aesthetic it’s only there as a cost saving measure. Physical switches and the wiring harness are quite a bit more expensive than adding software for more functions on the screen. IMHO this is a major factor in making Tesla interiors look bare, cheap, and boring.
The EU safety rating agency is going to require certain functions have hard switches after 2026 or they cannot receive their highest safety score. The list of functions requiring physical switches is far too short for my liking.
It's interesting learning via these comments that the Mini is seen as an enthusiast car in the US. I would've only considered the JCW as such. In Europe it's a fashion/lifestyle car, like an upmarket alternative to the Fiat 500
We don’t have a whole lot of little cars in the US anymore. The civic has ballooned to be bigger than accords of yore, golf’s are also much bigger than they used to be. Mini was a little better and preserved that whimsy other brands didn’t really offer
@@msdos32 "We don’t have a whole lot of little cars in the US anymore. " I think this is due to the CAFE footprint rule which is punitive on small cars with large engines like this MINI. It's interesting that BMW can fit this Cooper S in within their CAFE, but Ford can't fit a car like the Fiesta ST in their lineup and meet CAFE.
All sizzle, no steak.
Once upon a time this was a pretty decent car but then they “improved” it and raised the price over a few generations. Behold the result.
The result is only women drive these
@@RONderluck Maybe in the US. This isnt the case in Europe, tho. At least not with the Cooper S and with the even more special JCW. Classic hot hatch which was always perceived as a bit more sporty/luxurious for its class. They were fun to drive. Had one as a rental. 2016 model year I think. You could pretty much rotate the car with your throttle inputs. Very cool.
@@Gentleman...Driver oh stop it. It’s the same in Europe, only women drive them.
@@RONderluck 😅
BMW and their unfaltering EGOS.
I had two brand new F56 Cooper S manuals on the bounce and whilst I enjoyed them, it's odd to hear people saying having the MINI without a manual is a crime. It would be if that gearbox was nice to use, but it's just not. Manual box in an MX-5 is a joy and you look forward to every change. You do not with the MINI box. It's not bad - it's just not... anything really. But the other thing is that the engine in the Cooper S had a lot of low down grunt so you're not rifling through the ratios like you think you would be anyway. I think people are looking at it through rose tinted glasses. The far bigger issue on the F66 is that interior which is such a retrograde step in terms of quality next to the vinegar strokes of the F56 LCI2. Terrible. I can see why they did it... Because the competition had let standards slip as well so if you're going to compete on price you can afford to do the same. Race to the bottom, sadly.
I'll still probably look at one (in JCW spec) as they're fast and nothing else new will fit in my very narrow garage.
This 100%
This part. The only real gripe is not having an optional lsd like it's competition, at least not a good one.
Hopefully the JCW fixes that.
@@2moke2creen I think it doesn't really have any natural competition. People who are looking at something meatier wouldn't be looking at a MINI in the first place. The hot hatch - certainly in ICE form - is a dead duck in Europe now, and I think they should be applauded for still making one. I'm in the UK and am actually running my 5th BMW MINI after returning to the brand following a hiatus of a few years. I was going to get an MX-5 ND RF GT but realised I was just over having to work an engine like that. I've got older, fatter and lazier! It's a shame as I always promised myself one but it's just not for me any more. I have an F56 LCI2 JCW and it's a very long way away from the beautiful proportions of my old 2004 R53 with a wheel at each corner and beautifully involved driving experience and that gorgeous supercharger, but the final F56s were a well evolved 10 year old car. I think I'll keep it for a while, even though it is a torque converter (I bought this one used and it's hard to find high spec JCWs that aren't an auto!). It has to be said, I think the Aisin gearbox is good from a standstill and in general use, but a bit slow witted for a quick overtake. You find yourself just having to work on the basis it will get quick in about half a second and pulling out before you have the power ready!
@@paulfarmer3707 Your take is spot on, I went from an 04 R53 6sp and it was such a great car. I drove that to 235k miles and ordered a 2017 F54 JCW 6sp as I needed the room. That car is a missile BUT the longer wheelbase and dynamics pale in comparison to the R53. I think the F54 will be my last Mini. Sure its a manual, but not a very good one.
@@Whitehaar The F54 Clubman is a heavy lump and also notably wider than a 56. In terms of driving DNA they don't feel very closely related to the F56. Although still no comparison to the R53, your inputs feel a lot more readily answered. I can't remember now, but I seem to recall the 54 is a couple of hundred kilos heavier than the 55 so there's a lot more going on there than just bodywork. The Clubman is the only model that makes sense beyond the 56 though as whether you like it or not, it sort of others something no-one else does, especially in JCW trim. Countryman and 5 door hatch are compromised and have more direct competition that best them.
I’ve owned two gen 2 r56’s with the manual transmission. Driven over 300k miles total. Fun cars even with their flaws but the latest generation is lost on me with the gimmicks and at $40k they lost a long term fan of the brand. I went elsewhere on my latest vechicle.
12:39 $40K for this pile and they can't get each side of the front bumper to fit right.
thats actually supremely on brand...
press mule?
It's made in England! Hondas made in England also had poor panel fit, I think the workers would rather be down the pub. It's just part of having a British car. 🙂
The 1.5 3 cylinder in these newer gens, especially the updated 7 speed DCT is such a perfect car. A 2020 base trim is about 2700lbs, still very quick, while maintaining excellent fuel economy.
I drive a 3 cylinder one as a loaner with a manual when my MINI was in for service. It was really good. I wished I could have turned off the fake engine noises in sport mode as the 3 cylinder sounded amazing in Eco mode.
From the back it looks like a storm trooper electric car
For all its faults, it's a VERY unique offering in the US market now. 2 door 4 seat cheap new vehicles is a very small category. This is much more livable as the only vehicle than something like a GR86 for most. It's cool how customizable they are, but a base Cooper S is probably the smart play, they're barely $33,000 with destination included, and a modest dealer discount may be possible. Pretty decent amount of uniquely fun practical car for that money, and it's the cheapest way to get a B48 engine. These are rated 39mpg highway as well.
Are you a mini salesman?
@@hoonaticbloggs5402 I mean, is it wrong to like a plucky sub-$35k B48-engine'd practical 2-door with serious personality? It comes across as an overlooked value proposition in the cheaper new car market. I do have particular B48 affinity, I took a B48 Z4 on the autobahn last year and thought it was terrific. The problem with the press fleet is it's always loaded cars, and this car makes a lot more sense at $33k than the $40k example Jack was driving.
@@thatoneotherotherguyI prefer the VW EA888 gen 4 (241HP, Continental turbo) in my MK8 GTI and DQ381 7-Speed DSG for the same money as this MINI impostor.
@ yeah I suppose the GTI is a better value. But I still like this for what it is. I would’ve liked if 2-door GTIs and ordinary Golf’s would’ve never left the US.
This is a vestigial ICE Mini that exists to pave the way to electrification. Every aspect of the changes says that clearly. The best thing you can say about it is that it looks the part.
The thing that always made me stay away is the horror stories of maintenance on this car. A clutch replacement on a Gti is child’s play compared to a Mini and this was years ago. Think 8 hours vs days. I’m sure BMW has only complicated things more.
This car is dead in the water without a manual. Nuts.
Was pretty dead on the water even with a manual tbh.
No one was buying the manual.
Car enthusiasts can keep telling themselves this but manuals were a small portion of the buying base, especially on new vehicles.
Cooper asssss
it was like a 5% take rate on manuals in the years leading up to the new model. The market spoke and MINI didn’t bother designing the car for the thousand or so they would sell each year
I need a Mini big enough to transport an original Mini in the boot
Jack, I like how you matched your Patagonia fleece half-zip to the British Racing Green paint. Bravo, bravo. 🔥
I did it for you❤
As owner of a R53 6-speed manual this review got me excited but then after watching I get the "Throwing in the Towel" title. Seems like it's mostly left its roots and is now a 3,000 lb (did I hear that right?) auto tranny compromised version of what Mini made 20 years ago.
A "tiny" car like this is weighted over 3000lb is a CRIME!! For reference BRZ is around 2800lb and MX5 is 2366lb (600lbs lighter)!!!
It's not a small as you think. Comparing a legit 4 seater to a miata and brz is weird anyway.
@ghrtt7 it is short in length thanks to transverse fwd layout, but it's significantly taller and wider than those cars because it's designed to carry 4 people.
Honda Fit comes in at ~2600lb too! This mini weighs almost as much as a civic.
@@TheIggyTech That's like saying a Bently Mulsanne is inexplicably heavier than a BMW 7 series. There's a reason for it. The higher build quality and material quality weighs something, and it's bigger. All applies to the mini. Weight reduction isn't magic. You have to spend way more on engineering materials to get the quality of the mini at the weight of a fit or brz, so now it's an $80k small hatchback with the same features as the $40k version.
@@mitchellsteindler But like who's this car for now? No manual, weighs as much as a similarly sporty sedan, and has all of the downsides of a small wheelbase car (noise, harshness over bumps, lack of storage and passenger space) with basically none of the upsides (light and fast handling + good fuel economy). It's squarely in no-man's land.
And I get it, it uses some nicer materials than the Fit. But prior gen Mini's were in that 2700-2800lb range while still being more "premium" than a Fit. Seems like it's just another example of feature bloat getting into the last few small cars.
Savage Geese has the best automotive content available, without a doubt.
While not the exact same generation, I drive a 22 Cooper SE. Super quick, nimble (especially on lowering springs), great build quality, looks great, feels small but is actually much roomier, and build quality is top notch. To me these cars are made to be fun small EVs now. Was really hoping to trade for the new gen electric JCW, but looks like we'll be waiting quite a while here in the US. Happy with what I have at least!
Minis are not for enthusiasts anymore. There's not enough money to be made catering to that segment. It's appeal is being an affordable, small, economical, comfortable, and modern car. My wife absolutely loves hers.
Hearing Jack’s foot slam into the floor during the launch portion of the driving impressions is one of the most satisfying things ever.
At this point i get B58 PTSD flashbacks when I hear mark say B48 lol
Mark?
Back in 2005, there were only two cars that caught my eye: MINI Cooper S R53, and Porsche 911.
I drove the MINI for fifteen years, and finally traded it for a Porsche 992 Carrera S. Sometimes, when jetting to the store, I miss the MINI. It was a fun car to drive and very useful and practical. Easy to park. Super quick steering, and slick 6-speed shifter. The R53 had a cool supercharger whine.
This current MINI holds zero attraction for me.
Why skip right over the GTI when talking about similar sized cars?
Golf GTI is way larger, the Polo GTI might be a competitor, innit
@@thereallotharmatthae They already list above the Hyundai Elantra N, Civic Type R, and GR Corolla as competitors. The GTI is smaller than the Elantra and Type R.
@@jdipietronh still a lot bigger than a Mini Cooper innit. I own one.
@@thereallotharmatthaePolo is not sold in North America. Most people here have never seen or know what a VW Polo is unless they have travelled overseas
GTI is what MINI used to be 20 years ago. I have a 2023 MK8 GTI SE DSG. Owned 5 MINIs (2002,2004,2005,2008,2013) over a 21 year span. The MK8 GTI is the better car, 2 leagues above to be exact
I used to love the Mini because of it’s quirky interior with all the toggle switches. Paired with a manual and the go kart feel, it seemed like a great combo that made you feel like you’re driving a super fun machine. Seems like that’s long gone after the past two generations.
A very cool little car. Especially considering the number of shitbox “suvs” on the road.
What American reviewers never get is European classy (sometimes timeless) styling.
But hey, Hondas look good.
Having owned a multitude of Hot Hatch cars over the past 35yrs, last year I thought it was time to try the Mini Cooper S mostly because I could get one (fully loaded) on a pretty good deal. Though I wasn't sure it could contend with the other hot hatch cars I've owned, I have to admit that it pleasantly surprised me(!) It's a quick little car and it's pretty well built,.. It doesn't feel as "Go Carty" as all the car reviewers like to say, in fact.. If anything I'd say it rides and feels like a well composed & bigger car than it actually is. Only when it's being driven quickly across a twisty country road does the words "Go Carty Handling" start to be applicable, and even then it's mostly under braking where the rear of the car can get a loose and try to overtake the front, but it's really well composed on the handling.. more so than the Ford Fiesta ST I owned prior (Great Little Hot Hatch, I loved it!). Though there are a bunch of things I'm not to happy with on the Mini, there are equally a bunch of things I really like that seem to balance things out, but the Biggest Problem I've had with it is that it came with mediocre tyres unlike all the other hot hatch cars I've owned that all came with performance rubber fitted, and this 'severely' impaired the Mini's handling,, I thought I'd made a huge mistake getting the Mini at first, I had to spend several hundred extra GBP to fit performance tires that should have come standard from new, but it completely transformed the Mini into a proper hot hatch,.. Shame on you BMW! It's like cooking a four star meal that one charges a fortune for and then serving it in a bin lid from the trash can. In all though, once the tires were sorted, it's turned out to be a great little hot hatch,, ..if the exhaust sounded more sporty and the brakes were a little better it would be on a par with some of the best hot hatchbacks I've owned over the years. Won't be getting the latest Mini though, not having manual control over the gear changes is sacrilege in a car like this(!) Big mistake BMW! It's going to be a Yaris GR for my next hot hatch I think.
You need to blur out the speedometer
Ive owned an R56, autocrossed an R53, both S models, both were amazing cars. I got a loaner F56 manual MINI once while in for service, it was delightful, got incredible fuel economy and sounded fantastic in eco mode (ie no fake engine noise mode). I have no interest in an auto MINI but would consider an electric if they had a smaller one like the R56/R53 size.
I feel that MINI is one of two car brands that could pull off the enthusiast move if an electric motor driving through a real 5 apeed manual, for the fun of it. I'd pay serious money for that.
Love the sound/music of these vids. Well done SG, always!
The shots from outside the car are a welcome addition!
I drive a 2012 Mini R56 and love it. The light weight, road handling, and communicative steering and breaks make up for the lack of power and deliver a fun, engaging car that's low on gas while entertaining and fairly raw. These new MINI's are just an aberration and hold no interest to me. ANother boring try-hard compromise that's as heavy and dull as any minivan. Shame.
"Headbutted by a turtle". Immediately adding this to my daily usage.
Sounds almost like a pokemon term
Please don’t
We bought a 2024 Cooper S convertible used for a steal. While I wish it had the manual, the dual clutch is good. As soon as I saw this new gen, I knew I didn’t want it. I hate the new interior layout. At least the 2024 still has physical controls. Only thing I dislike about ours is the run flats that come on it, they are loud and rough.
Thank god i bought the 2023
driver of the old JCW: If they did not the cost cutting on materials this would be the perfect small car. Same as the Aceman SE. Both drive very very good but it’s just a 8/10 car. One thing you missed out: the center console with the dashboard presses against the knee or thigh of taller drivers.
Most beautiful color out there!
Jack's taste in music is magnificent
“I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)”
70 mph, country road with Hall and Oates playing.
Speakers are elite, Hondas bose are terrible. Did you even adjust the sound options?
A great car and a huge seller if priced at $23,000. Not $33,000.
Same price as a base Corolla? Not realistic.
There is only one person I know that over uses the word “whimsical” jack 😅😅😅😂😂😂. Love y’all’s content!!!
GLI, GTI, Elantra N, WRX, etc. There is no reason at all to buy this over the competition. Especially considering reliability is horrid with the Mini. End of story.
Yeah the GTI is great in so many ways BUT, BMW makes better infotainment and less intrusive driver's assistance systems. My Mk8 gti would constantly slam on the brakes when backing into the empty garage or when getting close to cars in right NYC traffic. It ends up being very dangerous. Of course, you can disable it, but your dash looks like a Christmas tree and it is a process to disable the driver's aids on the GTI. BMWs family of vehicles don't have this.
@spdandpwr fair enough. Yet Bimmers are way more expensive. Law of f
dinishing returns.
all these years later and I still can't get over the center placement of gauges
3:59 everything is better than Toyota’s JBL systems, I think even the base speakers on Toyota’s are better than the JBL systems.
The base speakers on Toyotas are unmarked Pioneers so, it think you’re on to something there.
Well, all good things must come to end I suppose. There was a certain charm and character with the Minis previously, which is why I owned three of them amongst a plethora of other cars through the years, I adorned them. There was not another car out there that could give you so many smiles-per-mile for the money. I agree wholeheartedly with your comment about the joy of driving something small quickly. Driving pleasure comes in various forms, it doesn't always have to be the most exotic or expensive car out there, the previous Minis captured that for me at least. A sad ending, but such is life, plenty of decent used ones out there to fill that niche. Thanks for the review.
I’ve got a manual from 2017,can’t find a manual if I want a newer one some I’m sticking with what I’ve got for now.
Never should have sold my 2006. An absolute blast to drive. Well, not quite CRXsi level, but super fun. I don’t know who this one is for.
Hairdressers
After a lifetime of being curious about these cars, I rented a JCW mini on vacation in Hawaii and was bored driving it the entire time
I call BS. I owned a 2013 cooper S hard top. That car was a freaking go-kart. You weren't driving it right.
Hawaii is the worst place to drive anything for fun due to the roads.
@@matthewm3912 He might've rented one of the newer ones
@@kennethporter992I don’t think the full zoot JCW is available yet in USA.
How was the Weed?
I am very very happy not to have waited and got a last generation John Cooper Works with manual last year. It still feels like driving a car, not operating a smartphone
After the second generation R56 MINI completely lost its mininess
Great review, thanks!
Why would you drop the manual? What a huge disappointment. I do like the styling though.
Probably cost and emissions. The manual sold relatively well on the MINI.
Hall and Oates on the screen just 👌
The song was “I Can’t Go For That”, which might have been a spoiler for his review.
Had a 2010 base, was amazing, $20K.
Man how times have changed.
Same here 2012 “Justa” reliable too.
which is $28.9k adjusted for inflation. 2025 base 2dr starting MSRP is $28,950
With inflation, $20,000 in 2010 is $28,936 today. The base price of the 2025 is $28,950. Seems about right then.
@@AckbarsFist exactly. Base Coopers and Cooper S are pretty fairly priced.
Hasn't been a mini for a long time. Now no manual gear box is just criminal...
Would rather have an Elantra N with a manual. Or a GTI with a manual. Or a GR86. With a manual.
either the GR86 or the Elantra N. The Gr86 is the most fun out o the lot but the Elantra N is a great do everything car.
Buying new, I'd get a Mk.8 GTI DSG over this new Mini. Buying used, an older Cooper S manual would be way more fun if you can manage the reliability.
For 40k I can think of 40 other cars I’ve rather have for the price.
I’ve had a few BMW Minis including a 2017 Cooper S Works 210 and currently a 2022 Clubman JCW.
But I’m unlikely to buy another any time soon as I don’t like the lack of ’old fashioned’ controls. I use the iDrive far more than the touchscreen.
On a separate note, I also have no plans to buy electric.
Never understood the Mini appeal.....and now I absolutely don't. 🤷 But what do I know? Im sure EVERYONE is clammering for more tech, because all I read in the comments on car reviews is "We buy a car and love the streamlined and effective infotainment, and prioritize it over all other features." 🙄
This minimalistic approach the interior with the stupid lollipop in the center just looks so terrible compared to the last generation. My dad has a 2003 mini and the old clocks with the big center speedo looks so classy and and cool.
Can't even believe the comments, feels like half of them are bots or state sponsored these days
@LLG47 I can get behind the "vintage" dials and deco, as I prefer dials and knobs myself, but is the rest of the car, with no space for passengers or groceries worth the price tag?
I bet you like Escalades.
@galactictomato1434 Incorrect.
I remember them in the mall for sale in 2002. They were cool then and a good little fun car.
Former MINI (and Mini) fan here…I’ve owned 4 modern MINIs and one classic (a 1977). The R53 (02-06) was by far the height of modern MINIs…the car definitely had reliability problems, but the supercharged engine, the smaller size, the hydraulic steering feel, manual transmission….it was the perfect recipe for an amazing driving experience. The supercharger whine was intoxicating!
With each new generation, MINI seems to have lost its way. With the F56 (last generation), the car had become so bloated that I no longer had any interest really. And now no manual? Hard pass.
I suppose when everybody these days wants a CUV or SUV, bmw has to do what it takes to keep the little hatch alive….but I have zero interest in it. And I’m inclined to think that not many others do….i rarely see a newer MINI on the road these days.
I'm in the same camp as you, though no classic MINI. BUT I also get why they are where they are. Not sure how they can navigate at this point.
So glad I got my 2021 Mini Delux - last year it was made. 6" longer than I wanted - the car I got was not the same as the one I test drove. The dealership would not refund my deposit ($2500.) because of the colour (BRG with white roof). I like how it drives but obviously still not happy that they did the switch on me - resulting in me having a longer car than I wanted.
Minis are stout little cars and fun 🎉🎉🎉🎉
8:16 mark flock of geese sighting. My day is complete.
Insane they'd get rid of manual 😂 stupid bmw
I test drive a circa 2017 3 cyl mini with manual and it was actually a blast around town
I concur, the F56 with the 3 banger and manual was very fun to drive. You could find one of these used for $12K easily
I had a ice blue 2015 mini with a manual transmission. I loved it. I stupidly traded it in for a Mazda MX 5 convertible. I might have given it to the Mazda dealership. I miss it. I was STUPID.
No manual, no sale at my house! My wife is never going to give up her 2016 manual for an auto.
Oh no. I bet BMW stock will plummet when they hear that your wife won’t give up her 2016 manual.
My wife just said the same thing. She wants another Mini and she killed the idea of this one immediately after hearing it's dual clutch only now.
@@Kamukix the double clutch is a good gearbox, but you're right it's not what a Mini is about
@ymtzlgn I agree, I imagine it's a nice gearbox, but it's just not what we come to Mini for.
@@onefastr6 Sorry, didn't mean to offend the thin skinned automatic / EV crowd. My apologies from all of us that enjoy driving.
I have the 2024 S manual. Sat in ones of these, seemed nice. Drove a Countryman and that was a nice ride. They should at least bring back the hood scoop for the S models. No one buys the 3 door because it is a practical car.