I have yet to find a newer mini that’s better than my 1st Gen S, and this brand new one is ugly and very cheap looking. Whoever ‘designed’ that interior has ruined this generation.
I have read that the upcoming convertible will continue to use the current Union Jack tail lights due to continued use of the tailgate, so there is hope!
@@RATBONES8 no, they said that they have a problem with the new design and the opening of the roof and they don't want to spend any money evolve the rear of the new cabrio. That's what unofficially mini said.
I agree - saw one on the road for first time today and thought it was a Citroen or something from behind! I have one of the last LCI2 John Cooper Works to roll off the line at Oxford and it’s definitely a long term keeper
I drove both ( S and C) and personally I agree with everything that you said. Even the C is very spicy and quick. The comfort ( I LOVED THE SEATS, whey better than the previous ones) is at a better level and the response of the DCT, the suspension, the steering wheel and the brakes are here for the driving. Tech is on another level, and for me it has all the physical buttons I often use. The HUD is perfect and the display is easy to use and for the difficult times you have the spike to do all the things you want by just asking. I loved it and I ordered it. It's perfect, it's MINI and most of the haters will buy it in a year. Ok I loved the visible exhaust but it's there and easy to "fix" it if I decide it 😊 i don't miss anything from the outgoing model and I don't care about all that hate comments. All that matters at the end is how you feel and not how they feel...
@@nfsdanz although it's very different for every driver the feeling, for me I think it was the perfect balance. I know I didn't help but I can't tell. Don't forget I usually drive my r53 which has a heavy and close to go-cart feeling wheel
Well I've had the car a week now, and what fun it is to drive, so so quick off the mark, cornering crazy and i just love the interior. Faults so far My wife who's phone is connected to the car cannot call me for some reason by asking hey mini. Its only me thou, so i take it something is wrong along the line. Another issue is, if its frosty the windows get stuck when trying to open the doors. I am hoping you can turn the anti trap off. Apart from that, I LOVE IT. Oh and by the way, i already have had a recall lol.
MINI did a clever job of blending the new front and rear end design with the old platform. Looking at my current Cooper out the window right now, it's clear the kept the door and small panel ahead of the door intact. The interior is sharp and fabric dash is excellent.
I've seen so many people complaining about the looks and "cheap" feel of the new design. I went and test drove one, then ordered one the same day. I love the clean look and minimalistic interior. Yeah, I grew up on a standard shift and I had a 2008 Cooper S that I loved. However, I'm ready to move on to an automatic and today's automatic transmissions do justice to a car like this. I'm looking forward to getting mine, even without the hood scoop or dual exhaust (which didn't DO anything anyway).
@@tjtull point taken - so I went and took a 2lt S for a test drive this morning, I already have an auto mini so I’m used to that - but I have to be honest it was super responsive and drove like a real beast of a go-kart and I mean that in a good way, engine sounded deep, handled brilliantly around the country lane - overall a super drive that is an improvement on the previous model. The interior grew on me really quickly, and that large round screen was awesome and playful. Driving it, I wanted to order one, but I am a visual person - I also like the look of things and really wanted the outside to match the drive which I found it was lacking in something. Although the Cooper works kit does change it to some degree. Also the rear started to agitate me less and less. Before test drive I had it down as a 3/10 as it was based on visual only , after test drive I’m at a 7/10. Probably not going to rush to order one, but might wait for the convertible model in 2025
Seems like a mistake to remove the bonnet vent and the centre dual exhausts. Externally it now just looks like the Cooper model. If I was spending that much on a Cooper S then I'd want it to stand out.
Exactly!!!!!!!!! And why on earth did they abandon the funky 'aircraft' style cabin switches which were totally unique to the best of my knowledge. I realise vehicle aesthetics are subjective but put this next to any earlier iteration of the Cooper S and I guarantee 90%+ of consumers would choose these over this latest mess!
Matt. As below! Yes You certainly are a superb reviewer! Like us all, Mini has a place in all our hearts. The Icon just became an even stronger Icon. Setting new standards in design and quality in every aspect. The minimalist interior is just amazing. The attention to detail and how it works for the driver. Hasn't lost any of the verve and point and squirt characteristics. And yes has the Mini soul! From every angle, not least the new rear....thank goodness we can bye to those union jack rear lights... awful. This has to be the one to buy for fun everyday driving. Mini at their peak! Love it!
Hi Keith, Thank you so much for your kind words! I am glad you feel the same about the new MINI as we do! Keep your eyes peeled for plenty more to come.
No scoop, no duel poop!. I think they have underestimated what people like about S’s and Cooper works that’s beyond just performance. I’m hanging on to my current mini’s me thinks.
I have a 2022 Cooper 5 Door, so next one down. But I like the burble it does have on start up, and I like the bonnet bulge / hump and rear lights better, the old start button in red is so much better. Yeah it has a bigger screen..... but I think I will stick with the older model
Thank you for your review. I am loving my new Mini Cooper S which I got last week. I do have a question. I must have pressed a button and now every time the car starts, there's an annoying voice which says, "Driving Mode Activated'. How to I turn off the voice, please?
The design is really cool! I bet it will sell well. However, where's the 'real' handbrake??? Aren't people interested in having a little bit of fun with the car anymore? Try re-do some scenes from the Italian job with this latest incarnation... 😂 Good luck! Very good presentation btw... Well done 👏
I've driven the new Cooper S JCW spec level 2 trim and love the new version. I agree with a lot of the comments posted that it needs the bonnet scoop as a feature of the S and JCW. Also the rear twin exhausts, which I can see the after-market sorting that out and providing conversion kits to shown rear exhausts. I'm waiting for the full spec JCW next year, as I currently drive an F56 JCW. I'm hoping the power is going to increase from the current standard 230 to at least 250bhp or more. Already put my name on the list to test drive the JCW 2025. 🙂
It’s a pity they didn’t go with the new door handle design of the E version. Why have they removed any exterior design features that point to it being a S?
I was going to order a new five door with the level 2 pack at £4000 but when I saw the pcp figures it only adds £400 to the value after three years so I’d lose £3600 on this option, without the pack spec is low with no heated seats, privacy glass etc.
I've owned R51, R53, R56, R61, F56 and for the interior the R53 beat them all hands down. Since the climate is now digital why not put the auto controls at the bottom of the steering wheel - you can keep an eye on the road and it would be a cool feature. I couldn't own a car that has climate on the Media Console I'd deffo crash it.
I like physical buttons. I don’t like the rectangle plastic on the front bumper. Is that for a radar? Lots of money for less. Personally I’d rather have the twin exhaust pipes
It looks great but it has a huge grill, which probably indicates the BMW tendency to love big shiny grills. Still I suppose they have restrained it a little because it does not look like an Aardvark like the M3.
The first generation new mini will always be the best looking. Some are 20 years old now and still look timeless. Not sure how this will look in 20 years. Already looks a bit cheap like Suzuki swift.
1. No British Racing Green for the Cooper S Sport in Britain... obviously if you're in the US or Italy.... no problem! AND 2. The Sport is the only version with paddles on the steering wheel. The Classic & Exclusive are auto only A big mistake by Mini in my opinion.... who buys a Cooper S to have a computer decide what gear you should be in?
Ohh dear, mostly great but that rear is awful.. Really makes me think twice about exchanging my cooper s in the future for the newer model from my 2024 stunner! It looks so good until you see the back end and the lack of the exhausts as well. 😢
I don't like the black everywhere why don't they colour code the whole car especially in white i absolutely love white cars but not with all that black everywhere!!🤮 I don't like that rear end or the interior dash + still the old headsup display come on Mini!!😬🙁
No dual pipes in the middle,no bonnet scoop! I’m keeping the one before.
Absolutely spot on
I have yet to find a newer mini that’s better than my 1st Gen S, and this brand new one is ugly and very cheap looking. Whoever ‘designed’ that interior has ruined this generation.
keeping my beloved R56 JCW
Agree need the dual pipes !!!! I would customize it just to add them
@@justinsipos5511 You shouldn't have too. Mini should have provided them to begin with. Big fail.
I’m really not keen on the rear. I really prefer the old design.
It’s a grower.
@@SytnerTVi prefer a shower
I have read that the upcoming convertible will continue to use the current Union Jack tail lights due to continued use of the tailgate, so there is hope!
@@RATBONES8 no, they said that they have a problem with the new design and the opening of the roof and they don't want to spend any money evolve the rear of the new cabrio. That's what unofficially mini said.
I agree - saw one on the road for first time today and thought it was a Citroen or something from behind! I have one of the last LCI2 John Cooper Works to roll off the line at Oxford and it’s definitely a long term keeper
I drove both ( S and C) and personally I agree with everything that you said. Even the C is very spicy and quick. The comfort ( I LOVED THE SEATS, whey better than the previous ones) is at a better level and the response of the DCT, the suspension, the steering wheel and the brakes are here for the driving.
Tech is on another level, and for me it has all the physical buttons I often use. The HUD is perfect and the display is easy to use and for the difficult times you have the spike to do all the things you want by just asking. I loved it and I ordered it. It's perfect, it's MINI and most of the haters will buy it in a year.
Ok I loved the visible exhaust but it's there and easy to "fix" it if I decide it 😊 i don't miss anything from the outgoing model and I don't care about all that hate comments. All that matters at the end is how you feel and not how they feel...
Brilliant! They are fantastic products! I am glad you enjoy them as much as I do.
I had mines for over a week and I love it!
What’s the steering weight like? I always found the last gen F56 a bit heavy for my liking.
@@nfsdanz although it's very different for every driver the feeling, for me I think it was the perfect balance. I know I didn't help but I can't tell. Don't forget I usually drive my r53 which has a heavy and close to go-cart feeling wheel
@@thanasisbert564 r53 is the best ‘new’ Mini , all downhill from there.
Well I've had the car a week now, and what fun it is to drive, so so quick off the mark, cornering crazy and i just love the interior. Faults so far My wife who's phone is connected to the car cannot call me for some reason by asking hey mini. Its only me thou, so i take it something is wrong along the line. Another issue is, if its frosty the windows get stuck when trying to open the doors. I am hoping you can turn the anti trap off. Apart from that, I LOVE IT. Oh and by the way, i already have had a recall lol.
After driving it in person I can say its a massive upgrade vs the old 2 door
Agreed!
Glad I got my 2024 Cooper S convertible which still has the old body style.
MINI did a clever job of blending the new front and rear end design with the old platform. Looking at my current Cooper out the window right now, it's clear the kept the door and small panel ahead of the door intact. The interior is sharp and fabric dash is excellent.
Agreed.
I've seen so many people complaining about the looks and "cheap" feel of the new design. I went and test drove one, then ordered one the same day. I love the clean look and minimalistic interior. Yeah, I grew up on a standard shift and I had a 2008 Cooper S that I loved. However, I'm ready to move on to an automatic and today's automatic transmissions do justice to a car like this. I'm looking forward to getting mine, even without the hood scoop or dual exhaust (which didn't DO anything anyway).
Well said!
@@tjtull point taken - so I went and took a 2lt S for a test drive this morning, I already have an auto mini so I’m used to that - but I have to be honest it was super responsive and drove like a real beast of a go-kart and I mean that in a good way, engine sounded deep, handled brilliantly around the country lane - overall a super drive that is an improvement on the previous model.
The interior grew on me really quickly, and that large round screen was awesome and playful.
Driving it, I wanted to order one, but I am a visual person - I also like the look of things and really wanted the outside to match the drive which I found it was lacking in something. Although the Cooper works kit does change it to some degree. Also the rear started to agitate me less and less.
Before test drive I had it down as a 3/10 as it was based on visual only , after test drive I’m at a 7/10. Probably not going to rush to order one, but might wait for the convertible model in 2025
Getting closer, pick it up Friday.
Amazing!
Seems like a mistake to remove the bonnet vent and the centre dual exhausts. Externally it now just looks like the Cooper model. If I was spending that much on a Cooper S then I'd want it to stand out.
Exactly!!!!!!!!! And why on earth did they abandon the funky 'aircraft' style cabin switches which were totally unique to the best of my knowledge. I realise vehicle aesthetics are subjective but put this next to any earlier iteration of the Cooper S and I guarantee 90%+ of consumers would choose these over this latest mess!
just ordered ours, had a test drive and was blown away by the performance. Cant wait until it arrives. Got the level 2 option.
Amazing! Let us know how you get on when it arrives.
Matt. As below! Yes You certainly are a superb reviewer! Like us all, Mini has a place in all our hearts. The Icon just became an even stronger Icon. Setting new standards in design and quality in every aspect.
The minimalist interior is just amazing. The attention to detail and how it works for the driver. Hasn't lost any of the verve and point and squirt characteristics. And yes has the Mini soul! From every angle, not least the new rear....thank goodness we can bye to those union jack rear lights... awful.
This has to be the one to buy for fun everyday driving. Mini at their peak! Love it!
Hi Keith,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I am glad you feel the same about the new MINI as we do!
Keep your eyes peeled for plenty more to come.
Never have I been more happy to have an older version. Apart from my mk 1 mazda mx5… yes, because of the flicky up lights 😅
Once people see it they'll love it.
Totally agree!
The interior is a step down from the previous generation. The outside even worse. What have they done. Sad to see. Flop. As for the video great job.
Completely agree
Very clean and sparse interior,complete with a washing machine console.👀
Those piano black wheel arch trim will show every scratch just like the interior does now
Surely the finish is as durable as the rest of the exterior lacquer? The front has alot of piano black.
What have they done? Looks terrible…Time to go back to the first of the modern generation of Cooper S.
@@jamesroseby3823Yes , all downhill after the supercharged r53.
Piano black is very soft and shows every mark, as you say. When new, I got PPF applied to the interior black to help keep it looking shiny and new.
Best looking mini by far
Agreed!
A really clever design that evolves the Mini concept further, with a more streamlined less cluttered look. Love the tech in this car too.
No scoop, no duel poop!. I think they have underestimated what people like about S’s and Cooper works that’s beyond just performance. I’m hanging on to my current mini’s me thinks.
In my humble opinion this Guy is one of the best car reviewers on UA-cam!! 👍👍
Thank you ever so much!
I have a 2022 Cooper 5 Door, so next one down. But I like the burble it does have on start up, and I like the bonnet bulge / hump and rear lights better, the old start button in red is so much better. Yeah it has a bigger screen..... but I think I will stick with the older model
I think he likes it. Great review 👍👍
I did like it! Thank you
Where is the exhaust!?
It is now not visible.
@@SytnerTV I do the question because it is a shame!!
Bad mistake mini..looks like a 1.5 Cooper
Put an exhaust on the new cooper S!
Thank you for your review. I am loving my new Mini Cooper S which I got last week. I do have a question. I must have pressed a button and now every time the car starts, there's an annoying voice which says, "Driving Mode Activated'. How to I turn off the voice, please?
Great to hear you are enjoying it. I will have a look into the voice and get back to you.
@@SytnerTV Thank you. I now realise it is the Mini Eye Camera saying that to me not the circular display!
Biiiggggg sooliddddd fantasssticccccc superrrrbbbbb. Exaguration.
How about 5door?
That is coming soon.
I love it!
Me too!
The design is really cool! I bet it will sell well. However, where's the 'real' handbrake??? Aren't people interested in having a little bit of fun with the car anymore? Try re-do some scenes from the Italian job with this latest incarnation... 😂 Good luck! Very good presentation btw... Well done 👏
I've driven the new Cooper S JCW spec level 2 trim and love the new version. I agree with a lot of the comments posted that it needs the bonnet scoop as a feature of the S and JCW. Also the rear twin exhausts, which I can see the after-market sorting that out and providing conversion kits to shown rear exhausts.
I'm waiting for the full spec JCW next year, as I currently drive an F56 JCW. I'm hoping the power is going to increase from the current standard 230 to at least 250bhp or more. Already put my name on the list to test drive the JCW 2025. 🙂
Unfortunately, I believe they left the power at same 231hp or so but they did bump up the torque.
Lovely car
A very lovely car!
I think they've still missed a trick missing off the visible petrol cap and exhaust pipe
Well done for me I like so much 😅
I what one looks good 👍
It’s a pity they didn’t go with the new door handle design of the E version. Why have they removed any exterior design features that point to it being a S?
It is now only badging that points to the car being an S.
I was going to order a new five door with the level 2 pack at £4000 but when I saw the pcp figures it only adds £400 to the value after three years so I’d lose £3600 on this option, without the pack spec is low with no heated seats, privacy glass etc.
This or a Polo GTI?
Did the car have the adaptive dampers?
This car did not.
If you mean adaptive suspension yes it has. Mine has with the JCW trim
@@SytnerTV All the Cooper S Sports have adaptive dampers.... don't they?
I ordered the JCW because I wanted paddle shifters and adaptive suspension.
By the way, the selling price in Japan is ￥4,650,000.
if they do a JCW version on the 5 door I’ll get one. 3 door just a bit too small in the back for me.
I've owned R51, R53, R56, R61, F56 and for the interior the R53 beat them all hands down. Since the climate is now digital why not put the auto controls at the bottom of the steering wheel - you can keep an eye on the road and it would be a cool feature. I couldn't own a car that has climate on the Media Console I'd deffo crash it.
Why does this British car have the turn indicator stalk on the wrong side? And the fake exhaust note from the speaker is a bit much to be honest.
Love the new cooper s I don’t care what anyone else says
Totally agree!
Seen this mini in real life this week in the wild. It looks horrendous. Chinese have gone to town with the design,especially the rear.
I’ll stop my years of mini ownership after I retire my F series
This is made in Oxford.... the Electric Cooper is made in China
I like physical buttons. I don’t like the rectangle plastic on the front bumper. Is that for a radar? Lots of money for less. Personally I’d rather have the twin exhaust pipes
It’s ok probably take time to get used to change of style from previous mini not sure I would buy one at the moment
It looks great but it has a huge grill, which probably indicates the BMW tendency to love big shiny grills. Still I suppose they have restrained it a little because it does not look like an Aardvark like the M3.
Mini must solve resonating wind sound that originates from frameless side window
rear looks like an anime meow cat face.
Needs twin exhaust pipes... It's an ICE, and a HCW spec. Visually it looks too naked without the exhaust.
The first generation new mini will always be the best looking. Some are 20 years old now and still look timeless. Not sure how this will look in 20 years. Already looks a bit cheap like Suzuki swift.
1. No British Racing Green for the Cooper S Sport in Britain... obviously if you're in the US or Italy.... no problem!
AND
2. The Sport is the only version with paddles on the steering wheel. The Classic & Exclusive are auto only
A big mistake by Mini in my opinion.... who buys a Cooper S to have a computer decide what gear you should be in?
🙄
The automatic gearbox does a fantastic job of deciding what gear to be in and the kick down is super quick.
@@SytnerTV If you say so Mr Car Salesman
Upwards of £40k..its a no from me
No visible exhaust or bonnet scoop, cost cutting design error.
Might aswell be electric 🤦♂️ no exhaust pipes poking out oh dear
Previous gen has better looks
Ohh dear, mostly great but that rear is awful.. Really makes me think twice about exchanging my cooper s in the future for the newer model from my 2024 stunner! It looks so good until you see the back end and the lack of the exhausts as well. 😢
Looked good until you went inside, we want buttons not a crappy touchscreen
It’s like a downgrade 😢
Downgrade to me! my beloved R56 JCW
I don't like the black everywhere why don't they colour code the whole car especially in white i absolutely love white cars but not with all that black everywhere!!🤮 I don't like that rear end or the interior dash + still the old headsup display come on Mini!!😬🙁
The fully electric hatch has no black trim around the wheels, the rear is a grower.
@SytnerTV Well it will be very interesting to see the proper JCW if & when it comes out as will that be fully coded!!🤔🤞🏻👍🏻
The design is literally for an electric car, so somewhere they made a mistake with electric and let it be gasoline.😁
Kinda feminized the exterior.