MINI has extended the length of its 2016 Hardtop by about half a foot in the new four-door body style. That creates more leg room for backseat passengers as well as more cargo room. Additionally, the backseat now is able to hold three passengers, as it previously only seated two.
The exterior still looks familiar to MINI fans, though, with the accent-colored roof, wheels at the far corners of the body and large, round headlights. If you opt for the Cooper S model, you get dual exhaust pipes and a hood vent for the turbocharged engine.
The Cooper is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder that makes 134 horsepower and 162 pounds-feet of torque. The Cooper S model features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 189 horsepower and 207 pounds-feet of torque. It also includes a turbo boost feature that adds more torque when activated. With either engine, you get a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel economy on the Cooper is rated at 30 mpg city, 42 highway with the automatic and 30 and 41 with the manual. The Cooper S is rated at 28 and 40 with the automatic, or 23 and 37 with the manual.
The interior features a large circular display on the dashboard, an optional 8.8-inch touchscreen for control of the telematic and audio systems and a knob that lets you control the optional infotainment system that is based on the iDrive system from BMW. Other standard features include leather style seats, automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port and push-button start.
Driving dynamics are solid, with a bit of sportiness at times, as MINI pays homage to its BMW familial roots. The vehicle drives somewhat heavily, as you might expect with a car of this body type, but it still is nimble enough to not feel like you're driving an overweight, dumpy machine.
This model starts at around $22,000 and ranges to more than $32,000. That pricing seems fair, given the features that are included and the overall quality of fit and finish that MINI has become known for.
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