Review of the MINI Cooper 3 Door

The Mini Cooper has long been a staple of British motoring culture, and the new Mini Cooper 3 Door continues this proud tradition while embracing the demands of the modern driver. With its distinct blend of heritage, contemporary design, and cutting-edge technology, the new Mini Cooper 3 Door is a car that balances nostalgia with innovation.

Rivals to the Mini Cooper 3 Door include the Fiat 500, Volkswagen Polo, Audi A1 and Ford Fiesta.

Our Mini Cooper 3 Door review covers:

• Iconic design with a modern twist
• Compact making it ideal for city driving and tight parking spaces
• 210-litre boot capacity, expandable to 725 litres with rear seats folded down
• Choice of efficient engines, including 3 or 4-cylinder petrol engines
• Available in three trim levels: Classic, Exclusive and Sport

Pros:

• Iconic design
• Premium interior quality
• Engaging driving experience

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Limited rear space
• Small boot capacity

The new Mini Cooper 3 Door is a masterclass in blending classic design with modern sensibilities. With its instantly recognisable silhouette, the Mini 3 Door stands out on UK roads, maintaining its iconic status while embracing subtle yet significant updates. The front grille has been refined to offer a more streamlined look, complemented by sleek LED headlights that provide both style and enhanced visibility. One of the most charming features is the Union Jack-inspired rear lights, a nod to the Mini’s British heritage that adds a unique touch of national pride.

Customisation plays a significant role in the Mini Cooper 3 Door's design appeal. With a wide array of exterior colours, contrasting roof options, and racing stripes, drivers can truly personalise their Mini to reflect their individual style. This customisation, combined with the compact and agile form, makes the Mini a popular choice for those who want their car to stand out in the crowded city streets.

Despite its compact dimensions, the Mini Cooper 3 Door is surprisingly practical for daily use, particularly in urban environments. Its smaller size makes it exceptionally easy to manoeuvre and park, even in the tightest of spaces, a major advantage for city dwellers. The interior, though cosy, is thoughtfully designed to maximise the use of space, offering comfortable seating for front passengers and a driver-focused cockpit that enhances the driving experience. However, the Mini Cooper 3 Door's practicality is somewhat limited by its rear seat space. While it can accommodate adult passengers, the back seats are more suited to shorter journeys or younger passengers. The rear access is also a bit tight, which might be a consideration for those who frequently travel with more than one passenger. That said, the rear seats are equipped with ISOFIX points, making it easier to install child seats safely.

Boot space in the Mini Cooper 3 Door is modest, which is expected given its compact size. The boot offers 211 litres of space, enough for daily shopping trips or a weekend's worth of luggage for two. For those who need more space, the rear seats can be folded down, expanding the capacity to 731 litres. This flexibility is useful for those occasional times when you need to transport larger items, although the boot's overall size might still be a constraint for some.

The interior of the new Mini Cooper 3 Door is where modern sophistication meets timeless charm. Designed with the driver in mind, the cabin is a blend of premium materials, intuitive technology, and thoughtful details that elevate the overall driving experience. Whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on the motorway, the Mini's interior offers comfort and convenience in equal measure.

The centrepiece of the Mini Cooper 3 Door's interior is the 8.8-inch high-resolution touchscreen display, which is standard across all trim levels. This display serves as the hub for the Mini's infotainment system, which includes satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, and DAB digital radio. The user-friendly interface is both responsive and visually appealing, ensuring that accessing your favourite apps and media is effortless. The upholstery options range from durable cloth to luxurious leather, depending on the trim level, allowing you to tailor the interior to your tastes. Ambient lighting, which is adjustable in a variety of colours, adds a touch of personalisation and enhances the overall atmosphere inside the cabin.

The new Mini Cooper 3 Door is available in three trim levels: Classic, Exclusive, and Sport.

Classic Trim

The entry-level Classic trim includes essentials like the 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, LED headlights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It offers practical cloth seats and various customisation options for both interior and exterior.

Exclusive Trim

The Exclusive trim adds a touch of luxury with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and enhanced ambient lighting. Chrome exterior detailing and upgraded alloy wheels further elevate its premium feel.

Sport Trim

The Sport trim is designed for performance enthusiasts, featuring John Cooper Works (JCW) styling, sport seats, and MINI Driving Modes. It combines the luxury of the Exclusive trim with sporty enhancements for a more dynamic driving experience.

The new Mini Cooper 3 Door is designed to deliver a thrilling driving experience, combining agile handling with a choice of responsive engines. Whether you're navigating tight city streets or enjoying a spirited drive on country roads, the Mini Cooper 3 Door offers a blend of power and performance that sets it apart from other small cars.

The new Mini Cooper 3 Door is available with a range of engines that cater to different driving styles and needs. Each engine option provides a balance between performance and efficiency, ensuring that drivers can enjoy the best of both worlds.

• 1.5-Litre 3-Cylinder Petrol: This engine is available in the standard Cooper model and offers a lively 136 horsepower. It provides a good mix of performance and fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for those who want a zippy yet economical drive.
• 2.0-Litre 4-Cylinder Petrol: Found in the Cooper S variant, this engine delivers a more powerful 178 horsepower, giving the Mini Cooper 3 Door a sportier edge. It's perfect for those who seek more excitement behind the wheel, with quicker acceleration and a more dynamic driving experience.
• John Cooper Works (JCW) 2.0-Litre 4-Cylinder Petrol: For the ultimate in performance, the John Cooper Works version features a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that produces an impressive 231 horsepower. This engine transforms the Mini Cooper 3 Door into a true hot hatch, capable of delivering exhilarating speed and handling.

The Mini Cooper 3 Door is known for its go-kart-like handling, a characteristic that has been refined in this latest model. The precise steering and responsive chassis ensure that the car feels lively and engaging, making every journey enjoyable. The compact dimensions of the Mini Cooper 3 Door not only make it easy to manoeuvre in urban settings but also contribute to its nimble handling, allowing drivers to confidently take on corners and bends.

The suspension has been carefully tuned to balance comfort with sportiness. While the ride is firm enough to provide that signature Mini driving feel, it remains comfortable enough for everyday use. The combination of these elements results in a driving experience that is both fun and practical, whether you're on a daily commute or a weekend getaway.

The Mini Cooper 3 Door is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £22,300.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £224.69.

If you're considering leasing a Mini Cooper 3 Door, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).

Leasing a Mini Cooper 3 Door can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.

It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.