2025 MINI Cooper JCW Signature

How does the Cooper drive? We tested a Mini Cooper S. At our test track, it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and cleared the quarter mile in 14.5 seconds. That's a bit slower than the last Subaru BRZ we tested (6.1 seconds). Nor is it any quicker than a Cooper S we tested back in 2016. Also missing is the playful handling the Cooper S used to be known for. The latest model isn't particularly balanced or grippy when driving around corners. The automatic transmission shifts at a somewhat leisurely but inoffensive pace, but there are no paddle shifters or any way to manually shift the car. In a performance vehicle, this is a real bummer.

At low speeds, the Cooper S cruises along without making a fuss. The engine fades away into the background with adequate but not overwhelming power. But the harder you start to push the car the more it starts to show that it's not great at high speeds with poor handling and lackluster braking capability — not exactly what you want from something that was once considered a hot hatch.

How comfortable is the Cooper? For a sporty hatchback, the Cooper S doesn't sacrifice much when it comes to comfort. We think the front seats are great, with good back support from a firm cushion and the right amount of bolstering to keep you in place when driving around corners. The ride quality is firm but not unreasonably so. You will feel bigger bumps in the road, especially through the front of the car.

Inside, the Mini has excellent climate control with a strong fan speed that cools the little car very quickly. The cabin noise is well controlled with little intrusion from the wind or road.

How’s the interior? The new Cooper S has a visually exciting interior, but it lacks the roominess and practicality that you'd get from alternatives. The driving position gives you a clear view over the hood and out to the sides. Front passengers get decent headroom, but the ability to spread out is not really there. For short journeys, adults can use the back seat; however, it's best to keep the second row for kid use.

All of the car's functions are controlled via the center screen. This makes for a very clean-looking dash, but it's not very functional. Doing simple things like adjusting fan speed or turning off the engine stop-start requires a few screen taps. Regular physical buttons would for sure be easier to use.

How’s the storage? In a vehicle as small as the Mini Cooper two-door, there isn't an abundance of space to go around. To get a real usable cargo area, you need to fold down the second row and use the car primarily as a two-seater. The Mini's hatch is much smaller than that of a Honda Civic hatchback or Volkswagen GTI. Small-item storage is also a bit lacking, and there isn't a center console bin. There is some storage in the door pockets and under the center touchscreen, but not as much as we'd like to see. The back seat has car seat LATCH points that are easy to spot, but good luck getting a car seat back there with such a small door opening.

Is the Cooper a good value? When it comes to build quality, the Cooper is up there with the best of them. It has an upscale interior construction, with an emphasis on nice materials and very few cheap plastics. In short, we think it's the nicest interior you'll find in this class of car.

Whether you're getting your money's worth on a Mini Cooper depends on perception. The Mini is cheaper than a loaded version of the Golf GTI, but it's more expensive than a Honda Civic Hybrid hatchback, which has the same horsepower and nice interior amenities.