Mini Cooper 1.5T 136 CV, test drive (Equipment, price and opinion)

The new Mini is a fun car. We have tested the petrol Mini Cooper, a model that we have analysed with the new three-cylinder 1.5 Turbo engine, which delivers 136 CV. This engine stands out for its performance despite having only three cylinders, and it also has reasonable consumption for a petrol car. If you want to know more about the engine, performance, handling or consumption, you’ll find everything in the first part of the test.

In the second part we analyse everything related to the design, which, while keeping the essence of the Mini, has been completely renewed both inside and out. Now, in the third part of the test, we turn to the equipment, the standard features of a Mini, the safety and the prices of the new Mini Cooper, as well as our personal opinion of the car.

Equipment

The first thing we like to review in the equipment is the safety features fitted as standard on a Mini, from the base trim. Here, highlights include: front, side and curtain airbags, emergency brake assist, ABS, stability control, cornering brake control, traction control, among other elements.

As for the Euro NCAP tests, the Mini achieved four stars (out of five) in the new 2014 tests. That is not a bad score, since current tests are much more demanding when it comes to awarding the fifth star. The Mini does not get it because of some driver-assistance systems that it lacks or only offers as options, and because of its pedestrian protection in the event of a collision, among other minor details.

As for the standard equipment of the Mini, it starts with the One trim, which adds the so-called Pack Salt with air conditioning, radio with Bluetooth and USB port, interior lighting pack and on-board computer, electric door mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, among other items.

Within the full equipment of our test unit, the Wired Pack stands out (which includes the Professional navigation system, extended Bluetooth preparation for mobile phones, and MINI Connected XL). In other words, a complete navigator with an 8.8-inch screen and the ability to connect a range of apps and your smartphone to the car’s multimedia system.

It also had the assisted parking system, that is, the one commonly described as parking by itself, but which in reality only measures whether we fit into a parking space, handles the steering wheel and gives us instructions on how to park while the system turns the steering on its own.

Another optional system is both the adaptive cruise control and the emergency brake assist, which detects both vehicles and even pedestrians. The bi-xenon lights, which offer excellent illumination, are also an extra, along with LED daytime running lights and automatic high beams.

Mini Cooper prices

• Mini One €18,450
• Mini One D €19,950
• Mini Cooper €20,250
• Mini Cooper D €22,100
• Mini Cooper S €25,950
• Mini Cooper SD €26,750

Personal opinion of the Mini Cooper

Is the Mini still a fun car? With this new generation, a new platform and new engines have also debuted. Until now, the One and the petrol Cooper of the previous generation were lazy cars, with an engine that did not do justice to the type of car or segment.

Fortunately things have changed, and after testing the 136 CV Mini Cooper we believe it is more than enough engine to satisfy the aspirations of an average driver (who wants sportiness, but also normal consumption and a normal price). What’s more, with the sport suspension it becomes too firm for everyday use, so it is an extra that is best tried before buying.

As for the fun behind the wheel, I can find few faults. It is a fun car, with an engine whose 136 CV you can really feel, and reasonable consumption. Bends are its ideal territory, and it always manages to put a smile on your face behind the wheel.

The exterior design is more a matter of personal taste when it comes to judging it. It is true that, despite the changes, it keeps the same essence as the Mini has had until now. Inside, the most notable thing is the increase in the quality of the finishes, and a more practical layout. That said, it is not the king of space (neither for occupants nor in the boot).

As for the equipment, the standard kit is fairly sparse, especially now that some premium brands in Spain have got their act together and started offering some premium features as standard on their models. And of course, like any good Mini, the list of options is enormous.

Photos | R. Rodriguez and test team