Latest news with #CooperS
TimesLIVE
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
The MINI Cooper S is a small car with big charisma
The first example of the latest generation MINI I drove was the Countryman, and as much as the family car impressed with its relatively nimble driving characteristics, considering its bloated dimensions, it's too big to be considered a real MINI. Its 4,444mm length is comparable to midsized SUVs like the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and Toyota Corolla Cross. In the 14-model MINI range that comprises convertibles, five-door hatches and crossovers, it's the three-door hatchback that best exemplifies the spirit of the original 1960s Mini. Like the groundbreaking original designed by Alec Issigonis, the latest three-door MINI is compact, cute as a button, and runs circles around the many top-heavy SUVs that are increasingly dominating the roadways. Priced at R649,395, the Cooper S three-door hatch embodies the charismatic simplicity of the latest fifth-generation MINI, which brings a minimalist design and digital innovations. It isn't just a MINI hatchback with two fewer doors. With a length of 3,876mm the tiny three-door doesn't offer family practicality and loses a lot of cabin and boot space to the 4,036mm five-door MINI hatch. Even small children will struggle to squeeze into the three-door's rear seat unless you adjust the front seats as far as they'll go forward. It's best to look at this as a two-person car, with a back seat that serves as extra luggage space. The tiny 210 l boot expands to a useful 725 l when you flip down the backrests. The car is instantly recognisable as a MINI with its doe-eyed headlamps and 'floating' roof, but the design has been touched up with a new octagonal grille and horizontal LED daytime running lights. There are three selectable light signatures for the daytime running lights and the matrix rear lights. Inside, the car is all about modern minimalism with its giant round OLED display and two-tone textile dashboard. As part of the MINI Experience Modes, two projector units beam various illuminated graphics onto the dashboard. A personal photo can be set as the display background via the MINI app. A dinner plate-sized OLED touchscreen houses all the infotainment controls in large and legible fonts. The digital interface is generally user friendly, though I would have preferred quick-access physical buttons for the climate control system.
The Citizen
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
All-electric Mini Cooper SE rises above weight and price issues
Go-Kart experience, complete with fake sound and light show, turns hatch into a toy car. The new all-electric Mini Cooper SE does an excellent job of living up to the brand's ethos. Instant torque and enjoyable handling deliver the kind of fun experience the iconic Cooper S 3-door is known for. While the Mini Cooper SE is a lot bigger and more advanced than its Cooper S Mk1 forefather from the 1960s, there is number that is remarkably similar despite being separated by six decades on their birth certificates. Quite astonishingly, the power to weight ratio difference between the models are only 10kW/ton. The Mini Cooper SE has a power to weight ratio of 98kW/ton compared to the Mk1's 88kW/ton. Mini Cooper S an icon The Mk1 that famously won the Monte Carlo rally in the 1960s before and negotiated drainpipes and stairways in the original The Italian Job film was fitted with a 1 275cc engine kicking out a princely 57kW. But, a kerb weight of only 645kg gave it a very respectable power to weight ratio in a game where 100kW/ton was once the golden benchmark. The Mini Cooper SE's outputs of 160kW/330Nm produced by a single electric motor is actually more than its internal combustion sibling's 150kW/300Nm. But electric cars have a major weakness and that is the weight of its batteries, which in the SE's case is a 54.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Its kerb weight of 1 620kg therefore stand out like a sore tooth against the petrol engine model's 1 285kg. ALSO READ: New Mini Cooper S stays true to peppy and fun 'hot hatch' roots The resulting power to weight ratio of 98kW/ton drags the SE way down from the 116kW/ton ratio of its petrol-powered sibling. This leads right into the other sticky point. The price. The Mini Cooper SE costs R802 000, a R155 605 premium over the R646 395 Cooper S 3-door. As before, the Mini Cooper SE's taillights resemble the Union Jack. Picture: Charl Bosch Political shenanigans In a first world country with zero carbon emission targets, various incentives and subsidies are in place to ensure electric vehicle (EV) ownership is a viable option compared to cars powered by internal combustion engines. But we live at the southern tip of Africa ruled by a government that is likely reading the White Paper on proposed future policies of new energy vehicles upside down. Until they figure this thing out and relax taxation on EVs, cars like the Mini Cooper SE will stay expensive unfortunately. And even though charging at home will be much cheaper than filling a stank with petrol, you'll have to drive at least 120 000km before breaking even. This is a real pity. And by no fault of Mini or its owners BMW, even though GWM builds the electric version in China. The carmaker has come a long way since the days of the BMW i3, which compared the Mini Cooper SE, tragically lacked a soul. Knockout colour The SE is a great blend of modern technology with a fair bit of retro-ness which ranges from the driving straight through to the styling. The tester The Citizen Motoring drove in Sunny Side yellow paint with black roof and mirror caps was a real head-turner. Like the electric-only Mini Aceman, the Cooper SE's cabin is very simplistic. A variety of hard-wearing recycled fabrics feature all over the cabin clad in all sorts of funky colour combinations. The 9.4-inch OLED roundel infotainment system which controls most functions takes centre stage on the dashboard. Making up for the absence of an instrument cluster is a head-up display. What we liked is that there is still physical switchgear for some functions like side mirror adjustments and volume control. A key-like start switch features between a toggle switch gear selector and Experience selector, the latter becoming our go-to plaything. Go-Kart experience Instead of run-of-the-mill driving modes, the Experience mode selector allows you choose a mode like Vivid or Green that not only adjusts the driving dynamics, but also the look and feel of the cockpit in terms of screen design and ambient lightning. In our case, the preferred option was the Go-Kart Experience. The 9.4-inch roundel is clear and easy to use. Picture: Charl Bosch Flipping the switch into Go-Kart mode gets Mini Cooper SE as excited as the driver, with a loud 'woo hoo!' glaring from the speakers as soon as its activated. It unleashed a lightning quick throttle response, firms up an already stiff suspension and makes the feedback on the torque steering a lot more accentuated for a sportier feel. Better yet, it activates a sound akin to an arcade racing game. At might sound a tad to artificial at first, but once you become addicted it's hard to disengage Go-Kart. ALSO READ: Petrol and EV confirmed as BMW prices all-new Mini Cooper On smooth surfaces with little feedback from the suspension you don't really notice the SE's weigh too much. But on less than perfect roads you do get a feeling for the mass you are carrying as the firm suspension starts bouncing around a bit. That, and the fact that we suffered a tyre burst hitting a pothole forced us to abandon any plans of trying to emulate the 1960s icon and drive it down a staircase or two. Mini Cooper SE passes the test Like any fossil fuel-driven car, the harder you press the accelerator, the higher the consumption. Going about your business in a civilised manner will ensure power consumption of less than 20kWh which should get you just over 300km of range. But play too hard and you'll need to stop a lot more for charging. But Mini has made provisions for that too, as the Cooper SE supports DC charging of up to 95kW. Political shenanigans burdening the Mini Cooper SE aside, the hatch does an excellent job of upkeeping what Mini is within an electric persona. If more soulless electric cars can adopt personalities like this, maybe the future won't be all that boring.
News18
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- News18
MINI Cooper S Lists Under Price Protection Assurance, Check Benefits Under Offer
Last Updated: The offer is valid only for the MINI 3-Door Cooper S, which is available in India as a Completely Built-up Unit. It will remain the same for a limited period. The German carmaker BMW India has taken a unique initiative, giving a price projection assurance against the latest offering, MINI Cooper S. The company has announced in its official release that the offer has been introduced to give proper assurance to the customers, allowing them to feel less stressed about the price hike of the model in the future. What's The Benefit? What is the offer all about? Well, under the latest initiative, the three-door Cooper S can be purchased, and will be covered till the next 180 days against the price hike. It means the customers will be able to stay at peace, and will have the opportunity to get a refund of the differential amount if the price goes up during the above-mentioned period. Limited Period Offer The offer is valid only for the MINI 3-Door Cooper S, which is available in India as a Completely Built-up Unit. It will remain the same for a limited period. The benefit can not be avail for the electric version, MINI Countryman, which has been produced at MINI Plant Oxford in the United Kingdom. Here's What Top Official Says Reacting to the offer, Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, 'MINI has always stood for innovation and a bold character. With the price protection assurance program for MINI 3-Door Cooper S, MINI is staying a step ahead and ensuring that customers can receive the full benefit of any major price reductions resulting from anticipated duty cuts." 'They can buy their favourite MINI today and do not have to wait longer to make the purchase decision. This bold decision reflects the brand's exceptional focus on customer centricity, trust and best interest of the MINI community," Pawah added. First Published: May 23, 2025, 15:28 IST
Scotsman
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Tickets to win this £16,000 Mini are currently free - here's how to claim one
The 2019 Mini Cooper S is worth £16,000 | BOTB This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. You could win this fabulous family car - or take an £11,000 cash alternative without paying a penny Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Someone is going to win this beautiful Mini Cooper S without even buying a ticket - all you have to do is sign up to the dream car giveaway firm BOTB's mailing list. It's a 2019 five-door model, perfect for families, and it's finished in a gorgeous Solaris Orange. This being the Cooper S model, it's also very sporty - in fact, with 192bhp it can get from 0-60mph in less than seven seconds. It's one of the top spec minis, with loads of standard equipment | BOTB BOTB usually charges at least a few pounds for its dream car giveaways, and occasionally you might see an offer on a used sports car or supercar for a few pence, but this one really is absolutely free to enter. If you get the call to say you've won the car when the draw after the draw takes place on May 23, and you didn't want a car, you could opt for a cash prize instead of £11,000. The free tickets are open to anyone signing up to BOTB, as long as they're over 18. The five-door layout makes it practical as well as powerful | BOTB You just set up an account, give your email address, add the free ticket to your basket, and check out. Literally nothing to pay. You'll receive periodic emails, but not many, and you can always unsubscribe. Entries for the Mini close on May 21 and the winner will be announced on May 23. If you're worried about how gambling makes you feel, you can find free, confidential advice, tools and support, by visiting GambleAware or contacting the National Gambling Helpline, available 24/7, on 0808 8020 133 Selling your car? Here's the fastest way to get cash – and how it compares to rivals Thinking of selling your car this summer? It all starts with a valuation – and you can get one in under a minute with WeBuyAnyCar. With over 500 branches across the UK and same-day payment available, it's one of the quickest ways to find out what your vehicle is worth and get the cash if you're ready to sell. Used car prices have stayed surprisingly strong, especially for economical hatchbacks and SUVs. Whether you're upgrading for road trips or switching to a hybrid, a fast online quote can give you a solid starting point – even if you're still weighing up your options.
The National
18-03-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Eight performance sports cars under Dh300,000 that are fast and fun
Supercars with seven-figure price tags and top speeds above 300kph are all well and good, but most performance car enthusiasts are more interested in scoring the maximum bang for their hard-earned money. In the UAE, it is possible to acquire a decently fast and engaging sportster for less than Dh300,000. Here are our top eight picks: The original 1960s version was a tiny basic offering, but the modern Mini Cooper S – under the BMW umbrella since the start of the noughties – is a premium hatchback with feisty performance. Its 2.0-litre turbo engine kicks out 204hp and 300Nm, propelling the cute Brit from 0-100kph in 6.6 seconds. The Mini's lively acceleration is complemented by a nicely tied-down chassis that delivers the 'go-kart feeling' the brand is known for. The fit and finish inside and out are flawless – especially for a car of this genre – and the Cooper S offers almost endless scope for personalisation. From Dh155,000 This Ingolstadt-built pocket rocket is something of a giant killer. The combination of a potent five-cylinder turbo engine stuffed into a compact bodyshell adds up to electrifying performance. The warbling 2.5-litre motor thrashes out 400hp and 500Nm, propelling the perky hatchback from 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds. The Audi is far more than a straight-line bully though, as an all-wheel-drive chassis delivers leech-line cornering grip and roll-free handling. The icing on the cake is that the RS3 can comfortably transport four occupants (five at a pinch) and enough luggage for a weekend away. From Dh285,000 Ford's beloved pony car has been a popular choice in the UAE for the past three decades, but the latest iteration is far and away the best version to date. The recently released seventh-generation Mustang GT carries over a brawny 5.0-litre V8, but outputs have been ramped up to 486hp and 566Nm. Previous Mustangs were not renowned for their agility or dynamics, but MagneRide adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes are part of a recipe that makes the newbie a genuinely fast and rewarding car to drive. From Dh208,377 The pint-sized Mazda is sometimes overlooked by performance car shoppers because its modest outputs of 181hp and 205Nm are eclipsed by even a humble Toyota Camry. Even so, the MX-5's slim and lightweight build of just over 1,000kg and perfect 50:50 weight distribution over the front and rear axles make a delightfully engaging alfresco fun machine that shines on winding mountain roads. It might seat only two people, but there is enough space in the boot for a golf bag or generous load of shopping. As added bonuses, the Mazda's compact dimensions make for easy manoeuvrability in tight car parks, and it sips fuel at a miserly rate. From Dh144,000 Nissan's 'Z-car' was a revelation when the 240Z debuted in 1969, and the nameplate lives on in the form of the simply named 'Z'. Although continuing the spirit and distinctive profile of its five-decade-old ancestor, the newbie is a thoroughly contemporary sportster that is both rapid and satisfying to drive. A 405hp/475Nm twin-turbo V6 catapults it from 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds, with drive sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or nine-speed auto. The rear-wheel-drive chassis is an evolution of the former 370Z's underpinnings, but it has been stiffened for added cornering grip and dynamism. From Dh215,900 Although it has a strong following in many other countries, Subaru flies under the radar in the UAE, so the WRX remains a niche seller in our market. Its 2.4-litre turbo engine thumps out 271hp and 350Nm, propelling the mundane-looking sedan from 0-100kph in 6.0 seconds, and on to a top speed of 250kph. Two transmissions are offered – a six-speed manual and a CVT, and we would recommend the former. Belying its nondescript styling, the WRX is surprisingly rapid on tarmac or gravel roads, with its all-wheel-drive chassis providing limpet-like grip in wet or dry conditions. From Dh157,000 The Supra debuted in 1978, but the latest generation stands apart from its predecessors since its core architecture – engine, transmission and chassis – are shared with BMW's Z4. This is no bad thing as the latter is a solidly engineered roadster with sparkling handling and performance. Unlike its topless German counterpart, the Toyota is a fixed-roof coupe, so the driving experience is markedly different. Striking styling means the 387hp Supra has plenty of wow factor, but its appeal is more than skin deep – it is fast, taut and engaging in equal measure. From Dh229,900 The Golf GTI has been the definitive 'hot-hatch' ever since the first-gen model took the world by storm in 1976. The current eighth-generation GTI has the essence of its 49-year-old ancestor, serving up scintillating performance at a bargain price. Outputs of 265hp and 370Nm deliver a brisk 5.9-second 0-100kph sprint, yet the GTI offers comfortable seating for a family of four, 374 litres of luggage capacity and easy manoeuvrability around town. The GTI does it all with panache but, in case you have an extra Dh60,000 burning a hole in your pocket, VW can sell you the even faster Golf R. From Dh137,990
