The Mini Cooper has a long history of niche variations, but this new spin on the iconic British hatch may truly broaden its appeal. The third-generation of the modern-era Mini Cooper grew slightly in size. Now, the Cooper grows again, increasing its length by 6.3 inches with the Hardtop four-door. Hopefully the weight gain doesn’t change the Mini’s trademark agility.
That extra space and ease of access is put to use with the addition of four doors. Clearly acknowledging that drivers do sometimes have to transport more than one other person, this version benefits from a 2.9-inch wheelbase stretch to provide more rear leg room and aid ingress/egress. In the process, there are incremental gains for head room and shoulder space, as well.
As with the current two-door model, the engine choices are the 134-hp three-cylinder turbo or 189-hp four-cylinder turbo, with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
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This Hardtop model shares the many upgrades and optional equipment offered on the traditional two-door version. Again, circles abound, with the dash center hosting basic info screen or a large 8.8-inch center screen, for infotainment and navigation if so equipped. The infotainment advances with modern app-enabled functionality and an iDrivelike rotary dial control, continuing the circle theme. The Mini Connected program uses smart-phone connectivity to provide mobile access to Facebook, Twitter, Amazon Cloud Player, Audible, Pandora, and many other brand-name distractions. An LED ring around the display changes colors in reaction to driver commands, such as turning blue or red to indicate climate control changes, or changing green, yellow, or red to reflect parking sensor information, or whether you choose “green” or “sport” driving modes.
Optional driver aids include heads-up display, rear-view camera, active cruise control, and accident avoidance with brake intervention. A parking assistant can identify suitable parking spaces and handle the steering necessary to maneuver into the spot, while the driver operates the throttle, braking, and gear selection. (Read: "5 Things You Gotta Know About the New Mini Cooper.")
The Hardtop four-door will be priced at $1,000 over the Hardtop two-door when it goes on sale in January 2015, putting its starting price near $21,000. But expect typical options to push the price closer to $30,000.
—Jeff Bartlett
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