2021 MINI 3 Door Cooper S Review

The B-segment car market in Malaysia has always been highly competitive. Consumers value both unique designs and practical demands for power and features. The 2021 MINI 3 Door Cooper S, as the performance model of the brand's classic three-door version, not only retains its iconic British style but also comes equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine. Its goal is very clear—to appeal to young drivers who value both driving enjoyment and everyday practicality. In this test drive, we focus on two key aspects: does its "driving pleasure" live up to the name? And with a price of RM 253,318, can its features and space meet the needs of local users?

In terms of appearance, the 2021 Cooper S continues the MINI family's round design language, with an overall compact and dynamic design that emphasizes sporty details. The front features the classic hexagonal grille, with a black honeycomb pattern inside, complemented by two raised lines on the hood, giving it a more aggressive look compared to the standard version. The headlights are fully LED, with circular outlines embedded with ring-shaped daytime running lights, offering high recognizability when lit. The side profile shows compact lines with a three-door design and 17-inch alloy wheels (tire size 205/45 R17), achieving balanced proportions. Changes at the rear are mainly focused on the taillights and rear bumper. The LED taillights continue the circular design, and the rear bumper incorporates a dual-exhaust layout, further enhancing the performance impression.

Sitting inside, the blend of retro and tech in MINI's style is very striking. The dashboard is covered with a large amount of soft-touch material, accented with silver decorative strips, providing a decent tactile experience. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display is the visual centerpiece and supports the Sound Plus feature. The six-speaker audio quality is adequate for daily use. The instrument cluster is a 5-inch fully digital display, providing clear information on speed, RPM, and driving modes. In terms of features, it includes keyless entry, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, steering wheel paddle shifters, and front and rear parking cameras. However, the front seats are manually adjustable, which feels slightly inferior compared to models in the same price range. For space, the car dimensions are 3876/1727/1414mm (length/width/height), with a wheelbase of 2495mm. The front-row seating space is sufficient for occupants up to 175cm tall, but the rear space is quite cramped, with only about a fistwide legroom, making it more suitable for short trips or storing items. The trunk has a capacity of 211L, which is enough for two carry-on suitcases during daily commutes. If larger items need to be transported, the rear seats can be folded down to expand the space.

Performance is a highlight of the Cooper S, featuring a 2.0T turbocharged engine with a maximum horsepower of 192PS and peak torque available from as low as 1350rpm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The accelerator is very responsive at startup, and a light press delivers noticeable power output. It officially accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. In actual driving, overtaking is effortless, and pressing the accelerator hard gives a significant sense of thrust. There are three driving modes: Sport, Standard, and Economy. Switching to Sport mode makes the transmission shift more aggressively, keeping the RPM higher, and delivering power on demand. The steering is precise with minimal play, and the car maintains stable posture when cornering, which inspires great confidence. The suspension features a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent setup, tuned on the firmer side. It effectively transmits road surface feedback but does not filter out vibrations completely when going over speed bumps or uneven roads, slightly impacting comfort.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 5.7L/100km. We drove half the distance in urban roads and half on highways, and the actual measured fuel consumption was approximately 6.5L/100km, which is fairly average. Noise control is quite good; at a speed of 120km/h on the highway, the wind noise and tire noise are within an acceptable range and do not affect interior conversations. The braking performance is also very linear, with a moderate braking distance, providing a sense of safety.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2021 MINI 3 Door Cooper S lie in its driving fun and unique design. The 2.0T engine performs outstandingly in its class. Although its configuration is not top-notch, it includes all the basic practical features. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, its space is indeed smaller, but it excels in a more aggressive driving experience and a more distinctive appearance. This car is suitable for young people who pursue individuality and enjoy driving, or as a second car for the family. If you value practicality and rear space, it may not be the best choice. However, if you're looking for a distinctive small car that can be used for daily commuting as well as occasional "wild fun," the Cooper S is worth considering.