By Sala Masindane

The MINI brand is not just a British icon but also a local one. The 3-door is a fan favourite and somewhat of a cult classic. It has appealed to both the young and old. Now in its fifth generation, the hatch has lost none of its charm, even though it has undergone some changes.

Exterior design

It has always been difficult to update or change a winning formula. This is probably what the designers at MINI and BMW have struggled with since the 1950s. The iconic hatch has undergone a design update but still retains its traditional, familiar look. It now features a new octagonal grille, triangular taillights, and LED headlamps.

It was hard to miss on the streets, thanks to its British Racing Green body colour and low stance. More than that, the new design is striking and easy on the eye.

Interior

Inside, the cabin features the most notable change in the new MINI Cooper: a textile dashboard that blends into the door panels, complemented by a two-tone colour scheme. There’s a new 9.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen infotainment system that also functions as a digital instrument cluster. The touchscreen houses all the functions. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

While this setup is great for saving space, it can be frustrating to navigate through different menus while driving, as it can be distracting. There’s sufficient space in the front, but the rear is best suited for medium-sized adults or golf bags. In my seating position, the rear is nonexistent.

Performance and drive

Under the hood is a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine delivering 150 kW and 300 Nm, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. MINI claims the Cooper S hatch can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, combined with the car’s compact size, allows the Cooper S to accelerate with relative ease. It also handles well and feels dynamic when tackling bends, especially when engaging Go-Kart mode.

Final word

The MINI has grown over the years and may not be as mini as it once was, but it is still one of the smallest cars around. It is great to drive and appeals to the enthusiast. The cabin is modern but does not lose the core of the brand’s history. Space may be an issue, but you can always opt for the Countryman if that is a concern. At a starting price of R602,052, it might take a bit of convincing if you are not already a fan.