Electric versions too: The stylish hatchback now has three- and four-cylinder power.
When Mini introduced the new Cooper 3-Door Hardtop last year, it only showed the electric E and SE models. The hatchback is only now getting internal combustion engines. There is no diesel engine, instead it is the smallest car the BMW Group has produced with a pair of gasoline engines.
The base model is called Cooper C and has a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 154 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque (230 Newton-meters). This gives it a 0 to 62 mph time of 7.7 seconds. Step up to the Cooper S and Mini rewards you with a larger turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 201 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft), dropping the sprint time to 6.6 seconds. Those who want more punch will have to wait for the next JCW model, but Mini will sell you a new JCW livery at launch that includes all the show but no extra features.
Depending on the Mini you choose, there are several 16- to 18-inch wheels to choose from, four roof colors, plus a three-tone gradient headliner for the Favorite model if the Multi-Tone Roof option is chosen. The interior gets the same 9.4-inch OLED infotainment system as the electric models, and thankfully Mini hasn’t deleted all the physical controls. The handbrake, gear selector, start/stop button and volume rocker are located above a toggle bar below the circular display.
You can fit 7.4 cubic feet (210 liters) of luggage with the rear seats in place, or 28.2 cubic feet (800 liters) after folding the bench. Mini plans to launch a convertible version of its latest Cooper, along with a more practical five-door hatchback. These will be the last wave of internal combustion models before the BMW Group abandons gasoline cars at the end of the decade.
The new Cooper C and Cooper S will be based in Oxford, unlike the electric Cooper E and SE. These two models are produced in China by Spotlight Automotive, a joint venture between Mini’s parent company BMW Group and Great Wall Motor. We won’t see the UK-built electric hatchback until 2026, along with the next Aceman small crossover.
The equivalent five-door model is expected to arrive later this year.
Source: https://www.motor1.com/news/707556/2024-mini-cooper-gasoline-engines/
