The Mini Cooper, an automotive icon now in its fifth generation, retains its famous silhouette while receiving a comprehensive restyling and a new interior. Initially introduced in EV format, the fifth-gen Mini will later include an ICE variant with two petrol powertrains, marking a new chapter in its storied legacy.
The 2024 Mini Cooper lineup offers two distinct petrol engine options. The Cooper C variant features a three-cylinder engine producing 154bhp and 230Nm of torque, achieving 0-100kmph in 7.7 seconds. Meanwhile, the Cooper S variant is equipped with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine generating 201bhp and 300Nm of torque, accelerating from 0-100kmph in just 6.6 seconds. These powertrains cater to different driving preferences, delivering spirited performance and agility characteristic of the Mini Cooper.
The 2024 Mini Cooper retains its iconic silhouette while receiving a cleaner, more minimalist design approach. Its new octagonal front grille features ‘filigree contours’ and houses the BMW Group’s smallest radar sensor, supported by 12 ultrasonic sensors for enhanced safety and technology integration. Flanking the grille are new round LED headlamps with three selectable signatures and dynamic welcome/goodbye animations. The redesigned rear end showcases matrix LED taillamps with sequential indicators, incorporating the distinctive Union Jack motif.
Available in four trim levels – Essential, Classic, Favoured, and JCW – the new Mini Cooper offers a variety of exterior, interior, and roof color options tailored to each trim. Alloy wheel sizes range from 16 inches to 18 inches, ensuring a personalized touch to match individual preferences and style.
Features of the international Mini Cooper S include a heads-up display, electrically adjustable front seats with a driver’s seat massage function, ambient lighting, automatic climate control, and advanced connected car technology for seamless integration.
The interior of the 2024 Mini Cooper embraces its iconic round theme, prominently featuring a 9.4-inch diameter round OLED touchscreen as its centerpiece. In a departure from traditional setups, there is no separate instrument cluster; instead, all car information is integrated and displayed on the central screen. Below the screen in the center console, functionalities such as the parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, experience mode toggle, and volume control are accessed through a toggle bar unit.
Further enhancing convenience, the new Mini Cooper includes a wireless charging tray located where the gear lever would traditionally be. Illuminating the interior is a panoramic glass roof, adding a sense of spaciousness and openness. The rear seats, which feature a 60:40 split, can be folded down to expand the standard 210-litre boot volume to a generous 725 litres, ensuring practicality and versatility for various cargo needs.
In terms of safety, it is expected to offer six airbags, ABS with brake assist, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for enhanced driving support, dynamic stability control, electronic parking brake, and a pedestrian warning system as standard. These features ensure both comfort and safety are prioritized in the Mini Cooper S, catering to modern automotive standards.
While the 2024 Mini Cooper doesn’t have direct rivals due to its unique design and character, it can be viewed as an appealing alternative to compact luxury SUVs like the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Audi Q3.
The new Mini Cooper S is anticipated to start at Rs 47 lakh (ex-showroom), reflecting its blend of iconic design, premium features, and dynamic performance in the Indian market.
Its distinctive style, customizable options, and spirited performance offer a different experience in the premium compact vehicle segment.
