MINI Cooper S (06 on) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 13 June 2011
Better to drive. More space. Less fuss. That's what makes this MINI Cooper S different from the one it replaces - even though it may look virtually the same. Most of the changes are under the skin and they help make it better than ever. There's a new turbocharged engine, updated interior and every body panel is different - though not so you'd notice. But the best bits have been kept, so it's fantastic to drive, fun and even sensible to own - it depreciates slowly and is cheap to service. This means it's a hot hatch that appeals to the head as well as the heart. The addition of the MINI SD in 2011 (Sports Diesel) to the Cooper range isn't about re-inventing the popular model, but more tweaking and adding another feather to the cap of one of the best-loved cars in the UK.
4.5 out of 5

Other MINI reviews

4.5 out of 5

Running costs

The previous generation MINI (the one that ran from 2001-2006) is a used value star performer. Finding a bargain - particularly during its first few years on sale - was difficult. This car will continue that by maintaining the appeal that made it so popular in the first place. It also has the bases covered when it comes to servicing: the tlc pack means you don't have to worry about servicing costs for five or eight years. This package also helps keep used values strong - buyers are keener to buy a car that's been looked after and appreciate the security of knowing future work is already paid for. It fares well on other costs too: it's reasonable to insure, fuel economy is decent (and better than before) and it costs substantially less to tax than before. One cost to bear in mind is that the run-flat tyres will cost more to replace that standard tyres. The Cooper SD hatch added to the range in 2011 will average 65.7mpg, frugal and sporty.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,279 - £1,534 *

Diesel

£986 - £1,233 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

10,000-12,500 miles (depending on use).

Warranty

Three years/unlimited miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£30.00 - £170.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
    114
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
    165
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The Cooper S performs well on the eco front with a CO2 output of 149g/km of CO2 in manual hatchback models. Economy is good too with 46mpg achievable. The Sports Diesel MINI has more going for it than just performance. The engineers have built the engine to cater for those who want to have fun and maximize their economy while emitting relatively low CO2 emissions. The boffins at MINI call this 'MINIMALISM' - it's similar to the 'Efficient Dynamics' set-up that can be found on BMW cars. The 'MINIMALISM' set-up includes brake energy generation, auto stop/start, gearchange indicator and electric power steering. Emissions are just 114g/km of CO2 - not bad at all.

Find the exact engine and CO2