History/Overview
Even if you don’t know much about cars, you probably know that the Mini Cooper is one of the most entertaining small cars money can buy today. This car is a spiritual successor to the Mini that was a style icon of the 1960s and 1970s.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
There are two notable changes for the 2021 Mini Cooper 3-door. One is the return of a six-speed manual transmission for base, S and JCW models. Base and S cars option to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT), and the JCW’s option is an eight-speed automatic.
Also, 2021 brings the John Cooper Works GP model whose original 2020 launch was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. It’s a more powerful variant of the JCW.
Available Trims
Mini offers the Cooper 3-door in base, S, JCW, JCW GP and SE plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, and each one can be configured in Classic, Premier and Premier+ trim levels.
The base Cooper uses a 1.5L three-cylinder engine, while Cooper S, JCW and JCW GP versions get a 2.0L four-cylinder in progressively hotter states of tune. The Cooper SE derives its power from an electric motor fed by a battery pack.
Standard Features
In the base Cooper and Cooper S, the Classic trim line comes with 16-inch wheels, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, black leatherette upholstery, and passive keyless entry.
JCW Classic starts with 17-inch wheels, Mini “excitement lights”, piano black interior trim and seats done in a combo of black dinamica and cloth upholstery.
Cooper SE Classic comes with navigation, Apple CarPlay, traffic information and remote services.
In Cooper and Cooper S, Premier trim adds the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, navigation, Mini connected services, traffic information and Apple CarPlay. JCW Premier gets an eight-speed automatic transmission and dynamic damper control.
Cooper SE Premier brings power-folding/auto-dimming side mirrors, an integrated garage door remote, rear parking sensors, a black headliner, and a choice of cloth or leather upholstery.
Finally, Cooper and Cooper S Premier+ get 17-inch wheels, LED headlights and fog lights, a digital gauge cluster, wireless smartphone charging, and an upgraded 8.8-inch touchscreen.
JCW Premier+ adds 18-inch wheels and a head-up display.
Cooper SE Premier+ adds a sport steering wheel, a parking assistant, an upgraded stereo, a larger touchscreen, and a digital gauge cluster.
The JCW GP's distinctions include 19-inch wheels, limited slip differential, a unique body kit, bi-level rear spoiler, and carbon fiber fender blisters.
Key Options
The seven-speed DCT is optional in Classic trim versions of the Cooper and Cooper S.
Other extras include a driving assistant package, sport seats, and a heated windshield.
Fuel Economy
As of this writing, Mini hasn’t published fuel consumption estimates for the 2021 Mini Cooper 3-door, but those figures should be similar to – if not the same as – those for the 2020 model (and 2019, the last time these cars came with a stickshift).
In 2020, the Cooper 3-door was rated 8.3/6.4 L/100 km (city/highway) with the seven-speed DCT, and 8.5/6.2 with the six-speed manual in 2019.
The Cooper S’s estimates are 8.9/6.6 L/100 km (city/highway) with the DCT, and, in 2019, 10.2/7.4 with the six-speed.
JCW versions are rated 9.2/6.9 L/100 km (city/highway) with its eight-speed automatic, and 10.2/7.4 with the six-speed (in 2019).
Competition
Mini’s main competitors include the VW GTI and the Subaru WRX. The JCW also lines up nicely against the Hyundai Veloster N, and the JCW GP looks good against the Honda Civic Type R.
