One Last Dance for the Petrol Mini
For decades, the Mini Cooper S has been the go-to hot hatch for people who love driving. It’s quirky, it’s fast, and it’s got that go-kart feel that puts a grin on your face every time you throw it into a corner.
But here’s the big news: this is the last Mini Cooper S to come with an internal combustion engine (ICE) before the brand goes fully electric. That means this car isn’t just another update—it’s a proper send-off to an era.
So, is the 2025 Mini Cooper S a legend’s farewell or just another small hatch with a big price tag? Let’s break it down.
Mini Cooper S Exterior: The Classic Mini Look, With a Twist
The new Mini Cooper S doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—it sticks to the formula that made it an icon. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few tweaks.
Key Design Highlights
✔ Still unmistakably Mini – Round LED headlights? Check. Compact, playful stance? Check. Short wheelbase for that sporty look? Double-check.
✔ New DRL designs – You can customize the headlight and taillight signatures depending on your mood.
✔ Bigger front grille – Gives it a bit more aggression, though some may find it unnecessary.
✔ No visible exhaust tips – This is where things get controversial. Mini has tucked the exhausts underneath, making the rear look eerily EV-like. Some petrolheads won’t be thrilled.
✔ Wheel options – 17-inch alloys are standard, while the sportier 18-inch wheels are available in the Favored Pack.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Timeless Mini design with modern upgrades | No visible exhaust tips—less aggressive look |
| Cool customizable LED DRLs and taillights | Still not as radical as the upcoming JCW |
| Sporty stance, wide track for better stability | Boot space remains small (210L) |
Also Read, 2024 BMW X2
Mini Cooper S Interior: High-Tech, But Still Quirky
Step inside, and it’s all about retro charm meeting modern tech. The 2025 Mini Cooper S stays true to its roots but adds a futuristic twist.
Cabin Highlights
- ✔ Chunky two-spoke steering wheel – Feels great in hand, but the recycled material can be a dust magnet.
- ✔ Giant circular OLED touchscreen – This replaces traditional dials, making the dashboard look clean but also very screen-dependent.
- ✔ Physical toggle switches remain – Thankfully, essential controls like engine start/stop, drive modes, and parking brake are still physical.
- ✔ No gear shifter = More storage – The missing gear lever frees up space for large cup holders and a wireless charging pad.
- ✔ Seats: Manually adjustable as standard, but you can upgrade to electric seats in the Favored Pack.
- ✔ Rear seats? – Let’s be real, they’re tight. There are no rear air vents, no power windows, and long journeys in the back won’t be fun.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique interior with a futuristic twist | Touchscreen-heavy interface can be distracting |
| Customizable themes add personality | Some materials feel prone to dust collection |
| More storage due to missing gear shifter | Rear space is extremely tight |
Mini Cooper S Performance: Still a Go-Kart?
Let’s talk about the real deal—does the 2025 Mini Cooper S still feel like a proper Mini? Short answer: Yes, but with some compromises.
Under the Hood
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol
- Power Output: 204 HP / 300 Nm
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (FWD only)
- 0-100 km/h: 6.6 seconds
How Does It Drive?
✔ Sharp steering, minimal dead zone – The Mini is still one of the most fun small cars to chuck into corners.
✔ Go-Kart Mode = More fun – This makes the throttle sharper and steering weightier, but it’s the only mode with a rev counter (why, Mini?!).
✔ Firm ride quality – You’ll feel every bump, which is fun on smooth roads but tiring on bad ones.
✔ Artificial engine sounds – Plays through the Harman Kardon speakers. It’s cool, but real exhaust sound is pretty muted.
✔ No paddle shifters, no manual mode – This is a big letdown for anyone who loves spirited driving.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Punchy 2.0L turbo engine | No paddle shifters or manual mode |
| Engaging handling, fun to drive | Artificial engine noise instead of real exhaust sound |
| Go-Kart Mode makes it feel alive | Ride is quite firm for daily use |
Mini Cooper S Price & Rivals: What’s the Competition?
- Mini Cooper S Price: ₹44.9 lakh (ex-showroom, India)
- Direct Competitors?None (at least in India).
- The Volkswagen Polo GTI? Discontinued.
- The Skoda Octavia RS? Still waiting.
- The AMG A45? Almost double the price.
If you’re an enthusiast, you might want to wait for the John Cooper Works (JCW) version, which should come with more power and a better gearbox.
FAQs: What You Need to Know
1. What’s the fuel economy like?
Expect 10-14 km/l, depending on how hard you drive it.
2. Does the Mini Cooper S have a manual transmission?
No, it’s automatic-only, and it doesn’t even get paddle shifters.
3. Is it practical for daily use?
It depends. If you mostly drive alone or with one passenger, sure. But tight rear seats and a stiff suspension mean it’s not the best for long commutes.
4. When is the JCW version launching in India?
It’s coming, but Mini hasn’t confirmed the date yet.
5. What alternatives should I consider?
Right now, there aren’t any true hot hatches in India. If you’re looking for something fast and fun, the AMG A45 S is the closest option—but it’s much more expensive.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
The 2025 Mini Cooper S is a special car, not just because it’s fun to drive, but because it’s the last of its kind.
- ✔ It looks fantastic.
- ✔ It still drives like a Mini—sharp, responsive, and playful.
- ✔ It’s packed with tech and customization options.
But… - ❌ No paddle shifters or manual mode? That’s disappointing.
- ❌ Ride quality is firm, so comfort takes a hit.
- ❌ ₹44.9 lakh is a lot for a small car.
Should You Buy It?
If you love Mini Coopers and want one last shot at a petrol-powered one, this is your moment. But if you’re chasing the ultimate hot hatch thrill, you might be better off waiting for the JCW.
So, what do you think? Is the Mini Cooper S going out with a bang—or is it missing something?
Author- Ayush
