2019 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　

What's new

Reconfigured options structure, with new Classic, Signature and Iconic trimsWireless phone charging and Apple CarPlay now availableUpdated infotainment system interfacePart of the third Hardtop generation introduced for 2014

　　As more people plunk down cash for utilitarian crossovers, words such as "small," "fun" and "sporty" seem to describe fewer cars than ever. Luckily, the two-door 2019 Mini Hardtop encapsulates those hallmarks of enjoyable motoring in a single, pint-size package.

　　The Mini Hardtop offers something quite different from other subcompacts. It prioritizes driving dynamics and personality. You pay dearly for the Hardtop's upscale cabin and sportiness, but there's nothing quite like it in the non-luxury segment. Even the Hardtop's standard turbocharged three-cylinder engine makes it quicker than almost any other car in its class. Step up to the turbo four-cylinders in the Cooper S and the John Cooper Works trims, and you've got enough pace to pull off a good, old-fashioned heist.

　　For 2019, Mini has changed the way it builds the Hardtop. In prior years, you selected an engine and then chose from a seemingly infinite number of packages and options. This year, each engine is available in one of three trims — Classic, Signature and Iconic — that bundle popular features into a traditional trim structure. From there, you can select many interior and exterior styling elements to personalize the Hardtop. The result is mostly the same, though. The 2019 Mini Hardtop 2 Door is fun to drive and fun to own.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　For discerning motorists looking for a fun and memorable car to drive, the 2019 Mini Hardtop is an excellent choice. It's expensive, but the cost is largely justified given the Hardtop's mix of performance, features and personality.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Mini Hardtop 2 Door Cooper (turbo 1.5L inline-3 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2014, the current Hardtop 2 Door has received some revisions, such as new optional equipment sprinkled throughout the model run and a refreshed infotainment system in 2019. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Hardtop 2 Door, however.

　　

Driving

　　The Hardtop's reputation for playful driving dynamics is confirmed, even on this base model. The high level of confidence encourages spirited driving, but the car stumbles during traffic-filled commuting, with unsavory lurches at low speeds from the optional six-speed automatic transmission.

　　

Acceleration

　　Even in the base model, the Hardtop is one of the quickest cars in this class/price range. With only 134 horsepower on tap from a turbocharged three-cylinder, it manages an impressive 0-60 mph time of 7.4 seconds. But our test vehicle was prone to uneven acceleration and unexpected surges.

　　

Braking

　　Stopping from 60 mph required 114 feet, a bit long for a car so small with summer tires. In everyday driving, the automatic transmission causes clumsy lurches as you roll to a stop.

　　

Steering

　　The steering feel is sharp and direct, great for drivers with a penchant for curvy roads. For the typical commuter, it could feel a bit too busy or quick, particularly on the highway, as it reacts to small or unintentional inputs.

　　

Handling

　　Even though this is just the base Cooper model, the Hardtop is surprisingly capable when cornering hard. The front tires lose grip first, but it's predictable and controllable. The Cooper feels playful and nimble thanks to its small footprint.

　　

Drivability

　　The Mini Hardtop is a fun little car to blast through the canyons, but it suffers during more mundane driving. The lurches under slow acceleration and braking are the main culprits, along with a noticeable shudder through the cabin from the engine's stop-start function.

　　

Comfort

　　The Mini doesn't rate high in comfort, thanks to its emphasis on athleticism. The stiff ride quality can be jarring, partially a result of our test car's optional 17-inch wheels and standard run-flat tires. Less spirited drivers should stick with the smaller standard wheels.

　　

Seat comfort

　　The optional sport seats provide excellent all-around support for drivers with average builds. Wider body types will likely find the narrow, aggressive bolsters constricting or intrusive. Cushioning is adequate for longer drives.

　　

Ride comfort

　　The Mini has a stiff ride quality with initial impact harshness that may be attributed to the larger optional wheels and run-flat tires. Enthusiasts will probably be OK with it, but we think most drivers will find it tiresome.

　　

Noise & vibration

　　At idle, the three-cylinder engine has an unrefined diesel-like clatter. Once underway, it sounds much better, with a pleasant burble. There's a noticeable amount of road noise. And at highway speeds, there's some wind noise, too.

　　

Interior

　　Although this latest-generation Mini Cooper is larger than ever, its interior space and cargo capacity are smaller than some rivals. The placement of the infotainment controller is far from ideal. But you do get a lot of personality.

　　

Ease of use

　　Operating the low-mounted infotainment dial is challenging due to the obtrusive center armrest and parking brake. The system itself is well-executed, with many logically placed switches and buttons.

　　

Getting in/getting out

　　The short (lengthwise) doors and tall opening make getting in and out of the front seats easy, even in tight spots. They do, however, complicate access to the rear seats, forcing an inelegant stoop and crawl.

　　

Roominess

　　There's plenty of headroom in the front for taller drivers, but the Mini still feels quite compact because of its narrow width. The rear seats are cramped, even for children, with little legroom and low-mounted seat cushions.

　　

Visibility

　　Outward visibility is excellent. The tall side windows and upright windshield afford a nearly unobstructed view, and the mirrors are thoughtfully placed and sized. A rearview camera now comes standard on all trim levels, but there's no need for one when backing into a tight parking spot.

　　

Quality

　　For the most part, the Mini has excellent interior materials, using less hard plastic than competitors. Occasional creaks diminish the overall impression of quality a bit.

　　

Utility

　　Cargo space is tight, at a tiny 8.7 cubic feet, as is interior storage with small but numerous bins. Maximum cargo is slightly above average at 38 cubes. A clever trunk floor panel keeps the load surface flat and conceals a bin underneath.

　　

Which Hardtop 2 Door does zzdcar recommend?

　　The base Cooper is a terrific choice if you are looking for a fun, playful subcompact with more personality than other cars in its class. It's not quick, however, and if it were our money, we'd upgrade to the Cooper S and give our Hardtop a bit more oomph to back up its superlative handling characteristics. No matter which powertrain you prefer, we recommend starting with the Signature trim. There are more optional extras at this level, giving the Hardtop that custom feel Mini is known for.

　　

2019 MINI Hardtop 2 Door models

　　The 2019 Mini Hardtop two-door is a subcompact hatchback sold in a variety of trim levels and variants. All three of the main trim levels — Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works — have similar feature content but are differentiated by what engine is underhood. All are available with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. From there, buyers choose between three subtrim levels (Classic, Signature and Iconic) that add an increasing number of features. A wide variety of styling, performance and luxury upgrades are available on most versions.

　　Powering the Cooper is a turbocharged three-cylinder engine (134 horsepower, 162 pound-feet of torque). The base Classic model offers a lot of features, including 15-inch alloy wheels, all-season tires, automatic headlights and wipers, heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, height-adjustable front seats, simulated-leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split folding rear seat and multicolor ambient lighting. Among the standard tech are Bluetooth, a 6.5-inch central display, a rearview camera, and a six-speaker sound system with a USB port.

　　Stepping up to the Cooper S gets you a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (189 hp, 207 lb-ft). It also has 16-inch wheels, dual exhaust tips, extra styling flourishes, selectable driving modes, and front sport seats with adjustable thigh support. Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters are included if you opt for the automatic transmission.

　　The most powerful Hardtop 2 Door is the John Cooper Works model. Motivation comes in the form of a more potent version of the turbocharged four-cylinder (228 hp, 236 lb-ft). Upgrades include 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, cornering lights, a rear spoiler, a sport-tuned suspension,a sport steering wheel, more aggressively bolstered sport seats, and simulated-suede and cloth upholstery.

　　Features added by the Signature subtrim differ slightly from the base Cooper, S and JCW. But in general, it adds a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. Cooper models get 16-inch wheels, Cooper S versions get 16- or 17-inch wheels, and JCW models get adaptive dampers. Mini's Active Driving Assistant suite of safety features — forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam control — is also included on Cooper S and JCW models. Selecting the Signature trim also opens the door to additional paint choices, interior dashboard appliques and upholstery choices. Notably, the JCW's Solaris Orange Special Edition package (late availability) starts with the Signature trim and includes black exterior trim, all-season tires and a head-up display.

　　The Signature's Premium package further adds power-folding mirrors, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, chrome exterior trim, LED headlights and foglights, cornering lights, satellite radio and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

　　The Iconic trim includes those upgrades, plus leather upholstery, a navigation system, the Active Driving Assistant package, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Depending on powertrain, selecting the Iconic trim will add different features. Cooper and Cooper S models get a choice of several 16- and 17-inch wheel styles (with 18-inch wheels available for the Cooper S), and 17- or 18-inch wheels for the JCW. Cooper S and JCW models also get a head-up display.

　　Many of the above options can be ordered separately. A Driver Assistance package for the Iconic trim adds front parking sensors and an automated parallel parking system. Additional stand-alone options include exterior and interior styling modifications, summer performance tires and roof rails.

　　

2019 Hardtop 2 Door Highlights

Type: HatchbackJohn Cooper WorksHatchback

　　Trim: CooperCooper SJohn Cooper WorksCooper

　　

Base MSRP	$21,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	32 MPG
Cost to Drive	$145/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	8.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles