2020 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Review

　　

2020 Mini Hardtop 2 Door Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　The 2020 Mini Hardtop 2 Door offers more than a bit of nostalgia and some British flags on the side mirrors. It puts together a pleasing package for prospective performance-hatchback shoppers. The Hardtop's small size and nimble handling certainly contribute to its persona, as does its quick acceleration in the Cooper S and John Cooper Works versions. You also get a high-quality cabin and plenty of the latest technology features.

　　Unfortunately for the Mini, it's one of the most expensive of its competitive set — especially at middle and top trim levels. The rival Hyundai Veloster and Volkswagen Golf GTI offer similarly entertaining driving experiences but with more interior space and at a lower price. And if you're looking to go on a long road trip, the Mini will be a bit hard to live with because of its stiff ride quality.

　　Overall, we like the 2020 Mini Hardtop 2 Door. If you're in the market for a hatchback, we'd recommend taking one for a test drive. At the very least, you'll come home with a sizable grin on your face.

　　

Which Hardtop 2 Door does zzdcar recommend?

The base engine in the Mini Cooper is sufficient, but it doesn't give you much in the way of thrills. We recommend upgrading to the Cooper S, which includes the Mini's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. From there, we'd opt for the Signature subtrim, which includes features such as a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control.

　　

2020 MINI Hardtop 2 Door models

The 2020 Mini Hardtop two-door is a subcompact hatchback sold in a variety of trim levels and variants. The three main trim levels are differentiated by their engines: Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works.

　　The standard Cooper pairs a turbocharged three-cylinder engine (134 horsepower, 162 lb-ft of torque) to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Cooper S uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (189 hp, 207 lb-ft) with the same seven-speed automatic. The John Cooper Works model gets a more potent version of the turbocharged four-cylinder (228 hp, 236 lb-ft) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

　　From there, buyers choose among three subtrim levels (Classic, Signature and Iconic) that add an increasing number of features. A variety of styling, performance and luxury upgrades are available on most versions.

　　The base Classic model includes features such as faux leather upholstery, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a 6.5-inch central display, and a six-speaker sound system. Mini's Active Driving Assistant suite of safety features is also standard. It includes forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam control.

　　Stepping up to the Cooper S gets you the more powerful engine plus extra styling flourishes, selectable driving modes, and front sport seats. From there, the John Cooper Works adds LED headlights, a sport-tuned suspension, more aggressively bolstered sport seats, and simulated suede and cloth upholstery.

　　Features added by the Signature subtrim differ slightly from what's on the base Cooper, S and JCW. In general, it adds a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Signature's Premium package brings power-folding mirrors, satellite radio and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

　　The Iconic trim brings, among other features, leather upholstery, additional driver safety aids, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, a premium audio system and an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Many of the above options can be ordered separately. Other notable options include exterior and interior styling modifications, an automated parallel parking system, a navigation system and summer performance tires.

　　

2020 Hardtop 2 Door Highlights

Type: HatchbackJohn Cooper WorksElectricHatchback

　　Trim: CooperCooper SCooper SEJohn Cooper WorksCooper

　　

Base MSRP	$23,400
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	31 MPG
Cost to Drive	$150/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	8.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles