MINI Hardtop

The redesigned 2025 Mini Cooper Hardtop featured a fresh iteration of the car’s trademark retro styling and an even quirkier cabin than before. Among the new unorthodox control-layout elements were a flipper-paddle gear selector, a turnkey ignition switch, and a 9.4-inch round central display that served as the gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine made 161 horsepower in the base Cooper and 201 hp in the sportier Cooper S. To the chagrin of many enthusiasts, a manual gearbox was no longer offered; a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic was the lone transmission.

The third-generation Mini Hardtop that debuted for the 2014 model year wasn’t quite as “mini;” it was 4.5 inches longer than the vehicle it replaced, and the four-door body style that followed for 2015 was even larger. In base Hardtop variants, a new 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine produced 134 horsepower; performance-tuned Cooper S versions got a 189-hp, turbo 2.0-liter. Six-speed manual or automatic transmissions were offered. A mild refresh for 2019 offered new tech features and styling changes, and an all-electric SE Hardtop (covered separately on Cars.com) debuted for 2020. The 2022 model year brought another styling refresh and a higher level of standard equipment, including an 8.8-inch infotainment display.

A subtle redesign grew the Mini Cooper slightly and bumped horsepower to 118. The Cooper S received a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 172 hp. Both models now offered six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. Convertibles were not built on the redesigned platform until 2009, when a new John Cooper Works edition was added. A 2011 refresh brought new bumpers, taillights, foglight placement and a small horsepower increase. The coupe rolled out in 2012.