The 1.5L turbo triple is quick, flexible and smooth at normal speeds and now has a smoother idle than it did when the current Cooper was released in 2015. The big 2L turbo in the Cooper S furnishes strong acceleration with an engaging exhaust note, but is quiet when cruising. Though very firm, the ride of the Cooper S does not jar occupants, and allies with impressive handling controlled by near telepathic steering.

The cabin of the current MINI may appear to be virtually the same as the previous generations of the car but its ergonomics, with easily scanned gauges and logical controls placed where you expect them to be, is are good. Front seat occupants enjoy comfortable seats and plenty of legroom, but those in back will find space tight and access limited. Trunk space is short from the back of the rear seat to the tailgate but the space is deep below the window line and regularly shaped. Cabin materials and fit and finish are impressive.

Two and four-door hatchbacks and a convertible are available. The base engine is a 134 horsepower 1.5L turbo, with two versions of a 2L turbo four, the 189 horsepower Cooper S and the 301 horsepower John Cooper Works, also available. The electric MINI features a 32 kWh battery pack, produces 184 horsepower and under optimal conditions, has a predicted range of up to 250 kilometres.

Moving up from the 1.5L Cooper to the 2L Cooper S costs $8400 on the three-door and $3600 on the five-door. The John Cooper Works high-performance model costs $8000 more than a Cooper S on the three-door and not offered on the five-door. The Cooper five-door is priced $1400 higher than the three-door, with the Cooper S five-door commanding a modest $1000 supplement over is less-doored showroom mate. The MINI Cooper BEV, marketed as the SE, is priced $16,100 more than the base Cooper. Automatic transmission is standard on the convertible, with the price supplement for the open-top variant ranging from $5000 (Cooper S), to $5300 (Cooper) to $7800 (John Cooper Works).

Not rated as too little information is available on the new generation. The previous generation was rated below average. Warranty ends at four years 80,000 km, with no subsequent powertrain warranty.

The electric MINI features a 32 kWh battery pack, produces 181 horsepower and under optimal conditions, has a predicted range of up to 183 kilometres, which will prove inadequate for most users. 

The MINI Cooper BEV, marketed oddly as the SE, is only offered in a single trim level. With L.E.D. headlights, fog lights, heated seats, dual-zone air conditioning, rain-sense wipers and navigation, the SE is nicely equipped. The BEV SE is priced $16,100 higher than a Cooper three-door.  

Below average reliability is predicted. Except for the battery pack, which is covered for eight years/160,000, the warranty on the MINI SE expires at four years/80,000 km. Leasing this car for no longer than the four year warranty is recommended.