2012 Mini Cooper S (R56) Review - is it the best hot hatch?

I get the chance to review a 2012 R56 Mini Cooper S to see whether it’s the best affordable hot hatch on the market. I hope you enjoy the video.

[@supermeccano]

My 2012 S convertible (R57) daily driver is still running great with 230K miles on original clutch and turbo. Keeping up with the maintenance having fun without abusing it.

[@neilbell4052]

Thanks Rich for another great vid. The sports mode like mini on BMW's is fantastic.As for Sports plus wow.

[@84jordie]

Love this model. It's not easy to maintain, but they are undoubtedly awesome to drive. Looks, power, connection of driver to car.

[@paultasker7788]

It feels quick if it is a convertible and you have the roof down. Mine feels fast. 2012. N18 engine. Stock. Traction rather than power limits progress. Not sure i would want more power. Enough torque steer as it is. Strangely i don't get pops from the exhaust in sport mode though.

[@rickybaskerville4489]

R56 is definitely a jack of all trades master of none car. The r53 is a better “drivers car” a lot more engaging

[@shankarbalan3813]

R56 Cooper S….makes 184 bhp. With 192 bhp on overboost. Lovely little cars.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Great cars, but not cheap to maintain! One day BMW will sort out their CCT issues, (although the base engine is actually from a Peugeot 207 GTi) and I've never heard of a stock R56 being 190bhp? (between 175 and 180 depending on who you ask)

[@geri.j.g790]

El d 174 cv es el motor n14, el d 185cv motor n18, y el cooper s kid JCW 192cv y JCW 220cv.

[@MiMicheIIe]

As an owner - Don't get one. It's a lukewarm hatch at best; the engine, IF it even works, is quick-ish at best, definitely not fast. Not great on gas either, HORRIBLE reliability, not powerful, it's kind of a lose-lose situation. You'll spend so much money on maintenance that could've just gone to a much, much better car instead! Save up the extra pennies for something else, it's worth it.

[@jackbrennand2046]

Sorry for the late comment, do you have a link for the exhaust? Thanks

[@FastandFun]

No worries about the late comment buddy. Any time. Unfortunately I can’t help as this was a friends car (who doesn’t own it anymore) so I can’t advise.

[@jackbrennand2046]

@@FastandFun No worries, thanks a lot :)

[@Ande71]

What exhaust system does it have on it?

[@FastandFun]

Unfortunately this wasn’t my car so I can’t remember!

[@joecalver]

Owned a 2007 one with the N14 for a few months before moving on. Really fun car but sooo unreliable. Defo avoid the run flats as the ride is horrible with them and the harsh suspension.

[@michaelgriffith6410]

Hows the mini holding up still running good?

[@FastandFun]

It wasn’t mine, it was a friends - I just borrowed it for a car review 👍🏻

[@antonistheo4988]

Is the 2011 cooper s reliable?

[@FastandFun]

The Owner had reported no major problems with the car during his time of ownership other than the regular servicing and maintenance but as with all old performance cars you must be careful when buying to ensure you buy the best car you can afford 👍🏻

[@michaelgriffith6410]

I think this is a fare and great review!!

[@paultasker7788]

Jcw is the fast one.

[@stephenagnew670]

No it's not the best hot hatch I've had 2 they are fun to drive an go well but really unreliable maintenance expensive timing chains clutch water pumps cooling systems never stops costing you beware beware

[@SrAjnY]

you had it with n18s engine?

[@stephenagnew670]

@@SrAjnY no Michael it's a n14 engine 2011 jcw it's a great fun but I have spent 12500 on maintenance from 90ooo km to 115klm also previous owner had spent a small fortune on the car up to 90000 km from new trust me mate be very bloody careful

[@SrAjnY]

@@stephenagnew670 We bought N18 from 2012 with 115 000km so we will see :D

[@stephenagnew670]

Good luck mate just keep the oil always full they are great fun an find a mini mechanic that knows them

[@paultasker7788]

N14 is known for unreliability. N18 better but still complex. That said things like timing chain tensioner and vanos solenoids are not that pricey if you know a good specialist.

[@Unveildoubts]

181 hp

[@HR-od9fl]

The Peugeot engine isn't brilliant,the supercharged r53 is best 👍