Mini Cooper S 2019 review - A Classic Hot Hatch

The Mini Cooper S is a heritage hot hatch that competes with the Abarth 595 and BMW 125i. There's recently been a new Cooper S released with a 189hp turbo four and interior updates. But is this the right fast hatch to buy, or should you get a JCW? Tom checks out a British Racing Green Mini to find out.
What do you think of the new Mini Cooper? Do you think it beats a Peugeot 208 GTi or the Golf GTI? Let me know all your thoughts in the comments.
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Covers the exterior, interior, boot space, engine and driving of the Mini Cooper S 2019 / 2018 Cooper.
READ our detailed Australian coverage of the 2019 Mini Cooper S here: chasingcars.com.au

[@chasingcars]

Tom geeks out over a green Mini, finding out what's great and what needs work. Don't miss the cheeky short wheelbase oversteer moment at 7:33!

[@honguenloh4612]

Mini Cooper s is a fun car period!!! For those of you who don’t know how to appreciate it, your loss....:)

[@torrhthc4103]

It is not fast enough... bmw should put the b58 engine into it and tune it for max performance. Will nvr happen as it is supposed to be second tier to bmw m division

[@levonarabian]

I really love the heavy steering. It’s not a luxury floater. It’s a sporty little car. That’s why it has heavy steering. It’s also hard because it handles so good. Soft body roll suspension is not what you want if you’re trying to feel planted to the ground.

[@chasingcars]

Well, that’s a preference and I respect it. For me, light and darty steering is more reminiscent of a hot hatch than treacly and heavy.

[@levonarabian]

Chasing Cars Ok yeah. Other hot hatches are pretty darty and I get that type of feeling. Lots of people like that too. For me, I love the heaviness and thickness of the Mini’s.

[@TailoringTalk]

Just ordered a Mini Cooper S 5-door exclusive trim and can’t wait! Added the adaptive suspension and went for the non-run flat option so hopefully will give more comfort on the road :)

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

I just bought an R56 Cooper S as a cheap runabout. Didn't realize how awesome it was going to be. Puts a huge grin on my face, now the Porsche sits idle watching the Mini leave everyday..

[@chasingcars]

They are a very cheerful car!

[@amallica]

I have to pause the video to tell you how enjoyable the camera views are. Single shot, moving camera is fantastic. Give your camera guy/gal a pay raise! :-)

[@doonthepan1290]

it is what it is. drive to enjoy driving. Buy it ,use it ,drive it ,enjoy it , forget the gadgets, buttons, and toys, just drive like you stole it and then you will discover a mini. it does all and everything it is meant to do. AND IT MAKES YOU SMILE. .

[@mikedignum1868]

I have just bought the 1.5 Cooper Classic (manual) and i think its the best version. I have to agree that the steering is heavy, but just the same feel as the Volvo V40 i owned a few years back. All in all i like it.

[@michaelflaherty1358]

We've just got a 2020 not so "mini" countryman cooper S in British racing green with a black roof. Same 2.0 turbo BMW engine and gearbox as this one. Love it, it's bloody great.

[@chasingcars]

Green is the perfect colour. What interior did you get?

[@ukasz1002]

I hope they won’t change the heavy steering. I hate all those light and numb ones.

[@chasingcars]

The problem is that it isn’t direct. So you feel like you’re doing this work to turn the wheel but you aren’t rewarded with sporty-feeling steering - at least not around town.

[@ukasz1002]

Chasing Cars I must admit that I don’t like to feeling in modern BMWs at least not in comfort mode. They tend to be in my liking in sport and sport+. M cars are heavier to steer and they’re perfect to me as they are. So it must be my preference for heavier steering. That’s precisely why I’ve chosen mini as my company car. PS: and most importantly thanks for the review!

[@enochnkosi2745]

The best channel keep it up 👍

[@malcolmscott4150]

I’ve owned 2 BMW Mini Cabrio S models - 2005 and 2011 - I’d go again for a hardtop 3 door Cooper S with limited options as price with adaptive dampers and other options can lead to a 50k hatch - only if still resided in a busy city - car just too unsettled on Australian country roads - much like the original ‘78 Mini Clubman S that I drove regularly as first car - great fun on right road but trying on rough urban roads including savage speed humps designed for Range Rovers

[@sydjaguar]

Love Minis. They absolutely fly thru corners!

[@chasingcars]

Sure do!

[@MrZekToR]

Mmm. They did. They're a little bit fat now. Suzuki Swift Sport is much better in the corners.

[@fihoang9745]

​@@MrZekToR😅

[@shinichisan6789]

Actually is a great car for me a guy who goes to university is perfect for me

[@GregTyson]

Always good reviews - thanks Tom

[@chasingcars]

No problem, Greg, thanks for watching!

[@fredperry9235]

Good review

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Fred!

[@womz8203]

Last time I checked the spec sheets, the Cooper S came with a 7 speed dual clutch (same as in the BMW X2) and the JCW came with an 8 speed. Not sure why BMW went with this config though. Nice video as always!

[@chasingcars]

Ah, right you are - it's seven speeds in the dual-clutch. So many speeds, these days. All the speeds!

[@evallevalle]

Love my mini s 4 dooor .

[@meownmazda1]

Tommy can you review the Kia Cerato GT pretty please XO

[@loveitorscrapit6673]

It's got the look. Thumbs up.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, I love the look as well.

[@loveitorscrapit6673]

I learnt to drive in a mini 25. In the snow. A great experience.

[@michaelh4484]

When i was shopping last year, i was shopping around for a little cabrio. It was a toss up between the Mini Cooper S (i even drove the JCW hatch too) and the BMW 2 series. As i spend more time in the inside of the vehicle, the inside is the most important for me. I just found the interior too fiddly compared to the BMW. Although i loved both cars and the mini is spectacular on the outside, the interior for me (personally) is a mess. So i went with the BMW. One consideration with your reviews and maybe as a point of difference, can you also focus on how practical the car is to live with. I get the ubiquitous suitcase test and sitting in the back, but can you do things like people normally do when they approach their car: where do you put your work/gym bag, where do you put your wallet, phone and drink bottle as soon as you get in the car. What’s it like driving when you have those things in the storage areas, are they in the way, etc . Great video, love your style Tom.

[@davidperry3531]

Good review but I am wondering how it compares to the Clubman, particularly in the ride department?

[@chasingcars]

Rides much firmer than a Clubman - though the only Clubman I've driven lately is the Pure on 18s with adaptive dampers - which rides pretty well!

[@delboy2596]

The run flat tyres kill the ride in a Mini. Non run flats and adaptive dampers sorts the ride out.

[@chasingcars]

Good to know. Never driven one without the run-flats, but with them, even the standard 'soft' Cooper is pretty darn firm.

[@spookybuz7803]

I've got to call BS. My Cooper S has 18" wheels with Pirelli P-Zero run flat tyres and I've never had a more accurate response other than from my Lotus Elise years ago.

[@peterbustin2683]

Nice review. Prefer my manual gearbox, though !

[@chasingcars]

The manual is the way to go!

[@yadsingh58]

tom baker ur the best ozzy moto reviewer

[@chasingcars]

Thanks man!

[@mrv6159]

Nitpicking; it’s only got the JCW steering wheel, it’s a stand-alone option. It doesn’t have the JCW body kit (signature chin) , rims or black headliner.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Mr V. It's getting harder to tell outside with the restyled front apron on the S.

Mini!

[@kennedy4035]

Have looked at upgrading to a newer model (F56 & F56LCI) quite a few times but they seem less and less fun/intuitive which to me was the appeal of a MINI 🤷‍♂️ sticking with my 2011 Cooper S.

[@ChrisplayThrough64]

Pish mate You just can’t afford it. Don’t lie to yourself and others.

[@kennedy4035]

@@ChrisplayThrough64 Charming but sadly, inaccurate, Crystal.

[@trevorhsu6357]

My favorite color too :) I'd probably get it in exactly the same spec. Base Cooper s 2 door coupe manual in brg. No options needed. I tend to like very heavy steering more than other people. Is it heavier and slower than say an NC Miata? I still think I would get a GTI or an i30N (if I lived outside of the US) over the mini. They're more practical, more comfortable, and have better warranties, an important factor for the German hatches. Plus, you now get the performance pack equipment standard on the 2019 gti in the us and can get dark green as a color choice, which you can for the mini in the US anymore (poor choice on BMW/mini's part)

[@chasingcars]

Definitely slower steering than an NC, which is the car I partially learned to drive on, actually. And yeah, I don't think a Mini is really an intellectual purchase. I also think I'd probably still go a GTI, but at the right price, a Cooper S manual would be a really nice car to enjoy for a couple of years.

[@colinpartridge3414]

Dude, the camera work is not great. Did not even get a boot close up when you were explaining it

[@chasingcars]

A little rough on the whole piece over one element, Colin. We’ll include it in future, but like I said in this video - it’s a small space with few special features. The literage is 211L.

[@michaelpegasiou4531]

The manual is way better, I test drove both and it makes a huge difference it’s a hot hatch not a Mercedes wagon.Its a really sweet gear change,short shifts and a light clutch.

[@adastra6684]

Not a good idea to shoot the opening sequence in mottled shade as we can’t really see the car. Like your commentary though.

[@omegasoup2765]

Almost got a cooper s. But that fell threw. Now im looking a Volkswagen jetta.

[@chasingcars]

That is a major change!

[@MLife1972]

Great review again. With the Golf GTI now exceeding 50K driveaway, the Mini Cooper S makes a lot more sense but I also found the hard suspension and heavy steering made this an unpleasant drive for me. Also the ergonomics are dreadful. Reaching the iDrive control meant contorting my hand into a claw as it's under the lip of the centre-console lid...and the combination of switches, buttons, levers and screens were overwhelming for me. It's well overdue for a new model in my opinion.

[@chasingcars]

All very accurate Mark… the iDrive is really too deep between the seats.

[@jonathanziegler8126]

Hey, the stearing wheel is on the wrong side! ;)

[@ShepProudfoot]

He reminds me of shmee😁

[@chasingcars]

Oh god.

[@alexger85]

The problem I see is that the Cooper S (and JCW) is positioned in a difficult place in the market: It's not practical and comfortable enough to be a daily driver like a Golf GTI and it isn't hardcore enough as a fun second car like an Abarth either. So It's the worst of both worlds and nobody would buy one if it didn't look this great.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah. My partner's parents own an Abarth 595 and that thing is pretty hardcore but very fun. I do see the Cooper S as sitting in a bit of an in-between zone, but for some people, that may actually be the blend they want. I do think you could learn to live with the suspension but for me (as an old man in a 24-year-old's body) I want a little comfort here and there.

[@alexger85]

Chasing Cars Tell me about it! I’ve always been an old man deep down with a penchant for comfort. (I can tell you, that won’t change, you won’t some day be young inside - so don’t buy the Mini ;) ) When I was your age (sit down young lad, Grandpa tells story’s about the war) my boyfriend and me used to drive around in Camry, a Jetta (don’t ask, it was horrible) and a 5 series. So the commercials lie, young men don’t always want 300 horsepower and a hard suspension but for their backs not to hurt when they arrive in Spain after 1300 km. Keep up the good work :)

[@ashneel]

JCW lad

[@droolingi605]

You will get to know your mechanic really well, to an extend that you will be invited to their family weddings.

[@itsallrobbish]

B B they’re pretty reliable

[@COCOCOBIANXX]

I've had mine for 4 and a half years and everything is great so far

[@richardmcfadden2604]

It’s a 7 speed gearbox🙄

[@sgnorris]

You made me smile. Who cares about practicality? Need more space for your luggage fold the rear seats down. Only a moron will try to fit a grown man in the backseat. Just not happening unless he is a double amputee. I have owned my British racing green mini Cooper for four days now. I will drove through Houston Texas traffic weaving and bobbing then hit the open highway and just flew along. Following my friend driving 90 miles an hour without any problem at all and still having plenty of power left available. I absolutely disagree with you about the steering. I don’t want to have to turn the steering wheel 20 times a launcher then take a right turn. When we will move of the mini steering wheel and I’m done. I’m good with that! I’m more than good with that. What you did not mention that drives me insane is the infotainment center is run by a dial located on the floor between the seats. Who’s dumb idea was that? To change the channel or change the mode I have to reach down between the seats and turn the dial. And where do I turn the dial? from one menu to another sub menu to another sub menu. it’s nuts! But once I get my channel set… Which I now do before I drive off… I can also listen to a book on my iPad. This car is just a blast to drive! And we here in the states do something called “parallel parking” where you see a parking space, pull up, back in, turn the wheels, pull forward. With a MINI You can eliminate the phrase “parallel parking“ from your vocabulary! you just pull in because the car is so nice and small and tight. I bought this car sight unseen, never even sat in a MINI before, while I was in the hospital. The dealership delivered the car to me and I drove off with a big smile on my face leaving my Chrysler Crossfire behind. Your videos matter! I watched KZbin videos from my hospital bed and bought that car. Your videos are precise and to the point. You give me just enough to make a decision not enough to overwhelm me like some reviewer‘s did. I only wish I was in Australia! had that on my bucket list and I’m down to the bottom of the bucket and Australia is closed. I was so looking forward to diving on the great barrier reef and meeting Aussies. Maybe in my next life. thank you again for your great review PS another reason I bought this car is it came recommended from my boss’s boss’s boss’s boss who’s been driving MINIs for years and just bought a new one. She was the head of the California government agency that I worked for, she is one smart cookie, so her opinion really mattered.

[@rogermartinez78]

How many of you who have hot hatches allow people to sit behind them when they drive, the answer is zero so don't waste your time jumping in the back seat behind the driver!

[@CapitalMsmallc]

I purchased a MY19 Golf GTI last month. Didn't even come close to test driving the Cooper S as it is too expensive for what you get.

[@COCOCOBIANXX]

Your mistake dude, I've owned both a GTI and a Cooper S, and as much as I loved the GTI, the Cooper S is more fun.

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

Mini is GLORIFIES LONDON CAB

[@chasingcars]

Hmm…

[@metalaras999]

most overexpensive bullcrap ever existed