2011 MINI Cooper Hatchback Review
Price
from: RM195,888
to: RM239,888
Installment
from: RM1,868/mth
to: RM2,288/mth
2011 MINI Cooper Hatchback at a glance
See beyond the familiar iconic styling, and you will find the 2011 MINI Cooper to be improved over its predecessor in almost all aspects. The immense driving fun and strong performance are matched by impressive running costs.
2011 MINI Cooper Hatchback quick specs
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Class | Small Luxury |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
2011 MINI Cooper Hatchback ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Despite having all new body panels, the current MINI Cooper has retained the iconic styling of its predecessors. And who can blame BMW for carrying on the successful looks which everyone has come to identify with. So, while some faction may lament the lack of styling innovation, we think it is great marketing on BMW's part. The cabin is highly stylish, cute and memorable.
Handling
A car that is as fun to drive as it is cute to look at. The perfectly-weighted, sharp, communicative steering, coupled with taut body control and endless grip, give the 2011 MINI Cooper extremely fine road manners. This is one hot hatch which will bring a smile to your face whenever you encounter winding roads.
Comfort
The ride-and-handling balance is spot on as the slightly firm ride is never harsh or edgy. Refinement is good enough for the 2011 MINI Cooper to be used for long-distance cruising, even if some wind and road noise is noticeable at speed. The driving position is improved, seats are more comfortable, and the footwell is no longer cramped. There is a comprehensive range of steering and seating adjustments, but ergonomics are less ideal, with the climate and audio controls rather difficult to reach and read.
Quality + Reliability
The cabin is stylish and well-built. Having a premium image with a price tag to match, the 2011 MINI Cooper, surprisingly, has some cheap-feeling cabin plastics and switchgear, although for the most parts, the material quality is suitably classy. The MINI brand has always performed well in JD Power customer satisfaction surveys, and the 2011 MINI Cooper can be expected to be reliable.
Performance
The 2011 MINI Cooper's 1.6-litre engine produces 118 bhp at 6000 rpm, and the 2011 MINI Cooper S's turbocharged 1.6-litre engine produces 173 bhp at 5500 rpm. Both engines are smooth in delivery and keen-to-rev. With 118 bhp, the Cooper is merely fast, but the 173 bhp gives the Cooper S a hot-hatch type of performance. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard for either variant.
Roominess
The 2011 MINI Cooper has seats for four, with the front driver and passenger enjoying plenty of head- and leg-room, but the rear two passengers make do with no more than adequate room. Access to the rear is awkward as the door opening is rather narrow. The boot is small compared to other hatchbacks, but at least the rear seats can 50:50 split-fold for more loading space.
Running Costs
The 2011 MINI Cooper and Cooper S have impressive fuel economy, returning 17.2 km/litre and 14.5 km/litre respectively. Servicing costs are not quite as high as for other premium brands, and should be affordable for a MINI owner. MINI models, including the Cooper, hold their values in class-leading fashion, easily bettering other hatchbacks in terms of resale prices.
Value for Money
The Volkswagen Golf GTI, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series Hatchback are all comparable to the 2011 MINI Cooper in terms of pricing. All have their own niche; the MINI Cooper's strengths lie in the style and handling departments. Indeed, the 2011 MINI Cooper is more than just a stylish icon—it brings immense driving fun, strong performance and impressive running costs as well.
Equipment
The standard equipment list is decent with many desirable items in the option list. The 2011 MINI Cooper and Cooper S get as standard automatic air-conditioning, electric windows, electric mirrors, alloy wheels, remote central locking and alarm. Standard safety kit includes six airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) is only standard on the Cooper S.
Environment
The 2011 MINI Cooper and Cooper S emit 139 g/km and 164 g/km respectively. The carbon dioxide emissions and the fuel economy are impressively efficient numbers. BMW has replaced the old, inefficient MINI engines with new, environmentally-aware ones. Now, fun can be had without guilt.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Iconic styling
Performance and handling
Impressive running costs
Some cheap-feeling cabin plastics
Small boot
Poor access to the rear
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