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MINI

MINI Overview

If you’re doing a heist in Western Europe, there’s only one way to go: the Mini.

Another brand acquired by BMW AG in the early 2000s, the Mini was born as a model in the 1960s as Europe and the U.K. looked for design solutions to the fuel shortage. The British Motor Corporation (BMC) first built the two-door car in 1959, fitting it with a transverse engine and front-wheel-drive, and marketing it under the Austin brand as the Austin Seven and the Morris banner as the Mini-Minor. In 1962, the car was renamed Mini, and in 1969 the marquee of the same name was officially born.

Since its 1994 acquisition of the Rover Group, BMW has held the rights to the Mini name, which is why today the older Mark I to Mark VII British-born models and pop-culture icons are now called “Classic Minis.” The modern Mini has been produced by the German maker since 2000.

Special versions of the little car have sprung up over the decades, including the still-produced split-rear-door Countryman, the up-styled Clubman, and the performance-oriented Cooper and Cooper S, the latter of which was designed by friend of original creator Alec Issigonis, John Cooper.

BMW introduced its first Mini and the next-gen product in 2001 and has continued to carry the Mini torch in a way that honours the brand’s legacy. In fact, Mini’s main plant remains in the same location in Oxford, England, as it has for the last 100-plus years. Other ICE Mini products are built at the VDL NedCar plant in the Netherlands centre of Born, in Graz, Austria, at the Magna Steyr plant. The brand’s EVs, meanwhile, are built in China’s eastern Jiangsu province.

The best-selling model globally today is the all-electric Mini Cooper 3-door SE. With 181 horsepower and 180 km of range, the electric SE goes from $45,590 in Canada. It’s a far cry from the SUV silhouette seen on most family vehicles these days, but the compact car still obviously has a place in people's lives and hearts. Mini also currently offers a 4WD Countryman PHEV along with the 3-door, 5-door, Countryman, convertible, and John Cooper Works models.

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Best MINI Cars: Highest-rated cars in Canada on Driving for 2025

  • Price MSRP

    $34,990

     Score

    3.40/5

    Efficiency

    7.6 L/100km

    Power Source

    Gasoline

    OK, all but the Mini faithful might see little difference between the fourth-generation 2025 model and its predecessor but make no mistake, the OG of the Mini brand is all new. The two 3-door hatchback models (Cooper and Cooper S) are part of the most significant transformation for Mini since the British Motor Corporation debuted it back in 1959 — a transformation that parent company (since 1997) BMW says will see “the introduction of a completely new Mini family of vehicles over the course of 2025.”

    Within this new Cooper family, Mini designates the performance levels of its gasoline engines using the letter C for the Mini Cooper, and the letter S for the performance-enhanced Mini Cooper S. (The electric Mini Cooper SE gets its own separate write-up.) BMW says the gas models will appeal “to those people who want to drive a classic Mini 3-door and appreciate the traditional performance and characteristic sound of a combustion engine.” Then there’s the incredibly fun-to-drive John Cooper Works (JCW) model, back for another round of vehicular hooliganism.

    Style-wise, short overhangs and a short hood contrast with the long wheelbase, giving the car typical Mini proportions. At the front, there’s a new octagonal grille. The BMW Group's smallest radar sensor is positioned on the horizontal strut between the air intakes. A total of 12 ultrasonic sensors in the Mini Cooper support the driver assistance systems and increase driving safety.

    Horizontal LED daytime running lights add to the new appearance, further enhanced by three selectable light signatures called Classic, Favoured or JCW for the daytime running lights and redesigned matrix rear lights. All three selectable light signatures begin and end with a specially orchestrated welcome or goodbye animation.

    What competes with the 2025 Mini Cooper?

    Short answer: not much. The problem is how do you define the Mini Cooper’s segment? Quasi-upscale, sorta-performance-oriented subcompact (genuine performance with the JCW)? OK, then, maybe the Golf GTI/Golf R, Acura Integra, Mazda3 GT Turbo or Hyundai Elantra N Line. Truly, though, the Mini Cooper is a bit of a unicorn.

    What powers the 2025 Mini Cooper?

    For North America, both the C and S versions of the 2025 Mini Cooper are powered by turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engines. The C engine generates 161 hp. The S engine puts out a more robust 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is the only transmission available; the six-speed manual is toast. Pity! The Mini Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) 3-Door’s 2.0L TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder produces 228 hp and a very stout 280 lb-ft of torque.

    2025 Mini Cooper Efficiency

    Both the Mini Cooper C and Mini Cooper S are rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at 8.5 L/100 km in the city, 6.0 on the highway, and 7.4 combined, for an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,738. The JCW is somewhat thirstier — 8.8 L/100 km in the city, 6.4 on the highway, and 7.7 combined, for an annual fuel cost of $2,849. All engines require premium fuel.

    2025 Mini Cooper Safety

    The 2025 Mini Cooper has yet to be crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Highway Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The subcompact offers numerous driver assistance systems. Standard is Safe Exit function, which monitors the area around the parked vehicle and warns approaching road users before the door is opened. The function not only delays the unlocking of the doors but also uses light signals outside the vehicle to warn of a possible collision.

    Camera and radar-based assistance functions increase safety by supporting steering and lane keeping as part of the Driving Assistant Plus package. Automatic speed and distance control makes city driving more comfortable.

    Mini Digital Key Plus function turns the smartphone into the car key via the Mini app. The animation of the front and rear lights begins as soon as the driver is less than 10 feet away; the doors are unlocked when the driver is less than five feet away. This can be digitally transferred to different users, including their personal vehicle settings.

    2025 Mini Cooper Reliability

    Consumer Reports expects the 2025 Mini Cooper to have average reliability compared to other new cars. This prediction is based on the brand's history and the previous generation of the Cooper. However, NHTSA in the US shows two recalls, both related to the car’s electronic stability control/brakes. The first, issued in February 2024, notes “a loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control.” The second, issued in September, notes: “A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control.”

    2025 Mini Cooper Interior

    BMW stresses the Mini Cooper’s focus on minimalist design and new materials. The new steering wheel, the typical Mini toggle bar and the two-tone textile dashboard are hallmarks of the redesign. The panoramic glass roof adds to the bright atmosphere. The more important driving functions (parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, experience mode toggle, volume control) are directly accessible via the toggle bar. By moving the gear selector to the toggle bar, the centre console now has space to accommodate the new Wireless Charging Shelf 2.0, where smartphones can be stored and charged wirelessly.

    Technical innovations such as the Mini Operating System 9, the new Mini Experience Modes and a wide range of digital functions create what the brand calls “an immersive user experience.”

    The 240-mm Mini Interaction Unit, with high-resolution OLED display has been moved closer to the driver. Its operating logic is like that of a smartphone and can be operated intuitively by touch. Relevant vehicle-related information, such as speed and fuel consumption, is displayed at the top of the screen. In the main menu, the functions are arranged horizontally as widgets and can be selected by swipe and touch. In the lower area of the OLED display, the menu items Navigation, Media, Telephone and Climate can be selected directly.

    As part of the optional Mini Experience Modes, two projector units beam various illuminated graphics onto the dashboard. The interplay of visual design, ambient lighting and sound design changes the cabin’s appearance and allows personalization.

    Saying "Hey Mini" will activate the Mini Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA) on the OLED display. A 3D visualization then appears in the form of a car avatar or the digital Mini companion "Spike." Interacting with the Mini IPA, the driver can use voice to control a wide range of options such as navigation, telephone, entertainment, and other vehicle functions.

    The JCW model continues its colour scheme of red and black. The JCW sports seats provide firmer support for “dynamic” driving. The seats are upholstered in black synthetic leather with multicoloured knitted fabric at the shoulders and red accent stitching.

    2025 Mini Cooper Dimensions

    The Mini Cooper’s charm is inversely proportional to its tiny dimensions; this hasn’t changed since it made its debut almost 25 years ago. The fourth-generation hatchback has an overall length of 3,876 mm (152.6 in.). Height is 1,432 mm (56.4 in.), width is 1,744 mm (68.7 in.) Front-seat legroom is a generous 1,052 mm (41.4 in.). Rear-seat legroom not so much (922 mm/36.3 in.). The trunk offers 252 litres (8.9 cu. ft.) of cargo volume with the rear seats up; 974 litres/34.4 cu. ft. when the seat backs are folded.

    2025 Mini Cooper 3 Door Canadian Pricing

    The Mini Cooper has a base MSRP of $34,990. The Cooper S has a base MSRP of $39,990. The high-performance John Cooper Works model is a heady $51,990.

    Read More
See the full list
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Cheapest MINI Cars in Canada for 2025

  • Price MSRP

    $34,990

     Score

    3.40/5

    Efficiency

    7.6 L/100km

    Power Source

    Gasoline

    OK, all but the Mini faithful might see little difference between the fourth-generation 2025 model and its predecessor but make no mistake, the OG of the Mini brand is all new. The two 3-door hatchback models (Cooper and Cooper S) are part of the most significant transformation for Mini since the British Motor Corporation debuted it back in 1959 — a transformation that parent company (since 1997) BMW says will see “the introduction of a completely new Mini family of vehicles over the course of 2025.”

    Within this new Cooper family, Mini designates the performance levels of its gasoline engines using the letter C for the Mini Cooper, and the letter S for the performance-enhanced Mini Cooper S. (The electric Mini Cooper SE gets its own separate write-up.) BMW says the gas models will appeal “to those people who want to drive a classic Mini 3-door and appreciate the traditional performance and characteristic sound of a combustion engine.” Then there’s the incredibly fun-to-drive John Cooper Works (JCW) model, back for another round of vehicular hooliganism.

    Style-wise, short overhangs and a short hood contrast with the long wheelbase, giving the car typical Mini proportions. At the front, there’s a new octagonal grille. The BMW Group's smallest radar sensor is positioned on the horizontal strut between the air intakes. A total of 12 ultrasonic sensors in the Mini Cooper support the driver assistance systems and increase driving safety.

    Horizontal LED daytime running lights add to the new appearance, further enhanced by three selectable light signatures called Classic, Favoured or JCW for the daytime running lights and redesigned matrix rear lights. All three selectable light signatures begin and end with a specially orchestrated welcome or goodbye animation.

    What competes with the 2025 Mini Cooper?

    Short answer: not much. The problem is how do you define the Mini Cooper’s segment? Quasi-upscale, sorta-performance-oriented subcompact (genuine performance with the JCW)? OK, then, maybe the Golf GTI/Golf R, Acura Integra, Mazda3 GT Turbo or Hyundai Elantra N Line. Truly, though, the Mini Cooper is a bit of a unicorn.

    What powers the 2025 Mini Cooper?

    For North America, both the C and S versions of the 2025 Mini Cooper are powered by turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engines. The C engine generates 161 hp. The S engine puts out a more robust 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is the only transmission available; the six-speed manual is toast. Pity! The Mini Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) 3-Door’s 2.0L TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder produces 228 hp and a very stout 280 lb-ft of torque.

    2025 Mini Cooper Efficiency

    Both the Mini Cooper C and Mini Cooper S are rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at 8.5 L/100 km in the city, 6.0 on the highway, and 7.4 combined, for an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,738. The JCW is somewhat thirstier — 8.8 L/100 km in the city, 6.4 on the highway, and 7.7 combined, for an annual fuel cost of $2,849. All engines require premium fuel.

    2025 Mini Cooper Safety

    The 2025 Mini Cooper has yet to be crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Highway Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The subcompact offers numerous driver assistance systems. Standard is Safe Exit function, which monitors the area around the parked vehicle and warns approaching road users before the door is opened. The function not only delays the unlocking of the doors but also uses light signals outside the vehicle to warn of a possible collision.

    Camera and radar-based assistance functions increase safety by supporting steering and lane keeping as part of the Driving Assistant Plus package. Automatic speed and distance control makes city driving more comfortable.

    Mini Digital Key Plus function turns the smartphone into the car key via the Mini app. The animation of the front and rear lights begins as soon as the driver is less than 10 feet away; the doors are unlocked when the driver is less than five feet away. This can be digitally transferred to different users, including their personal vehicle settings.

    2025 Mini Cooper Reliability

    Consumer Reports expects the 2025 Mini Cooper to have average reliability compared to other new cars. This prediction is based on the brand's history and the previous generation of the Cooper. However, NHTSA in the US shows two recalls, both related to the car’s electronic stability control/brakes. The first, issued in February 2024, notes “a loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control.” The second, issued in September, notes: “A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control.”

    2025 Mini Cooper Interior

    BMW stresses the Mini Cooper’s focus on minimalist design and new materials. The new steering wheel, the typical Mini toggle bar and the two-tone textile dashboard are hallmarks of the redesign. The panoramic glass roof adds to the bright atmosphere. The more important driving functions (parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, experience mode toggle, volume control) are directly accessible via the toggle bar. By moving the gear selector to the toggle bar, the centre console now has space to accommodate the new Wireless Charging Shelf 2.0, where smartphones can be stored and charged wirelessly.

    Technical innovations such as the Mini Operating System 9, the new Mini Experience Modes and a wide range of digital functions create what the brand calls “an immersive user experience.”

    The 240-mm Mini Interaction Unit, with high-resolution OLED display has been moved closer to the driver. Its operating logic is like that of a smartphone and can be operated intuitively by touch. Relevant vehicle-related information, such as speed and fuel consumption, is displayed at the top of the screen. In the main menu, the functions are arranged horizontally as widgets and can be selected by swipe and touch. In the lower area of the OLED display, the menu items Navigation, Media, Telephone and Climate can be selected directly.

    As part of the optional Mini Experience Modes, two projector units beam various illuminated graphics onto the dashboard. The interplay of visual design, ambient lighting and sound design changes the cabin’s appearance and allows personalization.

    Saying "Hey Mini" will activate the Mini Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA) on the OLED display. A 3D visualization then appears in the form of a car avatar or the digital Mini companion "Spike." Interacting with the Mini IPA, the driver can use voice to control a wide range of options such as navigation, telephone, entertainment, and other vehicle functions.

    The JCW model continues its colour scheme of red and black. The JCW sports seats provide firmer support for “dynamic” driving. The seats are upholstered in black synthetic leather with multicoloured knitted fabric at the shoulders and red accent stitching.

    2025 Mini Cooper Dimensions

    The Mini Cooper’s charm is inversely proportional to its tiny dimensions; this hasn’t changed since it made its debut almost 25 years ago. The fourth-generation hatchback has an overall length of 3,876 mm (152.6 in.). Height is 1,432 mm (56.4 in.), width is 1,744 mm (68.7 in.) Front-seat legroom is a generous 1,052 mm (41.4 in.). Rear-seat legroom not so much (922 mm/36.3 in.). The trunk offers 252 litres (8.9 cu. ft.) of cargo volume with the rear seats up; 974 litres/34.4 cu. ft. when the seat backs are folded.

    2025 Mini Cooper 3 Door Canadian Pricing

    The Mini Cooper has a base MSRP of $34,990. The Cooper S has a base MSRP of $39,990. The high-performance John Cooper Works model is a heady $51,990.

    Read More
  • Price MSRP

    $35,990

     Score

    3.25/5

    Efficiency

    7.5 L/100km

    Power Source

    Gasoline

    Let’s call this the Midi-Mini. Size-wise, the Mini Cooper 5 Door slots in between the Mini Cooper 3 Door hatchback and the Mini Countryman crossover. For 2025, the Cooper gets an overhaul, with this 5 Door model showing a refreshed version of the familiar Mini face sporting the familiar round headlights, now more upright and fully LED. The back gets fresh trapezoidal taillights, and wheel sizes range from 16 to 18-inches. Overall, the look is cleaner and minimalist.

    2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door Competitors

    The new Mini competes with cars such as Volkswagen Golf GTI, Honda Civic Si and the Mazda3 Sport.

    What’s New with the 2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door for 2025?

    While the Mini’s basic architecture carries over into 2025, just about everything else is new.

    2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door Performance

    Other markets get a base 154-hp three-cylinder turbo variant, but at this point North America is only getting the Cooper S model that sports Mini’s familiar 2.0L turbo-four, upgraded from 189 horsepower to 201 horses. Torque is a robust 221 lb-ft. Mini claims the 5 Door will scoot to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, but (gasp!) a manual transmission is no longer on the menu. Only a dual-clutch 7-speed auto. What we can expect is the signature “go-kart” handling that is integral to the Mini experience.

    2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door Efficiency

    8.5 L/100 km city, 6.2 highway, 7.5 combined

    2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door Safety

    Standard Driving Assistant includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, and lane keep assist. Optional are Park Assist Plus and adaptive cruise with stop and go. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives 2023 Mini 3 Door Good ratings in the moderate front overlap, side impact and roof strength tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) gives it four stars out of five.

    2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door Reliability

    While there is no data on this new model, Consumer Reports stated the 2024 Mini Cooper will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction was based on data from 2021, 2022, and 2023 models. The J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study had Mini above the industry average of 186 Problems Per 100 Vehicles (PP100) with a score of 170.

    2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door Interior

    This 4th generation (BMW) Mini gets a fully redesigned interior with a slew of new tech. As with the exterior, the 2025 Mini’s cabin retains traditional design cues, yet is cleaner and simplified. There’s the expected round central screen with a couple of toggle switches below, but gone is the driver’s instrument cluster - like the original 1959 Mini. The central OLED screen dominates the interior, and brags blazingly sharp graphics and an all-new operating system. The shift lever has migrated from the console to the dash. The Mini interior is now completely leather free.

    2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door Dimensions

    With a length of 4,036 mm, a width of 1,744 mm and a height of 1,464 mm, the 5 Door’s dimensions are almost identical to those of the outgoing model. So yes, it’s still Mini, but when compared to the 3 Door, the 5 Door is about 17 cm longer and the wheelbase gets a 7 cm stretch. While the passenger compartment is a bit roomier, cargo space is down marginally from its predecessor. The trunk holds 275 litres, expandable to 925 litres with the 60/40 split rear bench folded.

    2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door Canadian Pricing

    The 2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door comes in only one trim level – the four-cylinder Cooper S with a starting price of $40,990 plus $2245 freight and PDI.

    Read More
See the full list
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Most Efficient MINI Cars in Canada for 2025

  • Price MSRP

    $40,990

     Score

    3.38/5

    Efficiency

    7.3 L/100km

    Power Source

    Gasoline

    Let’s call this the Midi-Mini. Size-wise, the Mini Cooper 5 Door slots in between the Mini Cooper 3 Door hatchback and the Mini Countryman crossover. For 2025, the Cooper gets an overhaul, with this 5 Door model showing a refreshed version of the familiar Mini face sporting the familiar round headlights, now more upright and fully LED. The back gets fresh trapezoidal taillights, and wheel sizes range from 16 to 18-inches. Overall, the look is cleaner and minimalist.

    2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door Competitors

    The new Mini competes with cars such as Volkswagen Golf GTI, Honda Civic Si and the Mazda3 Sport.

    What’s New with the 2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door for 2025?

    While the Mini’s basic architecture carries over into 2025, just about everything else is new.

    2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door Performance

    Other markets get a base 154-hp three-cylinder turbo variant, but at this point North America is only getting the Cooper S model that sports Mini’s familiar 2.0L turbo-four, upgraded from 189 horsepower to 201 horses. Torque is a robust 221 lb-ft. Mini claims the 5 Door will scoot to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, but (gasp!) a manual transmission is no longer on the menu. Only a dual-clutch 7-speed auto. What we can expect is the signature “go-kart” handling that is integral to the Mini experience.

    2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door Efficiency

    8.5 L/100 km city, 6.2 highway, 7.5 combined

    2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door Safety

    Standard Driving Assistant includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, and lane keep assist. Optional are Park Assist Plus and adaptive cruise with stop and go. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives 2023 Mini 3 Door Good ratings in the moderate front overlap, side impact and roof strength tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) gives it four stars out of five.

    2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door Reliability

    While there is no data on this new model, Consumer Reports stated the 2024 Mini Cooper will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction was based on data from 2021, 2022, and 2023 models. The J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study had Mini above the industry average of 186 Problems Per 100 Vehicles (PP100) with a score of 170.

    2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door Interior

    This 4th generation (BMW) Mini gets a fully redesigned interior with a slew of new tech. As with the exterior, the 2025 Mini’s cabin retains traditional design cues, yet is cleaner and simplified. There’s the expected round central screen with a couple of toggle switches below, but gone is the driver’s instrument cluster - like the original 1959 Mini. The central OLED screen dominates the interior, and brags blazingly sharp graphics and an all-new operating system. The shift lever has migrated from the console to the dash. The Mini interior is now completely leather free.

    2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door Dimensions

    With a length of 4,036 mm, a width of 1,744 mm and a height of 1,464 mm, the 5 Door’s dimensions are almost identical to those of the outgoing model. So yes, it’s still Mini, but when compared to the 3 Door, the 5 Door is about 17 cm longer and the wheelbase gets a 7 cm stretch. While the passenger compartment is a bit roomier, cargo space is down marginally from its predecessor. The trunk holds 275 litres, expandable to 925 litres with the 60/40 split rear bench folded.

    2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door Canadian Pricing

    The 2025 Mini Cooper 5 Door comes in only one trim level – the four-cylinder Cooper S with a starting price of $40,990 plus $2245 freight and PDI.

    Read More
See the full list
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