This is the latest 2021 version of the Mini Cooper S, making its debut almost exactly 20 years after the first BMW-engineered version of the car appeared as a 21st century reinterpretation of the original.
Since then the 'new' BMW Mini has been through plenty of iterations, up to and including EV and PHEV variants and even a crossover. But in this 3-door hot hatch Cooper S derivative it still feels like arguably the purest kind of Mini to us.
The latest Mini Cooper S makes 175bhp and 207lb ft from its generously-sized 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. That lets it hit 0-62mph in 6.8sec and gives it a top speed of 146mph. It'll return 43.5-45.6mpg and has a CO2 output of 140-148g/km.
Those are the headline numbers. But join Autocar's special correspondent James Disdale as he finds out some of the more important things - how does the 2021 Mini Cooper S feel, and how much fun is it to drive?
READ MORE
Mini model line-up gets major update for 2021
Join the debate
Add your comment
I was never a fan of the ridiculous front bumper that BMW bolted onto the S on this shape Mini, but the new refresh has gone even further to ruin its looks as well as the other trim levels.
With a retro-styled car you need to keep it clean and simple - adding Halfords-grade aggressive add-ons just screams out tackiness. Fiat seem to have got it right with the new 500e.