Over the subsequent six months, we’ll be testing the Mini Cooper C to seek out out whether or not the bottom mannequin is, certainly, the variant of selection.
Looking for a new set of wheels? Find it here with CARmag.
Time spent: Considered one of six months
Distance coated: 956 km
Common gasoline consumption: 7.78 L/100 km
We like: Characterful; enjoyable to drive; punchy engine
We don’t like: Dear choices; begin/cease system’s hesitancy to disengage
After we examined the brand new Mini Cooper (in three-door S guise) in April 2025, we famous that, whereas the sportier mannequin impressed, the extra reasonably priced however nonetheless characterful C would possible be our mannequin of selection. So, when the bottom Cooper arrived on our doorstep for a six-month check, we have been curious to seek out out whether or not that is, certainly, the case. Save for the fitment of some selection choices, akin to upgraded (R12 400) LED headlamps and (R16 000) 17-inch alloys, the three-door Cooper you see right here is as primary as Mini’s smallest providing could be. And that’s refreshing.
Associated: All of the CAR Magazine Top 12 Best Used Buys for 2025
The long-term commonplace, Traditional degree of specification (Favoured and John Cooper Works trims, and a collection of gear packages are additionally out there), hasn’t actually left me wanting. That mentioned, juggling armfuls of procuring whereas fishing for the important thing fob to unlock the boot highlighted the dearth of keyless, typically a regular function at this worth level – as an oversight.
Wearing ‘Melting Silver III Metallic’ paintwork, replete with a black distinction roof, the check automotive cuts a good-looking determine. Nevertheless, the spotlight of the bundle is the inside. The cabin is superbly crafted and solidly constructed. The eye to element and use of supplies are spectacular, and the central OLED instrumentation/infotainment show is crisp and seamless to function. In its first month beneath our custodianship, the C’s gem of a 1.5-litre turbo-triple returned a median gasoline consumption of seven.78 L/100 km; simply 1.78 L/100 km greater than Mini’s declare. That is by no fault of its personal, nonetheless…
Associated: 2025 Toyota GR Yaris Pricing Unearthed
Although I’d wish to attribute this determine to metropolis driving, it’s admittedly the results of spirited driving. Whereas I do think about myself a “light-footed” driver, the C is such a pleasure to pilot that the considered thought of throttle inputs is shortly relegated to the again of 1’s thoughts. The Mini needs to maintain shifting and, since its arrival, I’ve obliged. Although I’ve set out a aim to deliver down the gasoline consumption within the subsequent month.
It will not be as highly effective because the S, however the C possesses the identical ‘Go-kart’ driving dynamics. Because of its well-weighted steering setup and wonderful roadholding, it’s impressively agile. The C isn’t particularly fast in a straight line, nonetheless. But, the 110 kW/230 N.m three-cylinder supplies loads of punch on the town and when overtaking on the motorway. Contributing to the latter is its slick 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
At the moment, our solely gripe with the powertrain is its begin/cease system, which is considerably hesitant to disengage upon draw back. Is that this the Cooper to have? One month in, and it definitely appears so. A street journey is already on the playing cards…
Discover the total function within the Could 2025 concern of CAR Journal.
