Mini Cooper S

The 2025 Mini Cooper S is expected to offer a refined turbocharged petrol powertrain in India, consistent with global offerings. A key engine option is likely to be the 2.0-litre Four-Cylinder TwinPower Turbo Petrol. This engine is expected to produce around 204 PS of power and 300 Nm of torque. It will be paired with an automatic transmission, likely a 7-speed dual-clutch unit, with power sent to the front wheels.

In real-life driving, the Cooper S is expected to deliver brisk and engaging performance. The turbocharged engine will offer strong acceleration, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in approximately 6.6 seconds. The power delivery will be linear, and the automatic transmission will provide quick and smooth shifts. The focus remains on Mini's characteristic agile and fun-to-drive nature, making it exhilarating in urban environments and capable on highways. Fuel economy will be competitive for a performance-oriented hatchback, typically returning around 14-16 kmpl in mixed driving conditions, depending on driving style.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Mini Cooper S is expected to offer a dynamic ride and handling balance, aiming to perfect Mini's signature "go-kart" feel. It will feature a sophisticated suspension setup designed to provide agile handling and a sporty ride. While Mini's are known for a firmer ride, the new Cooper S is likely to offer a more composed experience for daily driving, balancing sportiness with acceptable comfort.

Handling is expected to be exceptionally agile and engaging. The steering is precise and offers excellent feedback, making it a joy to drive on winding roads and easy to manoeuvre in urban environments. The compact dimensions and direct steering contribute to its nimble character. Panic or emergency braking performance will be strong, with disc brakes on all four wheels providing confident stopping power. High-speed stability will be good, and the car will feel planted on the road. The various driving modes will allow the driver to tailor the vehicle's characteristics to their preference, from a comfortable urban cruiser to a more dynamic performer.

The interior of the 2025 Mini Cooper S undergoes a radical transformation, embracing a minimalist and technologically advanced design. The dashboard is dominated by a large, circular OLED touchscreen display, a signature Mini element, which serves as the central hub for infotainment and many vehicle functions. Physical buttons are largely reduced, with a toggle bar below the screen housing essential controls.

The cabin offers comfortable seating for four occupants, though the rear seats are best suited for children or for short urban trips for adults due to limited legroom. Front seats are supportive, with various upholstery options, including sustainable and recycled materials. Cargo space is compact, with a boot capacity of approximately 210 litres, expandable by folding the rear seats. Fit and finish are expected to be premium, with attention to detail in materials and construction. Features like dual-zone automatic climate control, extensive ambient lighting, and a panoramic glass roof (optional) enhance the cabin experience. The overall ambiance is modern, quirky, and distinctly Mini, blending heritage with futuristic elements.

Infotainment

The 2025 Mini Cooper S features a revolutionary infotainment system centered around a large, circular 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen display. This unique circular screen serves as both the instrument cluster and the primary infotainment interface, running Mini's latest Operating System 9, which is based on Android Open Source Project (AOSP). The system offers crisp graphics, intuitive touch controls, and a responsive user experience.

The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. Integrated navigation is available, and the system supports advanced voice commands, activated by "Hey Mini." Mini's connected services provide access to various online features and over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring the software remains current with the latest features and improvements. The emphasis is on a highly digital, personalised, and engaging user experience, reflecting Mini's playful yet sophisticated character. A head-up display is optional, projecting key information onto the windshield.

The exterior design of the 2025 Mini Cooper S is an evolutionary step, maintaining its iconic proportions while introducing a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic. The front fascia features a redesigned octagonal grille, which is now more prominent and houses the radar sensor for driver-assistance systems. The signature round LED headlights have a fresh, modern interpretation and can be customised with different light signatures. The bonnet is sculpted, and the overall lines are smoother, contributing to improved aerodynamics.

From the side, the new Cooper S retains its compact, sporty silhouette with short overhangs and large wheels, typically 17 or 18 inches, depending on the variant. The wheel arches are subtly flared, and the flush-fitting door handles contribute to a sleek profile. The rear is significantly updated, featuring new triangular LED taillights that can display different light signatures, connected by a black strip. The rear bumper is cleaner, and the central exhaust outlet (or twin outlets, depending on the variant) underscores its performance credentials. Dimensions are expected to be similar to the outgoing model, approximately 3,876 mm in length, 1,744 mm in width, and 1,432 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,526 mm. Colour options will include classic Mini shades along with new, vibrant choices.

Safety in the 2025 Mini Cooper S is comprehensive, integrating a robust passive safety structure with an extensive suite of advanced active safety and driver-assistance systems. While specific crash test ratings for the new generation are pending, previous Mini Cooper models have received high safety ratings from international bodies like Euro NCAP, indicating excellent occupant protection. The new platform and enhanced structural rigidity are expected to further improve safety.

Standard passive safety features will typically include multiple airbags (expected to be 6 or more), ABS with EBD, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and Traction Control. A wide array of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) is expected to be available, with many standard on higher trims. These include Active Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Front Collision Warning with braking function, and a 360-degree camera system with parking assist. The new Cooper S also introduces Level 2 semi-automated driving capabilities, including hands-free driving on suitable roads (market availability TBC). These systems work in concert to provide a high level of safety and driver support across various driving conditions.

The 2025 Mini Cooper S competes in the premium compact hatchback segment in India, facing rivals that often include entry-level luxury sedans due to similar price points. Its key competitors include:

The Audi A3 Limousine (new generation) offers a more conventional luxury sedan experience with a refined interior, comfortable ride, and a strong brand image. It might appeal to buyers who prefer a traditional sedan form factor.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine provides a stylish design, a technologically advanced interior with the MBUX system, and a comfortable ride. It focuses on modern luxury and connectivity.

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé offers a sporty design and engaging driving dynamics, though it is a four-door coupé rather than a traditional hatchback.

The Mini Cooper S differentiates itself with its iconic and quirky styling, its unique "go-kart" driving dynamics, and a highly customisable interior with a distinctive circular OLED display. While rivals might offer more rear-seat space or a more conventional luxury experience, the Cooper S appeals to those who desire a more individualistic and fun-to-drive premium compact car. Its blend of heritage, modern technology, and engaging character makes it a compelling choice for discerning Indian buyers.

The 2025 Mini Cooper S represents a significant evolution for the iconic hatchback, successfully blending its timeless charm with cutting-edge technology and a refreshed interior. Its distinctive design, spirited turbocharged petrol engine, and the promise of Mini's legendary "go-kart" driving dynamics make it a highly appealing proposition. The new interior, dominated by the innovative circular OLED display, offers a fresh and engaging user experience.

For the Indian buyer who seeks a stylish, agile, and fun-to-drive premium compact car that stands out from the crowd and delivers an engaging driving experience, the 2025 Mini Cooper S is an excellent choice. While it operates at a premium price point and has limited rear-seat space, the value it offers in terms of distinctive personality, modern technology, and pure driving pleasure is significant. It is a highly recommended option for those who desire a compact luxury car with a unique character.